Importance Of Words In A Midsummer Night's Dream By William Shakespeare

When I first entered the class, I had a somewhat preconceived notion of what Shakespeare was all about (having previously studied Romeo and Juliette to no great avail). The second time around, though, I truly gleaned an understanding of his genius. The way he wove extremely descriptive words into such a flowing and seamless story is quite impressive, not at all hampered by the fact that old English had fuller and more meaningful words than today 's. In fact, as far as playwrights go, Shakespeare was nothing short of revolutionary. All this is very well-portrayed in how he interconnected the three sort of "domains" in the play "A Midsummer Night 's Dream". He was able to do so in a few ways; the first being that he was such a masterful storyteller …show more content…
These occur when the cast say something clearly referring to another part of the play, but stay in character as though they are not aware of it. These are often humorous, to make the audience feel as though they are "in" on something. An ideal example of this (in a few ways) happens during the interlude scene. Theseus wonders aloud whether the lion in the play "Pyramus and Thisbe" speaks; to which Demetrius replies: "No wonder, my lord: for many lions may, while many asses do." The literal meaning which this statement holds is simply that if a bunch of asses can talk, why shouldn 't a lion; but when one reads between the lines it becomes clear that this is a reference to Bottom 's and Titania 's affair. Demetrius is not aware of the reference he has made. This serves simultaneous purposes: it makes the audience feel more a part of the play, because they are seeing and understanding events of which even the actors are not aware; and at the same time it relates the Athenian Worker domain to the Fairy world. By extent, it also brings in the the Four Lovers because it is Demetrius who makes the reference, so this is sort of the ultimate form of inter-worldly contact. It serves, in fact, even more purpose in the sense that it brings about the element of comedy, and puts the audience even more at ease. This type of interconnection is not imperative to the success of Shakespeare 's work as are the two previously mentioned types. It must be thought of, rather, as literary icing on the cake. It makes of the play not just a good, eloquently set up play; but a great work of wit and imagination. A veritable masterpiece among its peers. Behold the power of witty