Please include a total of 6 scholarly references
Include two citations in each body paragraph
Must be scholarly for critical analysis (no “.com”, sparknotes, etc.)
MLA 9th Edition ONLY
Essay outline and rough draft are included, only need to include citations and references to prove points in the paper.
DRAMA ESSAY OUTLINE:
I. Introduction
A. Brief overview of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
B. Importance of comedic relief in the play
C. Introduction of the three funniest and entertaining characters – Bottom, Puck, and Lysander
II. Bottom
A. Description of Bottom’s character
B. His over-the-top personality and ego
C. His comical speeches and exaggerated gestures
D. Example of his comedic role in the play-within-a-play, “Pyramus and Thisbe”
E. Interactions with Puck
F. Bottom’s ability to make fun of himself and fearless attitude
III. Puck
A. Introduction of Puck’s character
B. His mischievous and cunning nature
C. His quick wit and clever wordplay
D. Examples of his pranks and their consequences
E. Puck’s famous monologue
F. His role in the play’s comic relief
IV. Lysander
A. Description of Lysander’s character
B. His love for Hermia and determination to be with her
C. His interactions with Hermia and Demetrius
D. Examples of his light-hearted banter and comedic moments
E. Lysander’s scene with Hermia under the influence of Puck’s love potion
F. His contribution to the overall confusion and hilarity of the play
V. Conclusion
A. Recap of the three characters – Bottom, Puck, and Lysander
B. Their importance in the play’s comedic aspect
C. Their unique personalities and hilarious actions
D. Their role in keeping the audience engaged and entertained
E. Final thoughts on the impact of these characters on the audience.
DRAMA ESSAY ROUGH DRAFT
William Shakespeare’s classic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” is filled with colorful and humorous characters that captivate the audience from the very beginning. Among these characters, there are three in particular who stand out for their wit, humor, and entertainment value. These characters are Bottom, Puck, and Lysander. Through their distinct personalities and hilarious antics, they bring the play to life and leave a lasting impact on the audience.
First and foremost, we have Bottom, the weaver who leads the group of artisans in their attempt to put on a play for the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta. Right from his very first appearance, Bottom’s over-the-top personality and inflated ego make him an instant hit with the audience. He is constantly trying to steal the spotlight and his exaggerated gestures and comical speeches never fail to elicit laughter. For example, in the play-within-a-play, “Pyramus and Thisbe,” Bottom’s portrayal of the dramatic and tragic hero, Pyramus, is anything but serious. His comical death scene is one of the most memorable moments of the play. Moreover, his interactions with the mischievous Puck, where he is turned into a donkey, add to the hilarity of the play. Bottom’s ability to make fun of himself and his fearless attitude make him one of the funniest characters in the play.
Moving on, we have Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, who serves as the mischievous and cunning assistant to the fairy king, Oberon. Puck’s quick wit and clever wordplay make him a standout character in the play. He is constantly playing pranks on the other characters, especially the lovers, which leads to chaos and hilarity ensues. Puck’s famous “merry wanderer of the night” monologue is a prime example of his entertaining and mischievous nature. His love for mischief and his ability to manipulate the other characters make him an essential part of the play’s comic relief.
Last but not least, we have Lysander, one of the four lovers in the play. Lysander’s love for Hermia and his desperate attempts to be with her, despite the obstacles, make him a lovable and amusing character. His reactions to the twist in the love triangle between him, Hermia, and Helena, and his interactions with his rival Demetrius are filled with light-hearted banter and comedic moments. Furthermore, Lysander’s scene with Hermia in the woods, when they are under the influence of Puck’s love potion, adds to the overall confusion and hilarity of the play.
In conclusion, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” would not be the same without the three funniest and entertaining characters – Bottom, Puck, and Lysander. Their unique personalities, witty dialogues, and hilarious actions make them stand out in the play.
Through their countless antics and mischievous deeds, they manage to captivate and charm the audience, leaving an indelible mark that will be remembered long after the show is over.