Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Why does Bottom say "exposition of sleep"?

When Bottom says this to Titiana, he means that he is sleepy. However, he uses a malapropism when he states that he has an "exposition" for sleep. A malapropism occurs when a character gets confused and uses a wrong word that sounds close to the right word. Malapropisms are used for comic effect.
What Bottom means is that he has a "disposition," not an "exposition," for sleep. Using the wrong word adds more fuel to the comic quality of this character, who already does not know he has an ass's head and is asking for food that an ass would eat. Bottom now shows he is also an "ass," metaphorically speaking, for using the wrong word.
It is possible that Puck or Oberon have deliberately made both Bottom and Titania sleepy, for he and Oberon show up right after the twosome has fallen asleep. Having gotten the Indian boy, Oberon wants Puck to take away the spell that has made Titania fall in love with Bottom.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is the theme of the chapter Lead?

Primo Levi's complex probing of the Holocaust, including his survival of Auschwitz and pre- and post-war life, is organized around indiv...