There are things in this comedy of Pyramus and Thisby that…
““There are things in this comedy of Pyramus and Thisby that will never please. First, Pyramus must draw a sword to kill himself; which the ladies cannot abide. How answer you that? SNOUT By'r lakin, a parlous fear. STARVELING I believe we must leave the killing out, when all is done. BOTTOM Not a whit: I have a device to make all well. Write me a prologue; and let the prologue seem to say, we will do no harm with our swords, and that Pyramus is not killed indeed; and, for the more better assurance, tell them that I, Pyramus, am not Pyramus, but Bottom the weaver: this will put them out of fear. QUINCE Well, we will have such a prologue; and it shall be written in eight and six. BOTTOM No, make it two more; let it be written in eight and eight.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Characters devise a prologue to avoid audience distress over a staged death, using deception to maintain comedic tone.
In simple terms: They create a false narrative to keep the audience comfortable.
Key Takeaway
Use framing to manage expectations.
Themes
theatre
deception
audience management
Mood
playful
strategic
Type
dramatic
meta‑theatrical
When to use this quote
- stage productions
- scriptwriting
- audience engagement
Key Concepts
dramatic irony
meta‑theatre
Questions to Reflect On
- How does framing alter audience perception?
- When is deception acceptable in art?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on deception may undermine authenticity.