A Midsummer Night's Dream 3.2.378 Word Nerd: Monster

The transcript explores the concept of 'monstrous' by examining creatures that are part one thing and part another, like a lion with wings. It delves into the etymology of the word, tracing it back to the Latin verb 'monerre', meaning to warn, and discusses how these creatures were seen as omens. Over time, 'monstrous' evolved to describe anything unnatural and frightening. The transcript also references Shakespeare's Oberon, who calls Bottom a monster, highlighting the unnatural spell on Titania.

What is an example of a creature that is part one thing and part another?

• A horse with a unicorn's horn

• A lion with wings

• A dragon with a snake's tail

• A fish with a bird's beak

What Latin verb is the word 'monstrous' related to?

• Monere

• Monstrare

• Monitum

• Monerre

How were creatures that were part one thing and part another perceived in ancient times?

• As symbols of power

• As omens or warnings

• As mythical heroes

• As divine beings

What does the term 'monstrous' come to mean over time?

• Anything that is both beautiful and rare

• Anything that is both natural and common

• Anything that is both mythical and legendary

• Anything that is both unnatural and frightening

In the play, why does Oberon refer to Bottom as a monster?

• Because Bottom is a giant

• Because Bottom has the head of an ass

• Because Bottom is a mythical creature

• Because Bottom is a fierce warrior