Snug In A Midsummer Night's Dream

In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Snug, the timid joiner, is one of the “rude mechanicals”. He entertains the audience with his endearing portrayal of the lion in the play within the play. His performance adds a delightful comedic element to the play, showcasing his unexpected talent for theatricality.

Table of Contents

Background and Profession

By trade, Snug is a joiner, which would have made him a carpenter in Shakespeare’s day. This line of art emphasizes his modest upbringing and status among Athens’ working class.

Snug excitedly accepts the role that is offered to him in the play inside the play, demonstrating his willingness to participate in spite of his worries despite having no prior theatrical training.

Snug, who works as a joiner or carpenter in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” lends a working-class flavor to the play’s ensemble of characters.

As one of the “rude mechanicals,” a group of amateur actors, Snug’s background as a tradesman stands in stark contrast to the play’s overall grandeur and monarchy.

Snug gladly accepts the part that is offered to him in spite of his lack of acting expertise, demonstrating his willingness to take part in his peers’ theatrical pursuits.

This part of his past gives his character more nuance, bringing attention to the variety of the play’s ensemble cast and enhancing the play’s overall humorous and jovial tone.

Personality

In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Snug is presented as mild, timid, and prone to fear, which gives his character a humorous touch.

He frequently looks to his fellow mechanicals for validation because he is not a natural performer and lacks confidence in his acting skills. As the lion in the play within the play, where he must roar and scare the other actors,

Snug’s shy nature is brought to light. Snug’s portrayal of the lion, nevertheless, is more humorous than menacing, highlighting his kind and easily alarmed personality.

All in all, Snug’s charisma makes him a distinctive and lovable character by bringing charm and humor to the play.

Snug’s Performance as the Lion

As the lion in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Snug gives a hilariously brilliant performance. Snug’s portrayal, as a shy newcomer thrown into the role of a deadly beast, is funny and charming.

Laughter highlights his sensitive character, even when he tries to growl and threaten. Act 3, Scene 1, for example, is an amusing moment where Snug worries that his roaring could frighten away the women in the audience.

Snug’s joyful acceptance of the part in spite of his reservations gives the play a charming appeal, highlighting his comic skill and making an impression on viewers.

His act serves as a reminder that bravery can take many different shapes and that even the most timid people can muster the confidence to take into the spotlight and shine.

Example

Snug. [as Lion] You, ladies, you, whose gentle hearts do fear
The smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floor,
May now perchance both quake and tremble here,
When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar.
Then know that I, one Snug the joiner, am
A lion-fell, nor else no lion’s dam;
For, if I should as lion come in strife
Into this place, ’twere pity on my life.

Explanation

In this excerpt from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Snug, who is assuming the role of the lion in the play inside the play, speaks to the audience prior to his performance, focusing primarily on the women.

He starts by admitting that the sight of a little mouse might arouse terror in even the most forgiving hearts. Then, in a comical way, he implies that their dread may grow if they saw a lion growling with ferocity.

Then, Snug somewhat deviates from his persona by telling the crowd that he is actually just the joiner, Snug, acting as a lion.

He makes a joke about how unfortunate it would be for his life to be in risk in the performance if he were a real lion.

This passage adds a comedic element to the performance, as Snug’s timid and gentle nature contrasts with the fierce and intimidating image of a lion.

Interaction with Other Characters

Character	Interaction
Peter Quince	Snug looks to Peter Quince for guidance and reassurance, showing his deference to Quince’s leadership among the mechanicals.
Nick Bottom	Snug interacts timidly with Nick Bottom, particularly during rehearsals, where Bottom’s over-the-top acting can be intimidating to Snug.
Francis Flute	Snug may interact with Francis Flute in a similar manner as with Nick Bottom, as both are part of the group of mechanicals.
Tom Snout	Snug’s interactions with Tom Snout are likely to be cooperative, as both are working together as part of the play within the play.
Robin Starveling	Snug’s interactions with Robin Starveling are likely to be similar to his interactions with Tom Snout, as they are both fellow mechanicals.

Impact on the Audience

As the lion in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Snug’s portrayal leaves a lasting impression on the audience. His interpretation of the shy and kind lion gives the performance a humorous undertone that makes the audience chuckle.

Because so many individuals can identify with feeling uncomfortable or shy in social situations, Snug’s character is likable.

In addition, Snug’s comic portrayal of the lion’s part offers a lighthearted interlude in the play that counterbalances the darker themes of envy and love.

Snug’s performance also serves as a reminder that courage may take many different shapes. Snug enthusiastically assumes the part of the lion in spite of his concerns, demonstrating his willingness to venture outside of his comfort zone.

The audience finds resonance in this message, which motivates them to take on new tasks and bravely confront their concerns.

Additionally, Snug’s persona makes it possible for the audience to relate to his anxiety, which heightens their appreciation of the play.

Snug is a noteworthy character in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” leaving an impression on viewers with his depth and sense of comedy.

One of the show’s highlights is his hilarious depiction of the lion, which makes for an adorable and enjoyable character.

Snug’s interactions with the other characters in the play, especially the other mechanicals, further enhance his appeal and solidify his place as a favorite character.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Snug’s portrayal of the lion in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” adds depth and humor to Shakespeare’s comedy. His character, though timid, shines on stage, making Snug a memorable part of the play and a testament to the transformative power of theater.