In Act I, scene 2 we are introduced to Peter Quinceand his
troop of amateur players. Despite the fact that Quince is the author/director of the
piece, it is Bottom who wants to play all the parts. He evens threatens to leave if he
can't have his way and must be cajoled into staying. This would indicate that he likes
to be in charge.
As for language misuse, Bottom is a master
at it. Does he really mean to say "in a monstrous little voice"? or that he will
"aggravate his voice" or that they should "rehearse most obscenely"? Since the rest of
his mates don't know what these words mean either, they don't question his misuse.
This, of course, is part of the fun of the play.
It is
interesting to note that this part was written for the actor William Kemp who play the
buffoon type of fool in Shakespeare. Like his counterpart Dogberry (Much Ado
About Nothing), Bottom is very good at mangling the language. It is also
interesting to note that Will Kemp's verbal trademark on stage was to talk about being
an ass so as an in-joke to the audiences, Bottom "becomes" an ass in A
Midsummer Night's Dream.
As for Snug, he tells
himself that he is "slow of study". He seems to be a very gentle
lion.
Your job now is to reread the scene and find these
for yourself.
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