THE ROLE OF THE RUDE MECHANICALS IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

All three strands of A Midsummer Night’s Dream’s plot are humorous and, often, ridiculous, however, the foolish Rude Mechanicals with their bastardisation of Pyramus and Thisbe really do take the cake.

What’s really unusual about the Mechanicals is that they’re incredible dense. Why’s that unusual? Well, typically, Shakespeare’s fools and/or clowns are actually very savvy, worldly-wise folk. Moreover, Shakespeare seems to have had a penchant for creating “working class” characters that are much more intelligent thatn their “betters.” Think, for example, of the opening of Julius Caesar.

The Mechanicals, on the other hand, are clowns in our modern interpretation of the word – idiots whom we laugh at rather than with.

WHO ARE THE MECHANICALS OF A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM?

We first meet the six Mechanicals at Quince’s home in Athens, as they begin preparation for their play.

Peter Quince (Carpenter) – Quince is, supposedly, the leader of their little acting troupe. He’s also the director and writer of their play. However, his writing is appalling and he doesn’t really seem to know what he’s doing, allowing many of his own ideas to be railroaded by those of Bottom.

Nick Bottom (Weaver) – Although all of the Mechanicals are stupid and foolish, Bottom really is in a league of his own. Bottom by name, and an arse by nature, Nick Bottom is not just a prize pillock, but also an arrogant oaf, who seems to believe that he could put on a one-man production of Pyramus and Thisbe.

Francis Flute (Bellows-mender) – Assigned the part of Thisbe, a fair maid (similar to Shakespeare’s very own Juliet), Flute conveniently has a “beard coming.” As it turns out, this is of no consequence, as Quince insists he’ll be wearing a mask.

Robin Starveling (Tailor) – Originally cast in the role of Thisbe’s mother, Starveling actually goes on to play the part of “Moonshine” and creates one of the most humorous moments of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, when he attempts to portray the moon with a lantern.

Tom Snout (Tinker) – Like Robin Starveling, Snout’s original role was not the one he ultimately played. Earmarked to perform as Pyramus’ father, this was dropped when the company realized they would need a wall through which the young lovers speak. Snout’s wall and beautifully crafted chink make for a memorable role, even though Snout only has eight lines as himself and two as the wall.

Snug (Joiner) – Snug, only every known by his surname, is cast as the lion. He is “slow of study” and concerned that he will not be able to learn his lines – his “lines,” of course, consisting of nothing more than roars. He also seems to be quite a timid character andis often played this way to enhance the comedic effect of his performance as lion.

WHAT PURPOSE DO THE MECHANICALS SERVE?

I think we’re on pretty safe ground in saying that the only purpose the Rude Mechanicals serve is a comedic one. The questions is what kind of humor is being elicited, and is it possible for us to “get” all of the comedy of the play today?

However, could there be more to it than that? Well, some people suggest that there is a satirical edge to Shakespeare’s Mechanicals. The part of Robin Starveling, for example, may have references to Robert Dudley and/or Robert Devereux. Both of these men were at one time, suitors to Queen Elizabeth and to both Elizabeth gave the pet name Robin. And yet another rival for Elizabeth’s love, Francois Alençon may also be indicated by the character of Francis Flute.

Markham, S.A. “The Role of the Rude Mechanicals in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Blog post.

What’s It All About, Shakespeare? 05 Sep. 2012, 18 July 2016. http://whatsitallaboutshakespeare.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-role-of-rude-mechanicals-in.html