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.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 The workmen
2.1 Bottom
2.1.1 Bottom’s character
2.1.2 Bottom’s language
2.2 The other workmen
2.2.1 The other workmen in general
2.2.2 The other workmen in detail
3 The play-within-a-play
3.1 The inner story
3.2 The Pyramus and Thisbe story
4 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the portrayal of the artisan class in William Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," focusing specifically on their simplicity and the structural function of the play-within-a-play. It aims to analyze how these characters contrast with the nobility and how the embedded performance mirrors the primary plot.
- Analysis of Nick Bottom’s personality, language, and behavior.
- Evaluation of the collective characteristics of the Athenian craftsmen.
- Examination of the "play-within-a-play" as a literary device.
- Comparison between the Pyramus and Thisbe myth and the main plot of the comedy.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.1 Bottom’s character
As all the workmen, Nick Bottom, the weaver, is very simple. His profession is named in 1.2.16, but will never play a role. Bottom’s profession in the play is to be an actor for the play in the play that the workmen are rehearsing. Mentioning his profession is a proof of his simplicity and his rank in society in relationship to the Duke and the Queen of Athens that were introduced in 1.1. His importance as an actor is already shown at the beginning of 1.2. when he announces that “his chief humor is for a tyrant” (1.2.24). This proves that Bottom has acted before and has knowledge about the art of acting. Bottom is very enthusiastic about the play so that he tries unsuccessfully to take all the roles that Peter Quince, the director of the play, distributes. “[L]et me play Thisbe too” (1.2.45). He shows intense desire with the lion’s part “Let me play the lion too” (1.2.63). Bottom’s eagerness on this part is further expressed by his imagination of how he would play the lion’s part: “I will roar that I will do / any man’s heart good to hear me. I will roar that I will / make the Duke say ‘Let him roar again; let him roar / again’ ” (1.2.64-66). Bottom is convinced of his ability as an actor as he claims that he can roar not only in the way to scare the women in the audience, but also “as gently as any sucking dove” (1.2.74). The next fact that underlines Bottom’s skills about acting is his knowledge “about the technical details of costume: ‘I will discharge it in either your straw-colour / beard, your orange- tawny beard, you purple-in-grain / beard, or your French-crown-colour beard, your perfect / yellow’ ” (Charney 38; 1.2.83-86).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the paper, focusing on the characterization of the workmen and the thematic importance of the embedded theatrical performance.
2 The workmen: This chapter analyzes Nick Bottom and the other artisans, highlighting their simple nature, their language, and their social standing compared to the nobility.
3 The play-within-a-play: This section explores the literary device of the "mise en abyme," discussing how the Pyramus and Thisbe performance links to the broader narrative.
4 Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes how Shakespeare utilizes these elements to weave simplicity and profundity within his play.
Keywords
William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nick Bottom, Workmen, Artisans, Play-within-a-play, Pyramus and Thisbe, Simplicity, Literary device, Character analysis, Elizabethan theatre, Ovid, Metamorphoses, Theatrical performance, Social rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper primarily explores the role of the workmen in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," focusing on how their perceived simplicity and their rehearsal process serve the play's themes.
Which specific character is analyzed in detail?
Nick Bottom the weaver is the main artisan figure analyzed regarding his character traits, his dramatic ambitions, and his linguistic errors.
What is the function of the "play-within-a-play" in this context?
It acts as a narrative frame that links the world of the artisans to the world of the nobility, while providing comic contrast and thematic parallels to the main plot.
What methodological approach is taken?
The author uses textual analysis, citing primary excerpts from the play and secondary literary criticism to support arguments about character behavior and literary structure.
How is the language of the workmen described?
The paper identifies the use of malapropisms and a lack of high-register speech as indicators of the artisans' simplicity and comic incompetence.
What do the key terms include?
Key terms include Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Bottom, Artisans, Play-within-a-play, Pyramus and Thisbe, and Simplicity.
Why does Bottom think he is a good actor?
Bottom is full of self-confidence and believes he can master all roles, often using overly dramatic and boisterous language to assert his talents, despite his actual lack of sophistication.
How does the author connect the Pyramus and Thisbe story to the main plot?
The author highlights how the tragedy of the embedded play mirrors the romantic confusion and obstacles faced by the four lovers in the main narrative of the play.
- Citation du texte
- Judith Nagel (Auteur), 2009, Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/125827
