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29. Hermia
subdued
Lysander's
gallantry towards Helena takes the form of virtually
wrenching Hermia's head off. The hyperbolic violence
here is typical of the way that violence is stylised in
Commedia
dell 'arte.
Lysander's physical relaxation (notice how casually he sits
astride Hermia) also brings in an element of cruelty. The
contrast between sugared line and violent deed would be
impossibly abrupt in naturalistic acting. Here, however, it
is both cruel and funny and disturbing, all at once.
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