Snug is a minor but memorable character in William Shakespeare's beloved comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He is a joiner by trade and one of the "mechanicals" - a group of working-class craftsmen who prepare a play for the wedding celebration of Theseus and Hippolyta.
Snug's Role in the Play
Although Snug has relatively few lines, his presence significantly contributes to the play's humor. Key aspects of his role include:
- Member of the Amateur Actors: Snug joins Peter Quince, Nick Bottom, and others in rehearsing "Pyramus and Thisbe" for the Duke's wedding.
- Cast as the Lion: In the play-within-a-play, Snug is given the role of the Lion, a part that both excites and intimidates him.
- Comedic Anxiety: Snug's concern about playing the Lion too realistically and frightening the ladies provides much amusement.
Significance of Snug's Character
Snug's character serves several important functions in "A Midsummer Night's Dream":
- Comic Relief: His worries about playing the Lion and his gentle nature contrasted with his fierce role add to the play's humor.
- Social Commentary: Like the other mechanicals, Snug represents the working class in Athenian society, offering insights into social dynamics.
- Metatheatrical Element: Snug's role highlights the play's theme of theater and illusion, particularly in the amusing performance of "Pyramus and Thisbe."
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Some of Snug's most notable scenes and lines include:
- His initial reluctance to take on the role of the Lion due to his slow study.
- The rehearsal scene where he expresses concern about frightening the ladies:
"Have you the lion's part written? Pray you, if it be, give it me, for I am slow of study."
- His endearing performance as the Lion, where he goes to great lengths to assure the audience he is not a real 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."
Conclusion
While Snug may not be a central character in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," his role as the timid joiner cast as the fearsome Lion contributes significantly to the play's comedic elements. Shakespeare uses characters like Snug to add depth to the story, provide comic relief, and offer commentary on the nature of theater and social structures of the time. Snug's gentle nature and earnest attempts at acting make him a lovable and memorable character in this timeless comedy.