|
|
15. Demure
lovers
Lysander's stiff
self-containment is noted by the amused and more relaxed
Hermia, who has just parked her ruck-sack for the night.
Both appear to be sitting in "seiza", a polite squat used on
formal occasions. Lysander's posture sends mixed signals,
for a man in "seiza" traditionally sits with knees apart,
while women sit with knees together. The position of the
hands over the genitals is also suggestive. Two lines later
(in the next still), Hermia will no longer see this position
as funny.
Compare this moment
to the Bar version (Bar 22.
Lysander bare chested) where the bow of formal request is
rendered even more incongruous by Lysander's toplessness.
"Hot ice"! (5.1.59)
|