Uniting social classes can be a difficult task; however, the use of comedy in a play can ease the tension, and the divide between the two groups. In William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Rude Mechanicals’ production of Pyramus and Thisbe proves to be an effective way to unite two social classes in Act 5, Scene 1 and further the comedy within the play. Although Hippolyta is quite unwilling to watch their play at first, Theseus begs that she gives the Mechanicals an opportunity to show their talent so that they can support them. From the start, Pyramus and Thisbe has a “unique feel” after hearing Peter Quince state that they are performing “the most lamentable comedy”. Shakespeare’s use of this oxymoron adds an element of complexity
…show more content…
Throughout their play, Bottom’s evident egotism is used to further develop his character in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When Bottom steps on stage to deliver his lines, he possesses a substantial combination of confidence and playfulness. It is evident that he understands how large his role is, and evokes a sense of complacency towards his acting. His attempts to deliver his lines with expression along with his repeated jester to put his pinky at his mouth, adds to his proud boastfulness. While the Mechanicals perform, the Duke and the lovers freely commentate on the acting within the show. After Snout introduces himself as Wall, Theseus jokes about the wall’s ability to speak, while Demetrius states that that is the wittiest wall he has ever heard. In addition to the performance eliciting comedy, the comments of their audience further intensify the humor and, consequently, bridge the gap between their classes. Duke Theseus, Hippolyta, and the lovers engagement with the actors during Pyramus and Thisbe is an effective strategy to appreciate the flaws of the Mechanicals despite how they are perceived in
Throughout their play, Bottom’s evident egotism is used to further develop his character in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When Bottom steps on stage to deliver his lines, he possesses a substantial combination of confidence and playfulness. It is evident that he understands how large his role is, and evokes a sense of complacency towards his acting. His attempts to deliver his lines with expression along with his repeated jester to put his pinky at his mouth, adds to his proud boastfulness. While the Mechanicals perform, the Duke and the lovers freely commentate on the acting within the show. After Snout introduces himself as Wall, Theseus jokes about the wall’s ability to speak, while Demetrius states that that is the wittiest wall he has ever heard. In addition to the performance eliciting comedy, the comments of their audience further intensify the humor and, consequently, bridge the gap between their classes. Duke Theseus, Hippolyta, and the lovers engagement with the actors during Pyramus and Thisbe is an effective strategy to appreciate the flaws of the Mechanicals despite how they are perceived in