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 does the Latin verb 'monerre' mean, and how is it related to the concept of monsters?

How can creatures that are part one thing and part another be understood in terms of omens?

In what way did the meaning of 'monstrous' evolve over time?

Why does Oberon refer to Bottom as a monster in the context of the text?

What does Titania's love for Bottom reveal about her character and the effects of the spell?