A singular definition is not enough to encapsulate love. It is a complex entity of all shapes and sizes, providing each individual with a different interpretation and specialized experience. Shakespeare explores love beyond the surface in his world-renowned plays, offering his perception of the profoundly universal feeling. In the final act of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare uses the absurdity of the Mechanicals’ play to emphasize the irrationality of love, thus reinforcing his message: love is a powerful force that compels individuals to make impulsive decisions without deliberation. On the surface, Pyramus and Thisbe may seem humorous and absurd. However, beyond its comicality, it highlights love’s ability to blind humans into foolish …show more content…
Shakespeare uses rhetorical questions in the following line to portray Thisbe’s disbelief and sorrow of her lover’s death: “Asleep, my love”. What, dead, is my dove? O Pyramus, arise! Speak, speak” (5.1.341-344). Her continuous asking of rhetorical questions illustrates her state of shock as she refuses to believe that Pyramus’ death is just an illusion. Consequently, she ends her own life after being overwhelmed with grief, unable to imagine life without him. Therefore, this further supports how love can cause irrational actions and be justification for the most absurd decisions, such as impulsively ending one’s life at the moment out of grief and passion. In conclusion, Shakespeare uses the absurd elements of Pyramus and Thisbe to point out the absurdity of love and its potent ability to compel individuals into decisions characterized by impulsiveness. This work of Shakespeare shows a different perspective of love, showing its flaws rather than its beauty. Although this play within a play is oftentimes dismissed as nothing more than humor and amusement, it offers insight into Shakespeare’s overall message in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as he expresses love’s ability to blind us from our logic, allowing justification to the most absurd