For example, Francis Flute believes that his character, Thisbe, is “a wandering knight”, when in fact “it is the lady that Pyramus must love” (1.2.38-7). Francis Flute’s small structure causes him to be cast as a women, which increases the irony within this scene. Although he believes that he has the ability to play a “wandering knight”, his small stature and women like features causes him to play Thisbe. Francis’s values and longings do not match up with what society wants out of him, causing him to play Thisbe. Nick Bottom wants to play Thisbe and he believes that he needs to “speak in a monstrous little voice: “Thisne, Thisne! - ‘Ah, Pyramus, my lover dear; thy Thisbe dear, and lady dear’”(1.2.43-4). This oxymoron that has an ironic effect sets up a stereotype that every women has a monstrous, high pitched, little voice. In this, Nick Bottom mimics a woman’s appearance through society eyes, which is perceived as weak person with a little high voice. Peter Quince does not want Nick Bottom to play the lion because he “would fright the Duchess and the ladies that they would shriek”; Peter is afraid that his roaring would be enough “to hang us all”(1.2.61-2). This is ironic in that the Mechanicals play is atrocious, as they perform it, the Duchess and the ladies laugh as they are not scared at all. The Mechanic’s overconfidence causes the irony. Although, the Mechanic’s intentions are to perform …show more content…
Although Nick Bottom believes that he could play Pyramus and could “play Thisbe too” (1.2.41). Peter Quince steers him in the right direction making Bottom “play Pyramus; and Flute play Thisbe” (1.2.45). This scene demonstrates the different intentions and values between Bottom and Quince. Quince values order, while Bottom values fun which sometimes can lead to disorder. Quince intends on making the play a success through order, while Bottom plans on making the play successful through enjoyment and fun. As Nick Bottom is focusing on “what beard” would look “best to play it [his character] in” (2.1.71). Peter Quince has put his focus on the entire cast and directing everyone in their role. Therefore an aggravated Peter Quince wants him to do “what you [he] will” (2.1.73). Through the foil, the character differences between the fun loving Nick Bottom and the annoyed Peter Quince are clearly depicted. While Nick Bottom goofs off focusing on which beard would look best, a serious Peter Quince gets aggravated at the lack of order within the group. In this scene, their very different flaws come about showing that Peter Quince is almost too uptight, while Nick Bottom is not serious enough. Using foil, a difference of personality can be demonstrated between the characters, increasing the comedic elements within the