Student Question
Why is it ironic that "Pyramus and Thisbe" is considered a lamentable comedy?
Quick answer:
It is ironic that "Pyramus and Thisbe" is considered a lamentable comedy because the story itself is a tragedy about star-crossed lovers who die, making it mournful. However, the poor performance by Bottom and the other actors turns it into a comedy, creating a contradiction. This irony is highlighted by the term "tragical mirth," which combines opposing ideas, much like "lamentable comedy."
The story of Pyramus and Thisbe is a tragedy; it's about the star-crossed young lovers who kill themselves needlessly. That makes it lamentable, or sad. The "comedy" is that Bottom and the other players are very bad actors and they have put together a very bad version of the play. Their presentation is so bad that it is funny and therefore, a comedy. When Theseus reads the description of the play, in Act 5, sc. 1, the play is referred to as being "tragical mirth", which are opposing terms just like "lamentable comedy". The irony is in these opposing terms.
Why is "Pyramus and Thisbe" called a lamentable comedy in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
"Irony" is a literary technique that uses one word or phrase to indicate a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning of the word. Something that is "lamentable" causes grief or is mournful.
So, the title of the play could be reworded to literally be...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
"The Mournful Comedy...", which is a contradiction in terms since very few comedies cause grief and mourning. This is irony in the use of terms for the title of the play. This irony is discussed prior to the presentation of the play, as Thesus, Hippolyta, and their guests wait for the performers to be summoned.
‘A tedious brief scene of young Pyramus(60)
And his love Thisbe; very tragical mirth.’
Merry and tragical! tedious and brief!
That is hot ice and wondrous strange snow.
How shall we find the concord of this discord?
On another level, irony is present because the presentation of the play, while well-intentioned and done with a sincere wish to entertain and please the guests at the wedding celebration, becomes an almost deplorable (another synonym for "lamentable") and certainly laughable affair as the craftsmen attempting to be actors mix up lines and words and actions. Parts of the play that are meant to be tragic, such as the separation of the two lovers, become comic in actual performance, which is lamentable - too bad and a cause for grief by those who wanted to see a better quality of entertainment.
References