A Midsummer Night's Dream Foolishness and Folly Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to Folger's online edition.

Quote #4

QUINCE
Marry, our play is "The most lamentable comedy and most
cruel death of Pyramus and Thisbe."

BOTTOM
A very good piece of work, I assure you, and a merry. (1.2.11-15)

Bottom's misspeakings and misunderstandings are a running joke in the play, but sometimes from items like this, you get the sense that he is really oblivious. The Mechanicals are usually the butt of the joke, but they seem to be happily having their own fun here.  In some cases foolishness can be a source of enjoyment, at least when paired with ignorance.

Quote #5

DEMETRIUS
You do impeach your modesty too much
To leave the city and commit yourself
Into the hands of one that loves you not,
To trust the opportunity of night
And the ill counsel of a desert place
With the rich worth of your virginity. (2.1.221-226)

Once again, we see love causing characters to act foolishly.

Quote #6

PUCK
Through the forest have I gone,
But Athenian found I none
On whose eyes I might approve
This flower's force in stirring love.
Night and silence! Who is here? (2.2.72-76)

When Puck dumps the love juice in the wrong guy's eyes, we're reminded that even fairies are prone to foolish mistakes.