The subplot of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (if one can distinguish what is a subplot and what is a main plot), is of interest.  I am referring to Peter Quince, Nick Bottom, and company.  Certainly it is one of the funniest parts of the play, and although the whole play is humorous, I enjoyed the scenes that contained these six best.

        Of course it is of additional interest because it is a play within a play.  Shakespeare, as a playwright, and sometimes actor (and director?) seems to be having a little fun with people he may know or have interacted with.

        The question I wonder is: is Shakespeare engaging in some good natured, self-depreciating humor, or is he taking a shot at some other plays and playwright’s he considers inferior.  Obviously, a lot hinges on this question.  If Shakespeare is belittling his co-workers, he comes off as arrogant and conceited.  (Not a pleasant way to think of the man, although perhaps the terms are a bit harsh.  A lot of artists are very confident of their own work, and this comes of as arrogance).  If Shakespeare is making fun of himself, obviously the opposite is true.

        Perhaps Shakespeare identifies with Peter Quince, who, although a bad playwright, must see his work wrangled by his co-workers.  Flute seems to be unable to learn the pronunciation of words, Bottom breaks character and talks to the audience, actors miss their cues, and egos interfere with the project.  (The most obvious example of this last one is Bottom wanting to play every role).  Perhaps these were things Shakespeare himself had to put up with as his play was performed.

        The good natured, but cynical way in which the play was received perhaps also is reflective of Shakespeare’s problems with audiences.  Although this play certainly deserves to be made fun of, and not so Shakespeare’s works, so perhaps the parallel breaks down here.