# Scene II explained — A Midsummer Night's Dream

> Chapter companion for A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The mechanicals gather at Quince's house, anxious about Bottom's absence and the fate of their play. Bottom returns and announces that the duke has dined and their play has been chosen for performance, urging everyone to prepare.

## Themes in this chapter

### Theater and Performance

The mechanicals' preparation and excitement for their play underscores the theme of performance and the transformative power of theater.

## Character check-ins

### Peter Quince

Leads the group, inquires about Bottom, and organizes the play.

### Francis Flute

Expresses concern about Bottom's absence and praises his wit.

### Tom Snout

Present among the mechanicals, awaiting Bottom.

### Robin Starveling

Reports that Bottom cannot be found and may be transported.

### Nick Bottom

Returns triumphantly, announces the play's selection, and gives instructions for performance.

### Tom Snout

Brings news of the duke's wedding and the opportunity for the mechanicals.

## Key lines

> He cannot be heard of. Out of doubt he is transported.

He's nowhere to be found; he must have been carried off by fairies.

_Starveling suggests Bottom has been taken by supernatural forces._

> If he come not, then the play is marred: it goes not forward, doth it?

If he doesn't return, our play is ruined; it can't proceed, can it?

_Flute worries that Bottom's absence will prevent the performance._

> Masters, the duke is coming from the temple, and there is two or three lords and ladies more married: if our sport had gone forward, we had all been made men.

Gentlemen, the duke is leaving the temple with several newly married couples; if our play had been performed, we would all have been set for life.

_Snug brings news of the wedding and the missed opportunity._

> I am to discourse wonders: but ask me not what; for if I tell you, I am not true Athenian.

I have amazing things to tell you, but don't ask me what; if I reveal them, I wouldn't be a loyal Athenian.

_Bottom teases his friends with hints of his adventures._

> Get your apparel together, good strings to your beards, new ribbons to your pumps; meet presently at the palace; every man look o'er his part; for the short and the long is, our play is preferred.

Gather your costumes, fix your beard strings, get new ribbons for your shoes; meet at the palace immediately; each of you review your lines, because in short, our play has been chosen.

_Bottom instructs the mechanicals to prepare for their performance at the palace._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/chapters