Song meaning of A Midsummer Night's Dream Act 3 Scene 1 by William Shakespeare

The song "A Midsummer Night's Dream Act 3 Scene 1" by William Shakespeare is a playful and comedic scene from the famous play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The scene takes place in a wood, where a group of amateur actors is rehearsing a play called "Pyramus and Thisby" to be performed for the Duke. The lyrics of the song are spoken by the characters as they discuss the various challenges and concerns they have about their upcoming performance.

The scene begins with the character Quince suggesting that they use the green plot as their stage and a hawthorn-brake as their tiring-house. However, Bottom, one of the actors, raises concerns about certain aspects of the play that may not please the audience, such as the character Pyramus killing himself with a sword. The other actors, Snout and Starveling, agree that this may be too frightening for the ladies in the audience.

Bottom, always the problem solver, suggests that they write a prologue to assure the audience that no harm will come from their swords and that Pyramus is not actually killed. He even suggests that he, Bottom, will play the role of Pyramus, but reveal himself as Bottom the weaver, thus alleviating any fears. The group agrees to this plan and decides to write the prologue in eight and eight lines.

The discussion then turns to other challenges they face, such as how to bring moonlight into the chamber where Pyramus and Thisby meet. They consider leaving a casement open for the moon to shine through or having a character come in with a bush of thorns and a lantern to represent moonshine. They also discuss the need for a wall in the chamber, which is mentioned in the story of Pyramus and Thisby. Snout doubts that they can bring in a wall, but Bottom suggests that someone can play the role of the wall and hold their fingers to represent a chink through which Pyramus and Thisby can whisper.

As the actors continue to rehearse their parts, the mischievous fairy Puck enters the scene and observes their antics. Puck decides to join in the fun and play tricks on the actors. He transforms Bottom's head into that of an ass, causing the other actors to flee in fear. Bottom, unaware of his transformation, wonders why they have run away and decides to sing to show that he is not afraid. His song includes references to various birds and their songs.

Titania, the fairy queen, who has been sleeping nearby, is awakened by Bottom's singing. She is immediately captivated by his voice and appearance. Titania expresses her admiration for Bottom and invites him to stay with her in the wood. She promises to provide him with fairies to attend to his needs and even offers to bring him jewels from the deep. The fairies, Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, and Mustardseed, enter the scene and greet Bottom.

The scene ends with Titania instructing the fairies to be kind and courteous to Bottom, to entertain him with fruits and flowers, and to attend to his every need. She also asks them to tie up his tongue so that he remains silent. The fairies lead Bottom away to Titania's bower, and the moon, symbolizing Titania's watery eyes, weeps for the loss of her chastity.

In summary, the song "A Midsummer Night's Dream Act 3 Scene 1" is a lively and humorous scene from Shakespeare's play. It showcases the comical interactions between the amateur actors as they prepare for their performance and the mischievous interventions of the fairy Puck. The scene also introduces the enchanting character of Titania and her infatuation with Bottom, who has been transformed into an ass.