WAEC - Literature In English (2024 - No. 34)
From the novel; A Midsummer Night's Dream
The speech is in reaction to
Hippolyta's rejection of the burden the poor bear
Philostrate's rejection of the play-within-the play
the address of the chorus
the arrival of the players
Explanation
The speech by Theseus is in reaction to the arrival of the players (the amateur actors, also known as the "mechanicals"), who are about to perform the play-within-the-play, Pyramus and Thisbe, for the wedding festivities.
Theseus reflects on how well-learned men (great clerks) often become nervous when speaking in his presence. This sets up the contrast between the mechanicals—who are uneducated and clumsy but brave enough to perform—and those who are learned but hesitate out of fear.
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