The videos below include a Spanish and English version of the hit 1930s song, “Perfidia” (or “Perfidy,” which means “betrayal”). The Spanish version is the original, here performed by Ibrahim Ferrer. The English translation (written by Milton Leeds and performed by Phyllis Dillon) indirectly quotes the famous line from Act 3 of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which the fairy Puck remarks upon the lovers, Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena, “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” (3.2.117). Listen to the song, and pay attention to the lyrics. Then, write a response to the prompt below.
Writing Prompt
Compare the themes and message of “Perfidia” to Helena’s speech from Act 1, scene 1
“How happy some o’er other some can be!” How is the speaker of the song different from Helena? How are they similar? What message about love do both song and speech convey? In your response, make sure to include one quotation.
