A Midsummer Night's Dream
Some general notes for Act I, scene 1:
Blank Verse: A poetic form that uses five feet (measures) of iambic rhythm (stressed/unstressed syllables). Shakespeare wrote almost all of the lines in all his plays using this technique. Note in this play when it is NOT used.
Stichomythia: alternate lines of dialogue spoken by two actors for dramatic effect. Notice in Act I, scene 1, examples of this between Hermia and Lysander.
Soliloquy: a speech spoken by an actor often alone on stage, addressed to the audience/self, which expresses inner thoughts and feelings. An "aside" is a shorter version of the same. Note Helena's speech that concludes Act I, scene 1.
Allusion: a reference found in literature to another piece of literature, mythology or historical event. Shakespeare often used these in his plays. There are several examples in this Act.
Questions for Act I, Scene 1:
1. Where is the play set?
2. What is Theseus's title?
3. What event will occur in four days?
4. What is Philostrate's role in court?
5. What complaint has Egeus brought to Theseus?
6. Quote some of the ways Lysander has won over Hermia's heart. (lines 27 - 38)
7. What is the "ancient privilege of Athens"?
8. What three choices is Hermia given? By what time is she given to make her decision?
9. Quote at least three ways Lysander believes he's at least as good a choice for Hermia as Demetrius. (Lines 99 - 104)
10. Hermia says to Lysander: "The course of true love never did run smooth". What does she mean?
11. At about line 142, Lysander makes a speech repeatedly using a poetic device. What device is it?
12. At about line 145, Hermia gives some advice to Lysander. What is it?
13. What plan does Lysander come up with for him and Hermia?
14. At about line 170, by what things does Hermia swear allegiance to Lysander?
15. After Helena arrives, she complains of something to the lovers. What is it?
16. Notice the use of rhyming couplets starting just before Helena's entrance. Record two lines that are an example of this.
17. What plan does Helena come up with at the end of scene 1?
18. In this speech, what conflicts does Helena say are created by love?
Scene 2:
Notes for scene 2:
Oxymoron: the joining together of two words of opposite meaning to create a new, fresh meaning. In this play, the "rude mechanicals" do it mistakenly, and therefore, humorously.
Malaprop: the mistaken, and therefore comical, mistaken use of a word. This is commonly done by Bottom.
19. Name the six characters in this scene. What is the significance of each of their names?
20. Who is the director of the play? What is the play's name?
21. For what event are they preparing the play?
22. What is the specific purpose of the meeting?
23. Where are they planning to meet the next night? What dramatic complication might arise from this?
Act II, Scene 1:
1. By what other name does the fairy call Puck?
2. Name at least two tricks or pranks Puck has pulled on someone.
3. What role does Puck play for Oberon?
4. Who are Oberon and Titania?
5. After Oberon and Titania arrive, Titania describes the result of their quarrel on nature. Name three things she says has happened.
6. Why are they fighting? What is Titania's reason for wanting the Indian boy?
7. What plan does Oberon come up with to punish Titania for her disobedience? What is Puck's part in the plan?
8. What is the name of the flower Puck is to search for?
9. What are the newcomers who enter the scene discussing?
10. What does Oberon tell Puck to do for the "sweet Athenian lady"? What will be the outcome of this action?
11. Name at least three of the herbs or flowers Oberon mentions starting at about line 240.
Act II, Scene 2:
12. What is the purpose of the spell Oberon places on Titania?
13. About what do Hermia and Lysander argue? How do they resolve the issue before falling asleep?
14. What mistake does Puck make?
15. What does Helena say about Hermia at about line 90?
16. What happens when Lysander awakes? What is Helena's response?
17. What was Hermia's dream at the end of this scene? How is the dream significant?