Act I, Scene 2 Summary
Act 1, scene 2, opens with six craftsmen assembled at the home of Peter Quince, a carpenter. They meet to discuss plans for putting on a play at the upcoming wedding of the duke and duchess. Although Quince is ostensibly in charge, Nick Bottom, a weaver, keeps butting in to give Peter directions and to comment on the play and characters. Bottom tells Quince to explain the subject of the play and then tell each man what role he will play. Quince follows Bottom's instructions.
The play will be an enactment of "the most lamentable comedy and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisbe." This is humorous, since "lamentable comedy" is an oxymoron: a tragic outcome shouldn't be considered a comedy at all. But Bottom approves of the play, affirming that it will be "merry" indeed.
Quince assigns Bottom the part of Pyramus. Bottom hopes that the character is a villain, but he learns he is a lover who kills himself for love. Bottom avows that he can stir the emotions of an audience but that he would be even better cast as a tyrant.
Quince then assigns Flute, the bellows mender, to play the role of Thisbe. Flute is dismayed to learn that he will play a woman—after all, he's just starting to grow a beard. Quince assures him that no one will see his face, since he'll be wearing a mask. At that, Bottom volunteers to play Thisbe as well, since he can "speak in a monstrous little voice." Quince quickly quashes that idea.
Robin Starveling, the tailor, will play Thisbe's mother; Quince will play Thisbe's father; and Snout, the tinker, will play Pyramus's father. That leaves the role of the lion to Snug, the joiner.
Snug is worried about getting a head start on memorizing his lines because he is a slow study, but Quince assures him that he won't even have to practice because he can "do it extempore." He only needs to roar.
Hearing this excites Bottom. He declares that he can roar magnificently. But Quince points out the danger in such a performance. Scaring the duchess and other women in attendance could get the whole company hanged, Quince says (possibly just to dissuade Bottom from attempting to take over the lion's part as well). Bottom quickly changes his tune and insists that he "will roar you as gently as any sucking dove; I will roar you an 'twere any nightingale."
Quince tries to redirect Bottom by pointing out what a great role Pyramus is. Bottom then begins musing about what type of beard he should wear. Quince instructs the actors to meet the following night in the woods for their rehearsal. This scene ends with a planned meeting in the woods, just as scene 1 did, suggesting that the meeting between the craftsmen and the meeting between the young lovers could possibly overlap.
Expert Q&A
Why does Bottom want to play Flute’s and Snug's roles in Act 1, Scene 2?
Bottom wants to play Flute's and Snug's roles because he is confident in his acting abilities and sees this as a chance to showcase his versatility. He believes he can perform any role to perfection, whether it's a tragic hero, a sorrowful maiden, or a ferocious lion. His eagerness to take on multiple roles reflects his ambition to demonstrate his talent and potentially change his social standing through his performance.
Why do the craftsmen meet in Act 1, Scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream?
The craftsmen meet in Act 1, Scene 2 to prepare a play for Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding, guided by Peter Quince. They plan to perform "Pyramus and Thisbe," a tragic love story. Despite their lack of acting skills, they are enthusiastic and eager to entertain. Their efforts provide comic relief throughout the play, culminating in an amusing performance that concludes the play on a high note.
Why does Quince assign the roles in act 1, scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Quince assigns the roles in Act 1, Scene 2 because he is the playwright and director of the play "The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisbe." As a carpenter, he holds a slightly elevated social status among the tradesmen, allowing him to direct. He considers each actor's strengths, such as assigning Snug the lion role due to his difficulty with memorization, and plans rehearsals and props for the performance.
Quince's behavior, movements, and speech in Act 1, Scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream
In Act 1, Scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Quince acts as the leader of the group of tradesmen preparing a play. His movements are authoritative yet patient as he assigns roles. His speech is clear and directive, often interrupted by Bottom's enthusiasm, but he maintains control, showing his organizational skills and leadership.
Where in Act 1, Scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream does Bottom misuse words and show authority, and Snug suitably portrays the lion?
In Act 1, Scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Bottom demonstrates his desire for authority by insisting on playing all the roles and threatening to leave if he doesn't get his way. He misuses words humorously, saying phrases like "monstrous little voice" and "aggravate his voice." Snug, on the other hand, appropriately portrays the lion, acknowledging his slow study and gentle nature, which contrasts with the fierce role he is to play.
What is the significance of the word "tempest" in Hermia's line from Act 1, Scene 2?
The word "tempest" in Hermia's line signifies her intense emotional turmoil and inner conflict over being forced to marry Demetrius instead of Lysander. Although she appears dry-eyed, the term "tempest" reveals her desire to cry violently, reflecting a powerful emotional storm within her. This choice of word hints at her strong, passionate personality and foreshadows her determination to follow her heart despite societal expectations.
Producing Act 1, Scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream with unlimited resources
Producing Act 1, Scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream with unlimited resources would involve elaborate set designs to recreate the Athenian craftsmen's environment, advanced lighting to enhance the whimsical atmosphere, and high-quality costumes reflective of each character's trade and personality. Additionally, employing skilled actors and incorporating special effects could elevate the scene's comedic and fantastical elements.
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