Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Simpleness and Duty - The world of the artisans and the significance of the play within the play

Dossier / Travail , 2009 , 14 Pages , Note: 2,0

Philologie Anglaise - Littérature

This term paper treats the simplicity of the workmen in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the significance of the embedded play-within-a-play. The first part discusses the simplicity of the workmen and their characteristics that make them who they are. First, an analysis of the main artisan figure, Nick Bottom, will be given. This analysis is classified in his characteristic traits, formed by his behavior and his being, and his language. Those two categories will show the simplicity of his figure and his role in the play. His companions, the other workmen, are then grouped and treated in general before detailed characteristics about each individual artisan are itemized. The second part of this term paper handles the importance of the play-within-a-play. A general overview and definition about this literary device will be given in order to discuss the importance of the specific story in the play. The reference of the Pyramus and Thisbe story as the play-within-a-play in A Midsummer Night’s Dream will complete this term paper on its topic.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The workmen
  • Bottom
    • Bottom's character
    • Bottom's language
  • The other workmen
    • The other workmen in general
    • The other workmen in detail
• The play-within-a-play
  • The inner story
  • The Pyramus and Thisbe story
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This term paper examines the simplicity of the workmen in Shakespeare's *A Midsummer Night's Dream* and the significance of the embedded play-within-a-play. The paper aims to provide a detailed analysis of the characters of the workmen, focusing on their language and behavior, as well as the importance of the play-within-a-play in the larger narrative of the work.

• The simplicity and characteristics of the workmen
• The role of Nick Bottom as the central figure among the workmen
• The significance of the play-within-a-play as a literary device
• The relationship between the world of the artisans and the world of the court and fairies
• The function of the workmen in the play's overall themes

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

This section focuses on the main themes, arguments, or narrative elements of each chapter. This excludes summaries of the conclusion, final chapter, or any sections containing major revelations or spoilers. The level of detail is consistent across each chapter.

Introduction

This chapter introduces the focus of the term paper, exploring the simplicity of the workmen in *A Midsummer Night's Dream* and the importance of the play-within-a-play. It outlines the structure of the paper, with the first part focusing on the characters of the workmen and the second part on the play-within-a-play.

The workmen

This chapter delves into the world of the workmen, focusing on their simplicity and characteristics. The central figure, Nick Bottom, is analyzed in depth, examining his language and behavior, highlighting his role as the central figure among the artisans. The chapter concludes by discussing the other workmen, exploring their roles in the play and their relationships to Bottom.

The play-within-a-play

This chapter explores the importance of the play-within-a-play, providing a general definition and overview of the device. It examines the specific play within *A Midsummer Night's Dream*, the Pyramus and Thisbe story, and its significance to the play as a whole.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this paper include *A Midsummer Night's Dream*, simplicity, workmen, artisans, Nick Bottom, play-within-a-play, Pyramus and Thisbe, literary device, language, behavior, character analysis, themes. The paper explores the interplay between the world of the artisans and the world of the court and fairies, as well as the function of the workmen in the play's overall themes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Nick Bottom is the central figure among the workmen (artisans). He is known for his overconfidence, unique language, and for being transformed into an ass by Puck.

What is the significance of the play-within-a-play?

The play-within-a-play, "Pyramus and Thisbe," serves as a parody of tragic love and reflects the themes of the main play, such as the confusion of reality and illusion.

How is the language of the workmen characterized?

Their language is simple and often filled with malapropisms, highlighting their lower social status and providing comic relief in the courtly setting.

What is the "simplicity" of the workmen?

It refers to their straightforward, unrefined nature and their literal understanding of theater, which contrasts with the sophisticated world of the fairies and nobles.

Why did Shakespeare include the artisan characters?

The artisans ground the play in reality, provide humor, and offer a different perspective on the theme of love and imagination.

• Université: University of Heidelberg (Anglistisches Seminar)
• Cours: Literature and Film: Shakespeare
• Note: 2,0
• Auteur: Judith Nagel (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2009
• Pages: 14
• N° de catalogue: V125827
• ISBN (ebook): 9783640313525
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Simpleness, Duty, A play within a play, Workmen, Bottom, Pyramus and Thisbe, Artisans, Midsummer, Dream, simple