A+Midsummer+Night's+Dream

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Act I, Scene 1

1. How is Hippolyta’s reasoning concerning how quickly the next four days will pass different from that of Theseus?

Hippolyta's reasoning concerning the next four days is that they will pass quickly. Theseus thinks that they will take forever to end and that he can't wait that long. Hippolyta is more positive than Theseus.

2. Why has Egeus brought his daughter and her two suitors to Theseus? What does Egeus expect him to do?

Egeus expects Theseus to give him the right to make Hermia, his daughter, marry Demetrius or he may kill her. That is the Athenian law. Egeus seems to think that Theseus must allow him to do this and he is right but Theseus gives Hermia another option- to become a nun.

3. What was the proper role for women/daughters in Athenian society according to Egeus and Theseus? What is Theseus’s ruling concerning Hermia?

That they have no free will and must do whatever their Fathers tell them to do. They must marry whomever their Fathers want them to marry and then they must follow the orders of that husband. They are more like objects that are used to create wanted connections. Theseus says that Hermia must do what her Father says, become a nun or die by her Father's hand.

4. How does Lysander’s comment about Demetrius’s previous love affair with Helena complicate things?

It complicates things because Helena, the person who Demetrius had an affair with, still loved him and Lysander says that Demetrius never loved her. He says that he doesn't love Hermia either but is just taking advantage of her, like Helena. He promised to take care of her but then just left.

5. What do Lysander and Hermia plan to do about this seemingly impossible situation? Why do they tell Helena?

They plan to steal forth from their houses and sneak to a forest. Once they meet there they will travel to Lysander's Aunt's house out of Athens where the law will not follow them. And will get married. They tell Helena because she is madly in love with Demetrius and now that Hermia is out of the picture, she has a better chance with him. Helena tells Demetrius because she thinks he will love her for it.

6. Even though Helena loves Demetrius and is Hermia’s best friend, why does she decide to tell Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander’s plans?

She thinks that if she tells Demetrius, he will be so happy that she told him that he will love her. (Crazy, isn't it?)

7. Identify Hermia’s basic dilemma. What are the choices outlined for her by Theseus and her father? What other choice does Lysander suggest?

Theseus says that either she marries Demetrius, becomes a nun, or ides by her fathers hand. Egeus agrees with these choices. Lysander does not though, so he suggests that they run away to his aunt's house outside of Athens where the law cannot follow them and get married there.

Act I, Scene 2

8. Why does Nick Bottom want to play all the parts?

He thinks that he is an amazing actor and that he can play all the parts with more beauty than everyone else.

9. In what way is this scene funny? Why do you suppose Shakespeare included this scene?

This scene was funny because he [Shakespeare] was poking fun at the theatre, which is his own industry! He was also laughing at some of his actors. Also it was funny to see the over-acting of Bottom as he tried to play all the parts.

10. Where are the actors to meet the following night? Who else is meeting there at the same time?

the actors plan to meet at the wood just outside of Athens to practice their play, so nobody will see them performing and no one will copy them. Lysander and Hermia are also planning to meet there at the same time.

11. How would you describe Bottom’s acting ability? What is Bottom’s own opinion of his acting ability?

Bottom's acting ability is Ok, he over-acts and thinks that he is the best thing that has happened to theatre. He is unknowing of how silly he looks and does not know common literature.

Podcast: By Lindsay and Manmeet media type="file" key="A Midsummer Night's Dream- Act 1 4.mp3" width="240" height="20"

Act II, Scene 1

10. What does the reader find out about the current relationship between Oberon, King of the Fairies, and Titania, Queen of the Fairies, from Puck and the first fairy?

Oberon and Titania are fighting over possession of a changeling child. Titania wants to keep him and will not let Oberon have him. Puck and the Fairy are talking about how when Titania and Oberon fight, bad things happen. The Fairy also tells us of how puck is mischievous and does nasty things to mortals.

11. How have Oberon and Titania been involved in the past with Theseus and Hippolyta; why have they come to Athens?

Oberon has had an affair with Hippolyta, and Titania has had an affair with Theseus. They are both mad at each other, but have come to Athens to attend the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. They are their friends.

12. What effect has their quarrel had on nature, on the seasons, on humans?

There have been massive floods, the crops have rotted, the seasons have been disturbed (cold in summer, hot in winter) and other bad things.

13. Why won’t Titania give up the changeling to Oberon?

Because his mother was one of her servants that she was really close to and became friends with. When she died, Titania promised to care for the child and so she will not let it fall into the hands of Oberon.

14. What does Oberon send Puck to find?

He sends Puck to find a flower that was hit by Cupid's arrow and that will put on a persons eyes, will make them fall in love with the next person they see. Puck says he will "... put a girdle around the world in 40 minutes."

15. What are Oberon’s plans for Titania?

Oberon plans to put some of the juice form the flower on Titania's eyes and make her fall in love with some vile beast. He thinks this will be funny and that it is great revenge.

16. How does Helena react to Demetrius’s verbal abuse?

She counters it with a response the complete opposite. EX) Demetrius: I am sick when I do look in thee! Helena: I am sick when I look not on you!

17. What is her response to his threats of physical abuse?

When he says that she is all alone, she says she is not because he is there with her and he is her world so everyone is there with her. She also sort of wants it to happen, she is that in love.

18. In what way is Helena’s behaviour inappropriate for Athenian women?

She did not listen to Demetrius, who is a man, and in Athens women had to listen to men.

19. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about Demetrius and Helena?

He tells him to put the juice from the flower in Demetrius' eyes so he will fall as in love with Helena as she is with him. Oberon pities Helena.

Act II, Scene 2

20. Why does Oberon want Titania to wake and fall in love with some vile thing?

It is form of revenge. He is mad at her so he wants bad things to happen to her. Oberon also thinks it will be humorous.

21. Why does Hermia insist Lysander sleep a little ways from her?

She insists he sleep a little ways of because she wants to keep her virtue as they are not married yet, and she does not completely trust Lysander as of now.

22. Why does Puck anoint Lysander’s eyes?

He thinks that Lysander is Demetrius because Oberon only described him as the "Athenian youth". He was carrying out his orders but made a simple mistake. He thought he was doing he right thing.

23. How does Helena react to Lysander’s sudden love for her when he awakens?

She thinks he is playing a cruel joke on her. She says that she is already saddened by how unwanted she is by Demetrius, and now she has to be on the receiving end of his cruel humor. She says that she thought he was a better person, but she does not know he is dead serious.

24. How is Hermia’s dream a reflection of reality?

She dreams that a serpent is eating her heart and Lysander is just cruelly watching. This is a reflection of reality because Lysander does not love her anymore, in fact he hates her. It is like the serpent is the flower juice pulling Lysander, her heart, away from her.

Podcast: By Lindsay and Manmeet media type="file" key="A Midsummer Night's Dream- Act 2, scene 2.mp3" width="240" height="20"

Act III, Scene 1

25. How are the actors going to keep from scaring the ladies when Pyramus kills himself or when the lion roars?

They are going to write prologues before each of these parts that say that Pyramus is really Bottom and that he does not really kill himself and that the lion is actually Snug. They are also going to make is that Snugs head is clearly seen through the lion costume.

26. How are the actors going to manage the setting/scenery such as the moonlight and the wall?

They are going to open a window to have the moonlight shine through but if that does not work than they will have someone stand with a lantern to represent the moon. A person will also stand with his hands open in a hole to represent the wall.

27. Why do the rest of the actors run off when Bottom reappears?

Puck has put a donkey's head on Bottom. They are frightened of this sight, but Bottom does not know what has happened.

28. What does Puck plan to do when he follows after the other actors?

To follow them around and scare them. He says he will be like a hound, a horse, a hog, a headless bear, and a fire, depending on what they are doing.

29. How does Bottom react to Titania and the other fairies?

He is surprised that Titania loves him after all the actors have run from his sight. And he appreciates the fairies care and desires to know them more in depth. He loves the attention.

30. Bottom says, "…reason and love keep little company together nowadays." Why is this such an apt statement at this point in the play?

Because it not only applies to the fact that Titania seems to love him after seeing him for a second, and not knowing him, but it also applies to what happened with Hermia and Lysander. How he just she changed from loving Hermia to loving Helena in one second.

Act III, Scene 2

31. What does Hermia accuse Demetrius of doing?

She accuses him of killing Lysander in spite.

32. How are Puck and Oberon going to correct Puck’s earlier mistake?

They are going to put the love juice on Lysander's eyes so he will fall back in love with Hermia.

33. Why is Helena upset when Demetrius says he loves her? Isn’t this what she had wanted all along?

She thinks that there has been no significant happenings that could have influenced Demetrius to love her, so he must just be playing a cruel joke on her. It is what she wanted but not in this way.

34. Of what does Helena accuse Hermia?

Helena accuses Hermia of joining the men in mocking her. she thinks Hermia is part of this "Grand Scheme"

35. How close had Hermia and Helena been in the past?

They were best friends and were very close. Now Hermia thinks that Helena is a bad person and vice versa.

36. How does Lysander treat Hermia? Why can’t she believe what he says?

He treats her like dirt, says that he hates her and calls her mean names about her stature. She cannot believe what he says because she thinks nothing has happened that could have influenced him so much.

37. Of what does Hermia accuse Helena?

She accuses her of stealing Lysander from her.

38. Why is Helena afraid of Hermia?

She is a coward and does not want to fight Hermia. Even though she is bigger.

39. What are Lysander and Demetrius going off to do?

they are going off to fight each other for Helena. Because of their newfound love for her.

40. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about the two young men?

He tells Puck to lure the men to a certain spot by pretending to be the other man.

41. What is Oberon going to do about Titania?

He is going to ask for the boy a final time and then change her back to normal by putting the love juice an her eyes again.

42. Why doesn’t Oberon fear the coming of day?

He and Titania are different fairies that still have their powers during the day.

43. How well does Puck’s trickery work?

Very well, he successfully leads the mortals around and puts things pack to normal.

Podcast: By Lindsay and Manmeet media type="file" key="A Midsummer Night's Dream- Act 3, all scenes 3.mp3" width="240" height="20"

Act IV, Scene 1

44. How has Bottom adjusted to the attention of Titania and her fairies?

He has adjusted to the attention very well for he is asking them to scratch his head and to go fetch him hay.

45. What is Oberon’s reaction to Titania’s infatuation with Bottom?

He finds it humorous at first but then feels sorry for his deeds and starts to rethink his acts. He is going to put Titania back to normal. Once he asks for the changeling boy.

46. What sort of explanation will Oberon make to Titania’s question about what happened to her?

He tells Puck to change Bottom back, after he tells Titania that her "Dream" was real and points her to Bottom. When she asks into detail,he quickly changes the subject and talks about music.

47. Why are Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, and the others out in the woods so early in the morning?

The are out hunting and celebrating the rite of May. Also, it is the day Hermia has to make her decision.

48. What is Theseus’s first explanation of why the young people are asleep in the woods?

He says they "...rose up early to observe the rite of May, and hearing our intent, came hear, in grace of our solemnity."

49. What explanation does Demetrius make? Why does he compare his love for Hermia to an illness?

He says that he could not see his true love and that "...like a sickness, I did loath this food [Helena]..." But he finally recovered and came to his senses. He saw his natural love once again, Helena.

50. What is Theseus’s decision concerning the four young people?

He overrides Egeus' wish and declares, after consulting Hippolyta, that they will get married with him at the same time.

51. Why can’t the young people be sure whether they are awake or dreaming?

What has happened could not be possible, but since they all remember the same thing, it must be real.

52. Bottom believes he too has had a dream. How is he going to use that to entertain the Duke?

He is going to get Quince to write a ballad about this dream, which he is going to sing for the Duke.

Act IV, Scene 2

53. What opinion do the other artisans now have of Bottom since they think he is lost?

They are now really sad, they say he was a great actor and that 6 pence a day was what he deserved. They are crying.

54. What do they most regret losing by not being able to perform the play?

That they would have been payed so well, and that Bottom deserved to play for the Duke.

55. Why must the artisans hurry to the Duke’s palace?

He has already dined and it is almost time for the entertainment, and they haven't even gotten their costumes together.

Extending the thought process.
==== a) The fourth act opens and ends with Bottom at center stage. What is your opinion of Bottom’s character? How might he be the antithesis, or opposite, of Theseus’s character? ====

Theseus is an important person and has a real connection in the city, he is the Duke of Athens. He is also calm, and somewhat impatient. Bottom though, is a lower class citizen with a thirst for fame, he over dramatizes everything, and wants to have his opinion known even though no one wants his opinion.

==== b) How do most of the dreamers respond to the dream experience upon waking? Which character is changed permanently by the dream experience? ====

Most of thtem only faintly remember the "dream" but still have a feeling that that dream was a reality, Bottom however, is very changed by the dream because in it he was important and people listened to him. He was also still in love with Titania. He found his tiny crown nafter and so believes it was real, which it was.

==== c) In this act, several characters look back at prior infatuations with disbelief. What do you think Shakespeare is saying about love and infatuation? ====

He is saying that love is a very strange thing and that it has lots of ups and downs. He also says though, that it is blinding and that in the end, it is worth fighting for.

Podcast: By Manmeet and Lindsay media type="file" key="Bottom's Dream Ballad.mp3" width="240" height="20"

There once was a man named Bottom And Puck put a nasty spell on'im (on him) Young Bottom grew donkey ears and scared away his peers. Poor Bottom was a very sad soul.

Oh Bottom was a donkey Who was the love of the Fairy Queen But his life can't be that bad Cause he's livin' life in a dream. Yeeagh, Yeeagh, Word

Titania and Bottom had lots of fun All the Fairies were suprised, all but one Puck was just laughing at the humorous sight He did wet his pants that very night And poor Oberon had to watch it all.  Oh Bottom was a donkey Who was the love of the Fairy Queen But his life can't be that bad Cause he's livin' life in a dream. Yeeagh, Yeeagh, Word Respect.

Act V

56. Why does Theseus dismiss the stories of the four young people?

He dismisses the story of the young people because he thinks that it's only a dream.

57. Why does Theseus choose to see the play about Pyramus and Thisbe rather than the other entertainments?

Theseus choses to see the play about Pyramus and Thisbe because he thinks that if someone works hard on something it could be worth seeing.

58. Why does Philostrate try to keep Theseus from seeing the play? What does he say is wrong with it?

Philostrate tries to keep Theseus from seeing the play because he says it's not good at all. They actors are just mere workers in Athens and aren't talented at all. It would be a waste of time to watch it.

59. What does Theseus mean by the lines, "For never anything can be amiss, when simpleness and duty tender it"?

It means that nothing can be wrong if you worked hard for it/ on it.

60. What is accomplished by having the Prologue tell the whole story that the actors are then going to enact?

Nothing is really accomplished with the prologue because Quince just told the whole story in it so there's no real point in seeing the play. The audience now, however, knows that no one really died.

61. How does Shakespeare use comments from the audience to enhance the humour of the play that they are watching?

He used the audience to point out the flaws of the play within the play and the errors that the actors had made in a humorous manner.

62. What is Hippolyta’s reaction to the play?

At first she was like " Oh my gosh! This play sucks!" and closer to the end she was crying and was like " This play isn't that bad! It's quite touching!".

63. In what way is Thisbe’s final speech humorous?

Thisbe's final speech is humorous because she says (to the dead Pyramus) "Are you sleeping my love?" when he is clearly dead. We know this because he has a big sword sticking out of him.

64. What does Oberon tell the fairies to do?

Oberon tells the faries to bless the newly wed lovers.

65. What is the purpose of Puck’s final speech?

The purpose of Puck's final speech is to basically attract more people to come and watch the play. He also talks to the audience and says, "If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumbered here, While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend.". This basically means that if you thought that this play was bad, then it was only a dream.

Extending the thought process:

FInd at least one example of each of the following that occurs during the play within the play. Write down the quote that illustrates example.

excessive alliteration

"Whereat, with blade, with bloody blameful blade, he bravely broached his boiling bloody breast."

breaking the play’s illusion of reality

"No, in truth, sir, he should not. "Deceiving me" is Thisbe's cue. She is to enter now, and I am to spy her through the wall. You shall see, it will fall pat as I told you. Yonder she comes" Bottom says this directly to the audience.

using the wrong word or name

Pyramus: "Wilt thou at Ninny's tomb meet me straightway?"

repeating a word excessively

Pyramus: "Now die, die, die, die, die."

ridiculous metaphor

" ... That is the true beginning of our end."

=== a) In reading the play-within-a-play, we become the audience for the drama played out by Theseus, Hippolyta, and the others. These performers, in turn, form the audience for the reenactment of Pyramus and Thisbe. How does observing another audience help you understand the relationship between audience and performers? ===

It helps one understand what the audience thinks of the play while it is being presented. It also points out the humorous, or not so humorous, parts of the play as well.

=== b) Modern television shows often create comic effects by having a silly, innocent, or “clueless” character and a sarcastic, knowing, clever character play off of each other. What examples can you think of? ===

Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck; Rabbit and Tigger; Timone and Pumba. =)

=== c) Identify ways in which Pyramus and Thisbe might be unsuitable for a wedding celebration. Are there any ways in which the play might be appropriate? In what ways is the play-within-a-play an ironic commentary on what the two pairs of young lovers (Demetrius and Helena, Lysander and Hermia) have gone through earlier? ===

It is unsuitable because the lovers DIE at the end. It's a wedding and the two lovers shouldn't die. It's suitable because it's a wonderful story full of emotions and about two lovers (like the married couple). The play within the play relates to what happened with Demetrius, Lysander, Helena, and Hermia because they know what it feels like to loose their love.

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