At first glance, the “rude mechanicals” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream seem little more than comic relief; simplistic characters who remain ignorant of the events unfolding around them. However, through greater examination, it becomes clear that there is greater insight to be attained – they are crafted, additionally, as satirical figures. In their introductory scene, as they assign parts of their performance of Pyramus and Thisbe, the actors go back and forth on matters relating to the play’s infrastructure. After all, as mere members of the working class, if their performance terrifies, upsets, or offends in any way, then they could potentially be put to death by those in power – those who, incidentally, are also their audience. This seems
