Author & Genre
1. Who wrote the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
William Shakespeare
7. What year was A Midsummer Night’s Dream written?
1594-1596
11. Theseus is the Duke of Athens. How would you describe his character? Based on Act 1, what type of leader do you believe him to be?
He is happy, kind, and a strict follower of laws and traditional social customs.
21. What does the forest signify to the characters?
Freedom from societal norms
13. Egeus is a nobleman in Theseus’ court. What problem has he come to the duke for help with at the beginning of Act I?
He needs the Duke's help convincing Hermia, his daughter, to marry Demetrius.
10. What poetic verse is A Midsummer Night’s Dream written in?
Iambic Pentameter
9. Who was the ruler of England when A Midsummer Night’s Dream was written and performed?
King James I
12. Who is Theseus engaged to marry? How do they feel about one another and their impending nuptials (upcoming marriage)?
Hippolyta ; They are in love and excited to be married.
24. What job do the fairies have in the forest?
They help take care of nature and other living creatures
15. How does Hermia defy traditional gender norms? How does she defy her father?
She defies her father's wishes and elopes with Lysander, the man she loves.
2. What genre is A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
A Comedy
5. How did Shakespearean comedies comment on the gender norms of 17th Century England?
They often feature instances where characters challenge or subvert traditional gender roles
14. How did Lysander court and woo Hermia, Egeus’ daughter?
He recited poetry, gave her gifts, and spent quality time with her
25. Describe Robin Goodfellow’s (Puck’s) personality. Name at least 2 attributes.
1) He is a trickster
2) Obnoxious but kind
16. Who does Theseus support in this argument? What does he tell Hermia she must do?
Theseus supports Eagus and tells Hermia she must marry Demetrius.
3. Fill in the blanks: A shakespearean comedy is a play that is not based on a recent _______________ figure, and that ends __________________.
Historical ; Happily
6. How did Shakespeare’s depiction of marriage differ from the societal view of marriage in 17th Century England?
In Shakespeare’s plays, couples marry for love rather than for financial stability or societal expectation.
19. What plan does Lysander offer to Hermia? How does he suggest they could get married?
Lysander proposes and suggests they elope. they would escape through the forest and marry at his aunt's estate.
26. Describe King Oberon and Queen Titania’s relationship.
They fight a lot, but deep down they are in love
17. What consequences does Hermia face if she chooses to go against her father’s wishes? There are two specific punishments, name both.
1) banished to a nunnery
or
2) death
4. What event do Shakespearean comedies always end in?
Marriage(s)
8. How does Shakespeare challenge traditional gender norms in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
In his plays, female characters defy male authority and take on more patriarchal roles, like perusing their love interest rather than being perused.
20. Describe Hermia and Helena’s relationship. How did they behave towards one another as children?
They were like sisters and extremely close.
27. Why are King Oberon and Queen Titania fighting? How is their argument affecting the environment?
They are fighting over the custody of an Indian Prince, who Tatiana promised to look after ; They're fighting is causing harm to the environment
18. How does Lysander defend his right to marry Hermia? What specific arguments does he use when explaining his side to Theseus?
He argues that:
1) He is just as rich as Demetrius
2) Demetrius courted Helena then deserted her, making him dishonorable
3) Most importantly, he truly loves her