Scene 1 Characters
I am the Duke of Athens
Theseus
DOUBLE JEOPARDY: What do Lysander and Demetrius have in common?
They both want to marry Hermia.
They are both wealthy/of high social status.
When is Hippolyta and Theseus's wedding?
In 4 days
“The course of true love never did run smooth.” Who says this and what does it mean?
Lysander: Love is never easy, so if there is difficulty, it must be true.
What play will the Mechanicals be performing? Why?
Pyramus and Thisbe. To be performed at Hippolyta and Egeus's wedding.
I believe it is my bestowed right to marry Hermia
Demetrius
Who has Hermia's love versus who does her father wish her to marry?
She loves Lysander, but is supposed to wed Demetrius.
What is the love triangle?
Hermia loves Lysander, Lysander loves Hermia, Demetrius loves Hermia, Helena loves Demetrius.
"Lysander yield thy crazed title to my certain right" Who said it and what does in mean/what is the context?
Demetrius; Lysander, give it up! Hermia is rightfully mine/ I am entitled to her. Said in conversation with Theseus and Egeus.
What is the Mechanicals' plan now their play is "fitted" (cast) and why?
I am known to be romantic and devised a plan to run away with my beloved.
Lysander
What are Hermia's options?
To marry Demetrius, become a nun, or die.
What is Lysander's plan?
To run away from Athens and into the woods to go to his aunt's house in the night and wed Hermia.
"Look you arm yourself to fit your fancies to your father's will; or else the law of Athens yields you up (Which by no means we may extenuate)" Who said it to who, and what does it mean?
Theseus: Talking to Hermia and warning her that she needs to make herself agree to her father's wishes or the law of Athens (death) will be enforced, as they may not make an exception.
Why does Francis Flute object to being Thisbe?
He is a man and has a beard coming, so he does not want to play a woman.
Though I am considered bold, I also am emotional and devestated due to my father Egeus and his unkind choices.
Hermia
Helena, upon speaking to Hermia and Lysander, decides to do this to impress Demetrius.
Tell him of their plan to run away
What is Helena's attitude towards Hermia?
She wants Hermia's beauty and asks for her help/how she sways Demetrius.
She is jealous and somewhat catty to Hermia's claims that she has done nothing to interest Demetrius.
"That will ask some tears in the ture performing of it. If I do it, let the audience look to their eyes: I will move storms, I will condole in some measure." Who said it and what does it mean?
Bottom: This part definitely needs some emotion, like crying. If I do it, the audience too will cry, storms of tears. I will have to grieve in the part."
DOUBLE JEOPARDY: What request(s) does Bottom make upon learning the script/roles?
To play Pyramus, Thisbe and the Lion.
Somewhat hysterical and lacking self-confidence, I am heart-sick after being jilted by my lover.
Helena
What claim(s) does Lysander make to prove that he should marry Hermia?
Hermia loves him back and Demetrius has already seduced Helena and treats her horribly.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY: Describe the archetypal situation/symbolism of "The Woods." What characters are going there, and how might the archetype play into the events?
The woods = confusion, chaos, uncertainty.
The lovers AND the mechanicals are set to go into the woods around the same time, potentially interacting and causing chaos in some mannter.
"So the boy Love is perjured everywhere; For ere Demetrius looked on Hermia's eyne, He hailed down oaths that he was only mine" Who said this and what does it mean?
Hermia; Boys are liars and lie about love! Demetrius used to swear he loved me before he took interest in Hermia.
How does Nick Bottom describe the play? Why is his description significant/interesting?
He describes it as "Merry" though it is about star-crossed lovers who die. This shows his lack of intelligence and desire to impress.