Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover
Bottom's Mix Tape
Theme: Love can come in many different forms.
Unfortunately, Shakespeare never revealed the origins of Bottom, and how he came to be the arrogant buffoon that he is in the story. Fortunately for you all, I happen to know the actual story of Bottom's tragic life.
You see, Bottom wasn't always an "bumbling imbecile", in fact, he was once a great hero. His name wasn't always "Bottom" either, originally he was known as Drago Helmer. He had a lovely wife, and two children. Drago was one of the greatest warriors in his kingdom. He had proven his worthiness time and time again, fighting in countless wars against invaders.
One day his king called him off to war yet again, to lead a battalion against the enemies of the realm.
Although he was reluctant to leave his family behind yet again, he knew that his duty to the crown would always have to come first. He bid good bye to his family, and mounted his trusty steed to join the rest of his men.
As he first laid eyes on the enemy forces, he knew he was surely doomed. Drago was up against the forces of the legendary King Theseus, and he was surely doomed. Drago's army seemed puny against the waves of Theseus's men.
Drago fought valiantly, and slew dozens of Theseus's men, but in the end, he was overwhelmed by sheer numbers. He suffered a terrible blow to the head from a metal club, he fell to the ground unconscious, although everyone presumed him to be dead.
When Drago awoke hours later, he found himself lying in a pool of his former comrades blood, in the midst of the carnage of a battlefield. He had no recollection of how he had gotten there, or even what his own name was.
In a daze, he wandered amongst the bodies of the fallen warriors, until he was found by one of Theseus's scouts, who was searching the battlefield to find anyone who could have survived.
The scout recognized Drago immediately, and knew that he was one of the enemies most formidable soldiers. Realizing that Drago had no memory, the scout decided to toy a bit with the former warrior. "Your name is Bottom, good sir. I have no idea why you were out on this horrible battlefield, but you are my apprentice weaver, and you need to come back with me. You must have had a good wallop on the head to forget who you are!" "Bottom" agreed, and went with the man, oblivious to the deceit.
In the years that followed, Bottom worked as a weaver in Theseus's kingdom. He always felt as though he was destined for something better... something... great. But alas, he was unable to remember his former life, his heroic deeds, and his family. To compensate for this overwhelming feeling of "unworthiness", he acted condescending to those around him, claiming himself to be far superior than his peers.
He comes off as an arrogant character, but in reality, Bottom simply no longer has anyone left to love, so he was forced to love the only person he could... himself.
Track One: American Soldier by Toby Keith
"... I'm just trying to be a father, raise a son and daughter..."
I feel that Drago (Bottom for those of you who didn't read his origin) would listen to this song as he says farewell to his family. "American Soldier" is about a soldier leaving his family to go off to war. Drago felt torn between obligation to his kingdom, and his responsibility as father to his children, and a husband to his wife. He knew that he might not come back if he went to war, but he did it anyway because he knew it was his duty.
Track Two: "Battalions of steel" by Saxon
Drago would listen to this song as he is preparing to go into battle. He knows he his fighting for something greater than any one man; an ideal. He is willing to fight for his ideals, and not afraid to die for them.
Track Three: "Remember The Name" by Fort Minor
Drago doesn't fight for fame or glory, he fights because he wants to protect his family and his beliefs. I feel that Drago would listen to this song before battle, to be reminded not to lose himself to the darkness and chaos of war.
Track Four: "Till I Collapse" by Eminem
"... and not be a quitter, no matter how bad you just wanna fall flat on your face and collapse... "
Track Five: "In the end" by Linkin Park
"... I tried so hard, I got so far, but in the end, it didn't even matter... "
Track Six: "The logical song" by Roger Hodgson
Drago would listen to this music after have suffering the sever blow to his head. He doesn't know who he is, his very identity has been stolen from him. His love, his career, his life, all stolen from him in one fell swoop.
Track Seven: "Leave the Memories Alone" by Fuel
"Bottom" would listen to this, after his first couple of days working as a weaver in Theseus's kingdom. Bottom needs to leave his old life behind, and embrace his new one, if he is to ever find happiness. He has lost all that he ever loved, but he has no memory of it, so he is free to find new love.
Track Eight: "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson" by Fresh Prince
Bottom would listen to this before practicing the "Pyramus & Thisbe" play. He is acting incredibly arrogant, to fill the hole that he fills in his heart. He has no one to love except for himself.
Track Nine: "Eye of The Tiger" by Survivor
Bottom would listen to this song right before performing for King Theseus and Queen Hippolyta. He needs to build confidence, so he doesn't blunder in front of the monarchs during the play.
Track ten: "Everything is awesome!!! by Tegan & Sara, fear. The lonely Island
Bottom would play this song after performing his play for King Theseus. He's pumped because he believes his play was a huge success. Unfortunately for Bottom, in reality the play was pathetic and he made a mockery of himself. Bottom doesn't know that however, so he believes that everything is "just dandy". He has finally found a new love, himself.