Act 1
Who is Hermia in love with?
Lysander
Who is Puck?
Oberon’s mischievous servant, also called Robin Goodfellow.
What happens to Bottom during rehearsal?
Puck transforms his head into that of a donkey.
What does Oberon do to resolve the problems?
He orders Puck to remove the spells from the lovers and Titania.
Who is Theseus in the play?
The Duke of Athens
What punishment does Egeus demand for Hermia if she refuses to marry Demetrius?
Death or life in a convent (to remain unmarried).
Why are Oberon and Titania fighting?
Over custody of a Indian boy.
How does Titania react when she sees Bottom?
She falls instantly in love with him due to the potion.
How does Titania feel after the spell is lifted?
Embarrassed and horrified that she loved Bottom.
Who is in love with Demetrius at the start of the play?
Helena
How does Lysander plan to escape the Athenian law with Hermia?
By running away together to his aunt’s house outside Athens.
What mistake does Puck make with the love potion?
He puts it on Lysander’s eyes instead of Demetrius’s.
What happens between the four lovers in this act?
They all chase and argue with each other, with both men loving Helena and Hermia feeling betrayed.
How do the young lovers explain their night in the forest?
They think it was all a strange dream.
What unusual thing happens to Bottom?
His head is changed into that of a donkey.
Why does Shakespeare introduce the “mechanicals” rehearsing a play?
To add comic relief and set up the play-within-a-play for later.
How does the forest setting influence the events?
It creates a magical, chaotic place where normal rules do not apply.
How does Shakespeare create comedy here?
Through mistaken identities, exaggerated quarrels, and the absurdity of Titania loving a donkey-headed man. (any 1)
Why does Bottom remember his adventure only as a dream?
It keeps the magical events mysterious and emphasises the dreamlike quality of the play
How is Puck different from the other fairies?
He is mischievous, playful, and enjoys causing trouble.
What theme is introduced through the conflict between Egeus, Hermia, and Theseus?
The struggle between love and authority/parental control.
How does Shakespeare use magic to explore power?
Magic is used to manipulate people’s emotions, showing how love and control can be unnatural or unstable.
Does this act suggest love is controlled by fate, chance, or choice?
It suggests love is largely controlled by chance and outside forces (like magic), rather than rational choice.
How does Act 4 begin to resolve the conflicts?
Lovers are matched correctly, Oberon and Titania are reconciled, and the threat to Hermia’s life disappears.
Why is Bottom such an important character?
He provides comedy, represents ordinary people, and shows how the magical world can affect anyone. (Any 1)