A+Mid+Summer+Night's+Dream

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 * 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 how quick the next four days pass is different from that of Theseus because Hippolyta is saying that the next four days will past very quickly, while Theseus thinks that the next four days will seem to be dragged on forever.


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

Egeus has bought his daughter and her two suitors to Theseus since her daughter wants to marry one of her suitors, but Egeus wants her to marry the other. Egues excepts the king to give him permission to force Hermia to marry Demetrius or let him kill Hermia (the king gives another option, the option to make Hermia 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?**

The proper role for women/daughters in the Athenian society, according to Egeus and Theseus, was that they were suppose to listen to their father when they were unwed and listen to their husband when wed (the commanding male in their life decided all their decisions). Theseus's ruling concerning Hermia was that he warned her, that by law, Egeus has the power to kill her if she didn't listen. Theseus personally suggest that Hermia should become a nun. In that way, she doesn't have to marry Demetrius and doesn't have to be killed.


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

Lysander comment about Demetrius's previous love affair with Helena complicates things because it shows us how much of a player Demetrius is. This is farther intensified in the movie, as well as in quotes like:

"Demetrius, I'll avouch it to his head, Made love to Nedar's daughter, Helena, And won her soul; and she, sweet lady, dotes, Devoutly dotes, dotes in idolatry, Upon this spotted and inconstant man."


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

Lysander and Hermia plan on running off into the forest to go to Lysander's aunt's house and get married there (his aunt's house is outside of Athens's territory, therefore not affected by its law). They tell Helena because, first off, Helena and Hermia are very good friends, so it seems only natural that Hermia would tell her best friend about her plan to escape. As well, Lysander and Hermia felt sorry for how Helena had her heart crushed, therefore, they would like to inform her that she has a chance with Demetrius, now that Hermia was outta the picture.


 * 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?**

Helena tells Demetrius about Hermia and Lysander's plan because she thinks that being loyal to Demetrius will make Demetrius fall in love with her.

You can see her thought process in this quote: "For ere Demetrius look'd on Hermia's eyne, He hail'd down oaths that he was only mine; And when this hail some heat from Hermia felt, So he dissolved, and showers of oaths did melt. I will go tell him of fair Hermia's flight: Then to the wood will he to-morrow night Pursue her; and for this intelligence If I have thanks, it is a dear expense: But herein mean I to enrich my pain, To have his sight thither and back again."


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

The choices that Hermia has, that are made by Theseus and her farther, are either: marry Demetrius, get killed for disobeying her farther, or become a nun. Lysander suggest that she should run away to their aunt's house. There, they can get married without being affected by Athens's law.


 * Act I, Scene 2**
 * 8. Why does Nick Bottom want to play all the parts?**

Nick Bottom wants to play all the parts because he's extremely egotistic and thinks he's going to be amazing at all the parts.

You can feel his cockiness in quotes like: "That will ask some tears in the true performing of it: if I do it, let the audience look to their eyes; I will move storms, I will condole in some measure. To the rest: yet my chief humour is for a tyrant: I could play Ercles rarely, or a part to tear a cat in, to make all split."


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

This scene is funny because of its lighthearted showcase of Bottom. When he gets super arrogant, he provides humorous imagery. We are laughing at his arrogance (not with). Shakespeare included this scene to poke fun at plays at the time. He used a play within a play as a way to poke fun at the theater and had things like having a man growing a bread play a women to show how silly the theater was at that time.


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

The actors were suppose to meet in the woods, at the duke's oak, the following night, Lysander and Hermia are meeting there as well.


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

I would describe Bottom's acting abilities as over exaggerated. He's not bad, nor is he good, the thing is, the way he acts is over exaggerated. Yes, he's trying to get his point across, but he's over emphasizing it, therefore weakening his acting abilities. Bottom's own opinion on his acting abilities is that he's amazing. He thinks he's an amazing actor who can play all the parts in a play.


 * -- **


 * 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? **

The readers find out that Oberon, King of the Fairies, and Titiania, Queen of the Fairies, are in a difficult situation. Every time they talk to each other, disaster strikes. To add insult to injury, Titiania has an adopted child from one of her servants that she's tending for, and Oberon is jealous of the child and wants to take the child and raise him as a soldier (Titiania doesn't want that to happen).


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

Oberon had an affair with Hippolyta and Titania had an affair with Theseus. This is why they came to Athens. Hippolyta and Theseus are going to get married, and since Oberon and Titania had an affair with the groom and bride respectively, it would only make sense that Oberon and Titania would go and check out the wedding.


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

When Hippolyta and Titania quarrel, disaster strikes. Monstrous events such as the erupting of a volcano or a deadly tsunamis occur. The seasons become harsh, fall becomes chilling and winter becomes angry. The farmers cannot spout their crops and the soil is filled with salt, therefore nothing can grow.

Quotes such as " The fold stands empty in the drowned field, And crows are fatted with the murrion flock; The nine men's morris is fill'd up with mud, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">And the quaint mazes in the wanton green <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">For lack of tread are undistinguishable: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The human mortals want their winter here; <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">No night is now with hymn or carol blest: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Therefore the moon, the governess of floods, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Pale in her anger, washes all the air, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">That rheumatic diseases do abound: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">And thorough this distemperature we see <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The seasons alter: hoary-headed frosts <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Far in the fresh lap of the crimson rose,"

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Show us the effect of their quarrels.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">13. Why won’t Titania give up the changeling to Oberon? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Titania will not give up the changeling to Oberon because it is the son of one of her loyal servants (who is now dead), Titania feels as if she must honor her loyal servant by taking care of her child. As well, Titania has become attached to the changeling and views it as her son.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">14. What does Oberon send Puck to find? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">A purple flower (called love-in-idleness) that was shot by one of cupids arrows is what Oberon sends Puck to find. It makes the user of the flower fall in love with the first person/thing they see.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">See this quote" <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">At a fair vestal throned by the west, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">And loosed his love-shaft smartly from his bow, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">As it should pierce a hundred thousand hearts; <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">But I might see young Cupid's fiery shaft <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Quench'd in the chaste beams of the watery moon, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">And the imperial votaress passed on, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">In maiden meditation, fancy-free. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Yet mark'd I where the bolt of Cupid fell: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">It fell upon a little western flower, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Before milk-white, now purple with love's wound, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">And maidens call it love-in-idleness."


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">15. What are Oberon’s plans for Titania? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Oberon wants to put the flower in Titania's eyes, after that, Titania will fall in love with a beast of the forest and when Titania is distracted, Oberon can take the changeling. Humiliating Titania is a plus as well.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">16. How does Helena react to Demetrius’s verbal abuse? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Helena reacts to Demetrius's verbal abuse by using snappy comebacks that make it seem that the more Demetrius insults Helena, the more Helena loves Demetrius.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">For example she says things like " <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">And even for that do I love you the more.

and

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Neglect me, lose me; only give me leave, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Unworthy as I am, to follow you. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">What worser place can I beg in your love,-- <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">And yet a place of high respect with me,-- <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Than to be used as you use your dog?

and

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">And I am sick when I look not on you. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">"


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">17. What is her response to his threats of physical abuse? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">When Demetrius threatens Helena with physical abuse, Helena totally embraces it.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">See quotes like " <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The more you beat me, I will fawn on you: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Use me but as your spaniel, spurn me, strike me,

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Your virtue is my privilege: for that <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">It is not night when I do see your face, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Therefore I think I am not in the night; <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Nor doth this wood lack worlds of company, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">For you in my respect are all the world: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Then how can it be said I am alone, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">When all the world is here to look on me?"


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">18. In what way is Helena’s behaviour inappropriate for Athenian women? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Men are suppose to command women in Athens at that time. Helena's behavior is inappropriate for the Athenian women in the sense that she's not listening to Demetrius. Demetrius wants her gone, but all Helena does is pursue him even more. Man are usually annoyances for women, but in this situation, the women is an annoyance for the man. As well, with how obsessed Helena is with Demetrius, it makes Helena's behaviors inappropriate for any type of woman.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">19. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about Demetrius and Helena? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Oberon tells Puck put the flower juice in an Athenian man with Athenian clothing's (Demetrius) eyes, so he can fall in love with a women who is madly in love with him (Helena).


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Act II, Scene 2 **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">20. Why does Oberon want Titania to wake and fall in love with some vile thing? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Oberon wants Titania to wake and fall in love with a beast because if she does so, she will be distracted, meaning that Oberon can take the changeling. As well, since Titania will be in love with a beast of the forest, she will totally humiliate herself.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">21. Why does Hermia insist Lysander sleep a little ways from her? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Hermia insist that Lysander sleep a little ways from her because she wants to have some human modesty. Even in the Athenian period, making love in the forest floor would be considered 'rude'. It's not because she doesn't love Lysander, it's because she wants to have manners. As well, she wants to make love after their wedding, not before.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">22. Why does Puck anoint Lysander’s eyes? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The reason why Puck anoints Lysander's eyes is because Puck thought that Lysander was Demetrius. This makes sense since they were both wearing Athenian clothing (stuff like togas and what not). They both are Athenian men and since Lysander and Hermia were sleeping away from each other, Puck assumed that they were the couple Oberon was talking about, so he put the flower in Lysander's eyes.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">23. How does Helena react to Lysander’s sudden love for her when he awakens? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Helena is insulted. She thinks that Lysander is just taunting her for the fact that Demetrius does not love her. She thinks that he and Demetrius are ganging up on her. She even goes to the drastic measures of saying that she thinks Lysander is not a gentleman anymore.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">See this quote " <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Wherefore was I to this keen mockery born? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">When at your hands did I deserve this scorn? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Is't not enough, is't not enough, young man, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">That I did never, no, nor never can, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Deserve a sweet look from Demetrius' eye, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">But you must flout my insufficiency? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Good troth, you do me wrong, good sooth, you do, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">In such disdainful manner me to woo. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">But fare you well: perforce I must confess <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">I thought you lord of more true gentleness. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">O, that a lady, of one man refused. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Should of another therefore be abused!"


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">24. How is Hermia’s dream a reflection of reality? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Hermia's dream is a reflection of reality because during the dream, Hermia has a serpent eating her heart, while in real life, Lysander is cursed by the flower and falls in love with Helana, therefore breaking Hermia's heart. Now it exaggerates the fact that Lysander is cruelly laughing at Hermia, however, Lysander isn't too keen on talking with Hermia anymore. He even goes out to say <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">"Content with Hermia! No; I do repent <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The tedious minutes I with her have spent. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Not Hermia but Helena I love: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Who will not change a raven for a dove?" <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">All in all, the dream is symbolism for the events that are going to happen once Hermia finds out that Lysander loves Helena instead of her.


 * 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?**

The actors are going to inform the ladies when Pyramus kills himself and when the lion roars by writing a prologue explaining that Pyramus isn't really going to kill himself and he's really not Pyramus, but an actor called Bottom. The lion will also be clearly seen as a guy in a lion suit and the lion will explain he's not really a lion (he will also reduce his terrifying roar). They pretty much are pointing out the obvious to the audience.


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

The actors are going to manage the setting/scenery by 1. putting a window in the room (the day is a full moon, so all they need is a window for the moonlight effect) and 2. make someone be the wall during the play (I don't know either....).


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

The rest of the actors run off when Bottom reappears because Puck changed Bottom's head to the head of an ass. Everybody is scared, since Bottom looks like a mutation.


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

Puck changes into a bunch of beast to scare the other actors even more. Not only are they surprised that Bottom is an ass, but now they are afraid of forest beast chasing them.


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

Bottom reacts pretty smugly to Titania and the other fairies. He is sort of confused, but, he is liking a fairy queen loving him and having fairy servants. He pretty much is going like "Okay, this is weird, but I'll take it".


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

"...reason and love keep little company together nowadays." is such an apt statement in this play because the whole play is pretty much based on this quote. Everything that happened in this play involving love had little reason. Demetrius suddenly loving Helena and Lysander suddenly hating Hermia and loving Helena had little reason, the play's theme is that love is random.


 * Act III, Scene 2**


 * 31. What does Hermia accuse Demetrius of doing?**

Hermia accuses Demetrius of killing Lysander. She does this because she thinks Demetrius is mad at Lysander because he and Hermia were planing on running off and getting married.


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

Puck and Oberon are going to correct Puck's mistake by reversing the spell on Lysander by squeezing flower juice in Lysander's eyes to reverse the false love between Lysander and Helena.


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

Helena is upset when Demetrius says he loves her because she thinks that Demetrius and Lysander are mocking her for loving Demetrius while having Demetrius despise her. She doesn't think Demetrius loves her, she thinks that Demetrius is just saying that to mock her.


 * 34. Of what does Helena accuse Hermia?**

Helena accuses Hermia of being part of Demetrius and Lysander's plan to mock her.


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

Hermia and Helena have been BFFs in the past.

See this quote: "The sisters' vows, the hours that we have spent, When we have chid the hasty-footed time For parting us,--O, is it all forgot? All school-days' friendship, childhood innocence? We, Hermia, like two artificial gods, Have with our needles created both one flower, Both on one sampler, sitting on one cushion, Both warbling of one song, both in one key, As if our hands, our sides, voices and minds, Had been incorporate. So we grow together, Like to a double cherry, seeming parted, But yet an union in partition; Two lovely berries moulded on one stem; So, with two seeming bodies, but one heart; Two of the first, like coats in heraldry, Due but to one and crowned with one crest. And will you rent our ancient love asunder, To join with men in scorning your poor friend? It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly:".


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

Lysander treats Hermia like she's trash. He doesn't want any part of Hermia and prefers Helena any day. Hermia can't believe what he says because five minutes ago, Lysander was trying to get in bed with Hermia and was expressing his true love for her.


 * 37. Of what does Hermia accuse Helena?**

Hermia accuses Helena of stealing Lysander's heart.

"O me! you juggler! you canker-blossom! You thief of love! what, have you come by night And stolen my love's heart from him?"


 * 38. Why is Helena afraid of Hermia?**

Helena is afraid of Hermia because, even though Hermia is small, she is vicious and in a cat fight, Hermia would probably beat Helena eight days a week.


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

Lysander and Demetrius are going off to duel to decide who gets Helena.


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

Oberon tells Puck to tire the two out. Puck pretends to be the other man, mocks the other man and makes both Demetrius and Lysander follow him and makes both of them very tired. Since Oberon is applying fog, Puck can lead them close to each other without them fighting each other and then they can fall asleep (due to drowsiness) and Oberon and Puck can put the flower juice (the one that reverses the love-in-idleness flower's effect) into Lysander's eyes.


 * 41. What is Oberon going to do about Titania?**

Oberon is going to ask Titania for the changeling, and since Titania is so madly in love with a beast, Oberon will gain the Indian boy with little problems. After, Oberon is going to free Titania of his spell and everything will be at peace.


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

Oberon doesn't fear the coming of the day, because he's not a creature excelled by light. He can have business during the day, this is especially true since Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding is coming up.

Refer to this quote: "But we are spirits of another sort: I with the morning's love have oft made sport, And, like a forester, the groves may tread, Even till the eastern gate, all fiery-red, Opening on Neptune with fair blessed beams, Turns into yellow gold his salt green streams. But, notwithstanding, haste; make no delay: We may effect this business yet ere day."


 * 43. How well does Puck’s trickery work?**

Puck's trickery works well because he is the master of tricks and jokes. He's REALLY good at making fun of Demetrius and Lysander and making them following him. His insults are so insulting that it's beautiful.

Quotes like: "Thou coward, art thou bragging to the stars, Telling the bushes that thou look'st for wars, And wilt not come? Come, recreant; come, thou child; I'll whip thee with a rod: he is defiled That draws a sword on thee."

show how good Puck's trickery is.

====**Review Question: The climax, or turning point, of //A Midsummer Night’s Dream// comes at the end of Act 3. In point form describe the major plot points of Act Three starting from when Titania falls in love with Bottom leading to the climax or turning point of the play near the end of act three.**====


 * -Titania falls in love with Bottom; Bottom has fairy slaves that do what he desires**


 * -Oberon tells Puck to fix what he has done (used the love flower on the wrong person)**


 * -Helena gets more mad because she thinks both Lysander and Demetrius are mocking her**


 * -Helena and Hermia get into a big argument**


 * -Lysander and Demetrius run off into the forest to fight for Helena**


 * -Puck tires Lysander and Demetrius out and they fall asleep and Helena and Hermia just so happen to become tired at the same spot as Lysander and Demetrius**


 * -Puck reverses the spell on Lysander**



Act IV, Scene 1
 * 44. How has Bottom adjusted to the attention of Titania and her fairies?**

Bottom has adjusted to the attention of Titania and her fairies by already taking it for granted. At first he was like "This is weird" and then a little while later, he's getting the fairies to rub his head. He turns into his old cocky self very quickly.


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

Oberon feels sorry for Titania. He got what he wanted, and he feels sorry that Titania fell in love with such a jerk.


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

Oberon points to where Bottom was and quickly changes the subject when Titania ask what happened to her.


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

Theseus, Hippolyta and Egeus and the others are out in the woods so early in the morning because they are celebrating Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding by going out and hunting foxes.


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

Theseus's first explanation of why the young people are asleep in the woods is that they heard that Theseus and Hippolyta were going fox hunting, so they decided to come join in/congratulate the couple.

See this quote "No doubt they rose up early to observe The rite of May, and hearing our intent, Came here in grace our solemnity. But speak, Egeus; is not this the day That Hermia should give answer of her choice?"


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

Demetrius's explanation was that Helena told him about the plan, and in the forest, he magically realized that he loved Helena, not Hermia. He compares his love for Hermia as an illness because he only loved her for a brief amount of time, after that, he fell in love with Helena again.

See this quote " My lord, fair Helen told me of their stealth, Of this their purpose hither to this wood; And I in fury hither follow'd them, Fair Helena in fancy following me. But, my good lord, I wot not by what power,-- But by some power it is,--my love to Hermia, Melted as the snow, seems to me now As the remembrance of an idle gaud Which in my childhood I did dote upon; And all the faith, the virtue of my heart, The object and the pleasure of mine eye, Is only Helena. To her, my lord, Was I betroth'd ere I saw Hermia: But, like in sickness, did I loathe this food; But, as in health, come to my natural taste, Now I do wish it, love it, long for it, And will for evermore be true to it."


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

Theseus's decision concerning the four young people was that they would all get married together. It will be a triple wedding!


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

The young people cannot be sure whether they were awake or dreaming because of how absurd their night was. First, Lysander falls in love with Helena, then Demetrius falls in love with Helena, then the sky becomes foggy all a sudden and then the king and queen of Athens walk in. The night they had seemed like a dream, but at that same time, had this realistic quality, that made it seem like the things were actually happening.


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

He's going to get Peter to write a ballad of his dream and then he's going to sing it at the end of the play to entertain the Duke and Duchess.


 * Act IV, Scene 2**
 * 53. What opinion do the other artisans now have of Bottom since they think he is lost?**

The artisans think that Bottom was an amazing guy now that he was gone. They go on and say how cool of a guy he was, now that he's gone. It really shows us how perspectives change once someone leaves.

They say stuff like "QUINCE It is not possible: you have not a man in all Athens able to discharge Pyramus but he.

FLUTE No, he hath simply the best wit of any handicraft man in Athens.

QUINCE Yea and the best person too; and he is a very paramour for a sweet voice."


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

They regret disappointing Bottom (for he barely made a living, and now, he had a chance of getting rich from the play which he cannot take because he's missing), without Bottom, they could not get rich (and or become royalty). They think, without Bottom, they can't have the play and they can't get rich!


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

The artisans must hurry to the Duke's palace because that's where the triple wedding is. Their logic is that if they make it to the triple wedding, they get paid three times (making an financial increase of 300%!).

**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?**
My opinion on Bottom's character is that he's a very comical character. He's poor, cocky, arrogant and dumb, however, I feel as if he is the most memorable character in the whole play. He's the most unique character and when we finish Night's Dream, we will remember it for its moments with Bottom, not the main love triangle stuff. That, of course, is my opinion, I just think Bottom has a lot more depth than all the other characters, despite being flat. He is the opposite of Theseus because Theseus is rich, kind, considerate, and a really good dude, while Bottom is poor, selfish, and you would usually think of him as a jerk.

====**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 the dreamers respond to the dream experience upon waking up by being confusing. They cannot decide if it's a reality or fantasy. The experience they had seemed totally unreal, however, it still had that real silver lining to it. The dreamers are puzzled with what they thought happened and what really happened. They don't know if what they think happened is what actually happened! The character who is permanently changed by the dream experience is Demetrius. He's the only one who's been changed forever. He loves Helena now, not Hermia. Everyone else still loves who they loved before.

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

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Shakespeare is saying that love is random. The problem with the relationship between the main characters were due to random events happening. For example, Demetrius and Helena were lovers, then suddenly Demetrius sought after Hermia, to Helena, that event was totally random. Then, as all hope was lost for Helena, Demetrius falls in love with Helena once again. Lysander starts to fall in love with Helena, to Hermia, that event was totally random. You cannot predict love. You cannot predict how long it will last or when it will end. This is because love is like a chemical (actually it is a chemical), it will react to different situations, and with these reactions, it can turn into a totally different thing. The difference is that, through scientific research, you can predict how a chemical reacts to a given environment, while, with love,you cannot predict how it works, it is completely random. That very randomness is what Shakespeare is trying to say about love and infatuation. media type="file" key="Fresh King of Bottom.mp3" width="240" height="20"

Amazing!

Here is the situation for the podcast: Bottom is singing his ballad to the audience. He dumbs it down as much as possible. It should be noted that I purposely left out the note that Bottom wanted his dream to be an reality, this is because I am trying to make this ballad as if Bottom was performing it in front of everyone, therefore, being as cautious as possible to avoid being called insane.

//lyrics :// //Now this is a ballad all 'bout how my life got flipped turned upside-down,////Thou shall like to take a minute, just sit right there////,////Thou shall tell you how he became the king of a hitch called Titania// //Thou wast speaking to Thisbe the lass, when suddenly thou friends ran off like I was an ass,////Thou insulted them, thou had no choice,////They all scurried into the woods in masses, thou was okay for thee fairy queen passes,////Though started to sing and she fell in love with my memorizing voice, now this is my ballad and interesting song choice,// //Thou goth her minions to play the tongs and the bones, acquiring free hay and head massages, the play can be post-ponied!////*Bonk*,*bonk*, *bonk*, the sound is truly beautiful,////Mustard Seed, Cobweb and Peasebottom are all thou slaves now, and thou gets to couch (sleep with) the fairy queen? WOW.////This night hast been a fantasy, thou must conclude that it must be thou being dreamful,//

Act V


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

Theseus dismisses the stories of the four young people because it's so unbelievable. They start falling in love with each other for two minutes, then BAM, they fall in love with someone else. Theseus doesn't believe love can be achieved so quickly like that, therefore he dismisses the stories. As well, he does not like talking about suddenly loving someone else during his wedding.


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

Theseus chooses to see the play about Pyramus and Thisby rather than the other entertainments because he feels as though, a group of his servants performing to please the duke is a lot better than a group of men who are performing for some money, and then leaving afterwards. He thinks that his loyal subject's effort will be better than a spectacular play. He feels the innocents of the actors will make the play good (it's the thought that counts).

See this quote "I will hear that play; For never anything can be amiss, When simpleness and duty tender it. Go, bring them in: and take your places, ladies."


 * 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 it's awful. He says that it is short but painful to watch, it goes together like hot ice and strange snow (albeit, not very well), it's chaos, and that it's so bad that instead of crying tears of sadness at the tragic scenes, he cried tears of laughter. Ten words is already too long for the play.

"A play there is, my lord, some ten words long, Which is as brief as I have known a play; But by ten words, my lord, it is too long, Which makes it tedious; for in all the play There is not one word apt, one player fitted: And tragical, my noble lord, it is; For Pyramus therein doth kill himself. Which, when I saw rehearsed, I must confess, Made mine eyes water; but more merry tears The passion of loud laughter never shed."


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

Theseus means that nothing can be bad with innocents and the will to server thou king tenders it. He's saying, as long as the actors are trying to please him, it means it's been a win already. The innocents of a group of aspiring actors make the play so much better, it's worth more for them than a group of con-artist. It's the thought that counts.


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

Having the whole story spoiled is what was accomplished by having the prologue tell the whole story that the actors are going enact. The major plot point (having a lion attack) is spoiled, which makes the play less exciting. I mean it did make the whole audience confused, so that accomplishes something, but other than ruining the whole play BEFORE the play begins (as well as insulting the intelligence of everyone in the audience), it doesn't accomplish anything useful.


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

Shakespeare uses comments from the audience to enhance the humour of the play that they are watching by using the audience to point out the small things you giggle about. The play is so bad it's funny, therefore, Shakespeare, knowing that, uses the audience as an excuse to insult the play. The audience points things out and makes you laugh AT the play. Watching a bad movie by yourself is boring, but when you watch it with a group, it's a good time since you can insult the play together. This scenario also applies to plays. This is also why Philostrate didn't like the play (he didn't have anyone to watch it with). The play was funny because the audience was insulting it together, and the act of insulting the play made it a lot more bearable.


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

Hippolyta's reaction to the play is that she is completely confused about what just happened. She thinks it's incredibly silly and thinks this is a very weird interpretation of Pyramus and Thisby. In fact, she sarcastically insults the play by saying quote likes

"Well shone, Moon. Truly, the moon shines with a good grace. "

She is completely stunned with how silly the play it. She pokes fun of it and comments on it in a confused tone through the whole play (excluding the amazing ending).


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

Thisby's final speech wasn't humorous. It was beautiful.

"Asleep, my love? What, dead, my dove? O Pyramus, arise! Speak, speak. Quite dumb? Dead, dead? A tomb Must cover thy sweet eyes. These My lips, This cherry nose, These yellow cowslip cheeks, Are gone, are gone: Lovers, make moan: His eyes were green as leeks. O Sisters Three, Come, come to me, With hands as pale as milk; Lay them in gore, Since you have shore With shears his thread of silk. Tongue, not a word: Come, trusty sword; Come, blade, my breast imbrue: Stabs herself And, farewell, friends; Thus Thisby ends: Adieu, adieu, adieu.

Dies"

How can you say this was funny? It was stunning. The only humorous thing was the fact that it was played by a male, but put that aside and you have an AMAZING piece of dialogue. In fact, this is the best piece of dialogue in Night's Dream, you can feel Thisby's pain and this piece of work is truly going to be one of the highlights of Night's Dream. This piece of dialogue is ironic because every part except this part was poorly executed, therefore, it's ironic that the last part of the play (the most important part) is ridiculously good. However, ironic does not equal humorous. Irony isn't always used for humor, ya know? I know that it's suppose to be humorous when Pyramus just walks up from his dead body and talks to the audience, but it's not, all it does is ruin the moment. It's one of the only times Bottom is annoying.


 * 64. What does Oberon tell the fairies to do?**

Oberon tells the fairies to go into the rooms of the newly wed couples and bless them.

"Every fairy take his gait; And each several chamber bless, Through this palace, with sweet peace; And the owner of it blest Ever shall in safety rest. Trip away; make no stay; Meet me all by break of day."


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

The purpose of Puck's final speech was directly speak with the audience and close the story. It was also Shakespeare's way of telling the audience to advertise the play to their friends if they liked it, and pretend it's a dream if they disliked it.

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.

<span style="color: #1a1a18; font-family: Times,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">excessive alliteration

"For, by thy gracious, golden, glittering gleams,"

<span style="color: #1a1a18; font-family: Times,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> breaking the play’s illusion of reality

<span style="color: #1a1a18; font-family: Times,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">" BOTTOM

[Starting up] No assure you; the wall is down that

parted their fathers. Will it please you to see the

epilogue, or to hear a Bergomask dance between two

of our company?"

<span style="color: #1a1a18; font-family: Times,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> using the wrong word or name

<span style="color: #1a1a18; font-family: Times,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">" And, like Limander, am I trusty still."

<span style="color: #1a1a18; font-family: Times,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> repeating a word excessively

<span style="color: #1a1a18; font-family: Times,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">" And thou, O wall, O sweet, O lovely wall,"

I don't think they used the word 'wall' enough in this statement.

<span style="color: #1a1a18; font-family: Times,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">ridiculous metaphor

Pyramus I see a voice: now will I to the chink, To spy an I can hear my Thisby's face. Thisby!

Thisbe My love thou art, my love I think.

Pyramus Think what thou wilt, I am thy lover's grace; And, like Limander, am I trusty still.

Okay, one its own, the metaphors in this scene aren't so ridiculous, but when you factor in the awkwardness of having a guy play a wall in-between them, the metaphors become a lot more ridiculous.

===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?===

Observing another audience helps me understand the relationship between audience and performers because the comments the audience gives, provides insight on how the audience and the actors interact. The insight they give, gives the reader an image on how different the audience is to the performers, may it be social status, personality or physical appearance, it does not matter, for the comments that the audience gives, gives a clear idea of the differences, similarities and overall relationship between the audience and the performers.

===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?===

Wow, what else? PINKIE AND THE BRAIN! (//Pinkie and the Brain, one is a genius, the others insane, laboratory mice, their genes have been sliced)//. This defines the innocent character and clever character relationships. As well, this stuff was my childhood, so nostalgia is clouding my judgement. Pinkie being built to be clueless, and having innocents with him, while Brain being an evil genius trying to rule the world. On the top of my head, I can think of a few others, the most notable pair would be Jesse Pinkman and Walter White from Breaking Bad. Walter is originally the clueless and innocent one, but he breaks bad and it's Pinkman who becomes innocent (having to keep telling himself that he's the bad guy). For example, see this quote:

Walter: "I'm sorry what were you asking me? Oh yeah, that stupid plastic container I asked you to buy. You see hydrochloric acid will not eat through plastic, it will however dissolve metal, rock, *pause* glass *pause* and ceramic, so there's that."
 * Jesse dissolves a body in hydrochloric acid in his bath tub and he's complaining that Walt needs to get rid of the other body (just go with it for now, it will take a while to explain all this)*
 * The Jesse and Walter hear a bang and walk to where it was*
 * Body guts everywhere*

This shows cleverness, sarcasm and knowledge all in one quote and show us the interaction between a clueless character and a clever, sarcastic, knowing character.

===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?===

Pyramus and Thisbe might be unsuitable for a wedding celebration because it's a story about how love will never succeed, the ending is about the two lovers, who cannot live life without each other, committing suicide. Don't put a love tragedy in a celebration of love... The only silver lining is that the actors who did the play were so bad, that it completely neglects the fact that it's a tragedy, and turns the play into a comedy. So, in a sense, it is appropriate because of the actors who did the play (however, if real professionals were playing the play, then it would be inappropriate). The play-within-a-play is an ironic commentary on what the pairs of young lovers have gone through because its theme outlines the experience the two pairs of lovers had. Love is a bunch of misconceptions, this is true for the play and also true for the lovers. The lovers probably don't realize that the play is outlining their experience, thus making this scene ironic. In the play, it was a tragedy and comedy at the same time. Between the lovers, you could feel how tragic it was for Hermia when Lysander left him and you felt sorry for Helena, when she thought Demetrius and Lysander were ganging up on her, but at the same time, you couldn't help but laugh when Lysander called Hermia an acorn. The play-within-a-play is so similar to the two pair of lovers that it displays excellent dramatic irony.

On a side note:[|This is the best Shakespeare parody of all time]

Completion 25/25 Effort 25/25 Content 25/25 total 75/75

Podcast 1 - 19/20 Podcast 2 - 20/20