Jul 26, 2008

A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Act III Commentary

Scene i: Just when things seem to be at their most serious, the comedy returns. Close to Titania's sleeping place, the mechanicals assemble to rehearse their play. They are still concerned about the lion, and Bottom brings up an additional worry that the ladies will not be able to cope with the fact that Pyramus kills himself with his own sword. The solution, given by Bottom, is to write prologues explaining the situation. This theatrical convention, which Shakespeare himself utilizes upon occasion (including the epilogue at the end of this play), is made fun of through the...