Lecture Notes: Pyramus and Thisbe

Introduction

• Pyramus and Thisbe: A tragic tale from Greek mythology.
• Inspired Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet".
• Theme: Ill-fated lovers tested by bad luck.

Story Overview

• Setting: City of Babylon.
• Main Characters:
  • Pyramus
  • Thisbe
• Conflict: Forbidden love due to family rivalry.

Secret Communication

• Neighbours with connected houses.
• Communicate through a crack in the wall.
• Spend hours whispering their love.

Plan to Meet

• Decide to defy parents and meet secretly.
• Meeting Point: Near the tomb of Nihus, under a mulberry tree.

Tragic Events

• Thisbe's Arrival:
  • First to arrive.
  • Encounters a lioness; flees, leaving her cloak behind.
• Pyramus' Misunderstanding:
  • Finds Thisbe's bloody cloak.
  • Assumes Thisbe was killed by a beast.
  • Lesson: Don't assume without evidence.
  • Commits suicide in grief.
  • Blood stains the white mulberry leaves red.

Thisbe's Grief

• Returns to find Pyramus dead.
• Overcome with grief.
• Uses the same sword to end her life.

Aftermath

• Gods' Reaction:
  • Moved by the tragedy.
  • Changed mulberry fruit color to dark red in their honor.

Themes and Lessons

• Faithfulness and Devotion: Until the very end.
• Caution Against Assumptions: Reflect before acting.

Conclusion

• A notable story from Greek mythology.
• Enduring themes of love and tragedy.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement to subscribe for more stories.

End of notes.