The play has come full circle, and the cast has now returned to the palace where Theseus and Hippolyta discuss the strange tale the lovers have told them about the events of the previous evening. The joyous lovers enter, and Theseus decides it is time to plan the festivities for the evening. Of all the possible performances, the play “Pyramus and Thisbe” turns out to be the most promising. Theseus is intrigued by the paradoxical summary of the play, which suggests it is both merry and tragical, tedious and brief. Philostrate tries to dissuade Theseus from choosing this play, but Theseus thinks its simplicity will be refreshing.
In the remainder of the scene, the players present “Pyramus and Thisbe,” accompanied by the lovers’ critical commentary. Hippolyta is disgusted by this pathetic acting, but Theseus argues that even the best actors create only a brief illusion; the worst must be assisted by an imaginative audience. Following the performance, Bottom arises from the dead, asking Theseus if he’d like to hear an epilogue or watch a rustic dance. Theseus opts for the dance, having lost patience with the players’ acting.
The play concludes with three epilogues. The first is Puck’s poetic monologue, delivered while he sweeps up the stage. Oberon and Titania offer their blessing on the house and on the lovers’ future children. The play ends with Puck’s final speech, in which he apologizes for the weakness of the performance and promises that the next production will be better.
