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| Act 3 from the Royal Shakespeare Company's Dream |
For Friday: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 3
Answer
TWO of the following...
1. As
a playwright, Shakespeare loves to include in-jokes and references to acting
and the theater. How does he use the
amateur players’ performance of Pyramus and Thisbe to poke fun at actors, the
conventions of acting, and the kind of plays they typically performed? Why might this work even better considering the
characters being spoofed are portrayed by actors themselves?
2. In
Act 3.2, Helena accuses Hermia of being unfaithful, claiming that they were
once “Two lovely berries molded on one stem” (54). In a scene full of love confusion, why does
Helena speak more passionately (and in terms of love) to Hermia rather than
Demetrius? What “betrayal” is Hermia
apparently guilty of, and why might this be worse than that of Demetrius or
Lysander?
3. Discuss
the language in which Demetrius and Lysander woo their new love, Helena. Though both swear that this is a true, honest
love, what does this language sound like?
What metaphors/imagery does it employ?
4. How
would you encourage an actor to interpret Puck in Act 3: as a bumbling, comic
servant who can’t seem to get the job done, or a menacing, roughish sprite who
means everyone ill? Is his role in the
play more good-natured or destructive?
Why might an actors’ interpretation of Puck change the mood/feel of the entire
play?
Elyse Marquardt
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Helena and Hermia grew up together, told all their secrets to each other, and have loved each other as sisters for as long as they can remember. Now, in Helena's eyes, suddenly Hermia seems to be joining the two men in mocking her! This is ultimate betrayal, since Hermia is not only breaking some common rules of friendship, but is also using Helena's strong devotion for Demetrius against her. Helena has probably spilled her heart to Hermia about her feelings for Demetrius, and now she feels extremely ill-used by her dearest childhood friend.
Question 4: I imagine that Puck is more roguish and mean-spirited than merely a bumbling Amelia-Bedelia type of servant. An actor's interpretation of this character could completely change the mood of the play. If he played Puck as a cruel, spiteful villain, we would feel sorry for the four lovers and wish they could get out of the dilemma they are in. If, however, he played Puck as just a fun-loving prankster, we would enjoy watching the lovers get hopelessly confused by his antics. However, in my interpretation of the character, I feel like he knows people think he is stupid, and he is taking advantage of this to do a great deal of harm to some poor bystanders.
- Rocky Moore
ReplyDelete3. They both are trying to woo her but honestly I find the whole situation humorous no matter how they attempt to actually tell her that they love her. We have Demetrius who tells Helena over and over how much he hates her before cupids love is dropped in his eyes. Now all of a sudden he is compassionate towards her and says things like "O Helen, goddess, nymph, perfect, divine!". I could imagine being her and hearing this from the person she loves yet she knows hates her but then this, man that is too funny. She was probably so confused at this point but then it gets even better when Lysander who she knows loves Hermia and then telling her that he indeed loves her and actually despises Hermia. Shakespeare is so cunning and its such a treat to see the love triangle here though we all know the spirits are the reason for all this yet these 'mere' mortals have no idea. I praise this kind of comedy and don't see the tragic in it because all the mortals have no idea what is going on.
4. I think a little bit of both truthfully. Puck tells Oberon that he has made a mistake because both Lysander and Demetrius are wearing Athenian garments it just so happens that he sees Demetrius instead of Lysander. I also believe that Puck looks down on humans and their foolishness so he really finds it quite entertaining that this is playing out the way it is. Actually the actor who plays Puck in the film does a wonderful job portraying both sides of his character. The juvenile humor that he has when playing with these mortals emotions and the whole 'oops I made a mistake act' that he plays too at the same time is really funny. This actor hits it spot on and creates a very light hearted mood in the play that has me smiling and laughing the entire time. Its marvelous and so entertaining.
2. Helena essentially accuses Hermia of breaking the bond of sisterhood. She seems much more concerned that Hermia might be making fun of her or betraying her confidence than she does with Demetrius’ sudden affection. She has grown up with Hermia her whole life and I would imagine that sisterly love runs deeper for Helena than the affection for a lover does.
ReplyDelete4. On the page, Puck comes off as more menacing. He is amazed by who foolish the humans are. He seems to delight in the mischief he has caused. Even Oberon accuses him of putting the love juice in the wrong man’s eye on purpose! I do however view his love of mischief as good-natured and not destructive. But, if an actor interpreted him as a villain of sorts, the play would take on a very different mood. Puck’s role would create a lot more anxiety over whether or not he intends to set the mistake straight throughout the course of the play.
2. Helena and Hermia have known each other for most of their lives. They grew up together, were close friends, and probably even viewed each other in a sisterly manner. After the way Demetrius has treated her throughout the rest of the play, she most likely expects men to be fickle and/or treat her poorly. Therefore, her idea that their sudden affection is really them mocking her was not as profound as the idea that Hermia is a part of it. Her own "sister" is tormenting her and mocking the fact that both of these men are in love with Hermia and don't actually care about Helena.
ReplyDelete4. Puck is definitely more sinister on the page than he was in the film adaptation we watched. He doesn't seem the least bit remorseful about the pain he has caused, instead he rather seems to enjoy it. I like the idea of him being a villain. It makes the entire play quite a bit darker, which I think is an interesting contrast to what we have already seen. If he were the "bad guy" it seems almost as if he is mocking humanity and clearly claiming superiority. It could potentially make every scene with the fairies in it darker, as the audience would be looking for evidence that Puck is not the only one who feels this way.
Ashley Bean
ReplyDelete2. Helena seems to believe that men are already wishy-washy and she never puts full trust in them. She knows that they will betray her one way or another. However, with Hermie, who she has grown up with, she does not think that she would betray her. In this scene, Helena thinks Hermia is mocking her with the two men. She cannot believe Hermia would do that! They have probably developed a sisterly bond and Helena thinks that this is a huge betrayal.
4. I have a mixed view on Puck. I do believe he was mistaken, but I feel that he just shrugs and says, "Oh well this is more fun anyways." I think he is very mischievous and probably quite troublesome. But, I don't see him as trying to really do harm. He's definitely the classic playful, troublesome sprite. By changing how the part is portrayed, the tone of the entire play would shift. It could be a comedy with a more playful, "Aw shucks I messed up," or it could be a very dark tragedy in a way with a more sinister Puck.
Deryk Ronk
ReplyDelete2.) Demetrius has not always been around for Helena to love. Hermia has gained Helena's trust and then broke it. Demetrius never really gave her reason to believe that she coukd be with him. He did not deceive her as Hermia did, her lifelong friend.
3.) The language they use does not sound like love. It sounds like a cheezy poem. All it sounds like to me is lust, not much is said about anything except her looks.
Cheyenne Counts
ReplyDelete2. Helena speaks more passionately to Hermia than Demetrius because they have a closer bond from growing up together and being each other's confidant. Hermia's betrayal is that of linking up with men to tease Helena. Hermia was considered by Helena to be a constant companion and friend, therefore she is expected to be less fickle and deceitful than the men.
4.Were I ever to be in the circumstance of recommending to an actor how to play the part of Puck, I would certainly suggest playing him in a more menacing and cryptic style. By the fairy's accusations of what Puck is known for, doing misdeeds to mortals in every day life, we know that Puck is more of a dark spirit. Even in the play the great mistakes fall from Puck's own hand, such as Bottom becoming an ass and Lysander and Demetrius both falling for Helena. Although, he claims accident regarding the four lovers, we only have his word to declare it had no darker intentions. If Puck is played with a darkness to him, it alters the mood of the play from light-hearted confusion to dangerous misguidance.
Shelby Pletcher
ReplyDelete2) I think Helena speaks with more passion towards Hermia regarding love because she and Hermia have loved each other the longest. They are almost like family. They have grown up together, and that runs thicker than what they have with their significant others. I think Helena expects more loyalty out of Hermia as her friend and sister, especially when it comes to men. But instead, Hermia betrays her by ganging up on her alongside the men and teasing her. In the back of her mind, Helena likely expects not to be long-trusting of men, but her own sister is another story.
3) The language Demetrius and Lysander use to woo Hermia is poetic. It's clear through their use of this language that they are attempting to impress and seduce her with their words. Throughout their conversation, almost all of the words they have to offer Hermia in hopes of wooing her are made up of lustful intent. They focus almost entirely of physical appearance. It's feigning at it's finest.