Pyramus and Thisbe
“Pyramus and Thisbe” loosely parallels in action and theme to the problems of the four lovers in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. ... Like Hermia and Lysander, Pyramus and Thisbe run off to the woods in the night, frantically hoping to escape the obstacles to their true love. ... Pyramus and Thisbe cannot marry because their parents forbid it. ... The story of Pyramus and Thisbe ends tragically; but this tragic tale shows how the real lovers’ tale could have ended. The story of Pyramus and Thisbe entails a journey to the dangerous wild followed by defeat from the forces of nature, and the death of both lovers. ... The Prologue tells the entire story of Pyramus and Thisbe, even through the tragic end of the play before the characters have a chance to perform: By Moonshine did these lovers think no scorn To meet at Ninus’ tomb, there, there to woo. This grisly beast, which Lion hight by name The trusty Thisbe, coming first by night, Did scare away, or rather did affright; And as she fled, her mantle she did fall; Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did stain. Anon comes Pyramus, sweet and tall, And finds his trusty Thisbe’s mantle slain; Whereat with blade, with bloody blameful blade, He bravely broach’d his boiling bloody breast; And Thisbe, tarrying in mulberry shade, His dagger drew, and died (V.