Midsummer+Night+Dream

media type="file" key="Moon and Night.mp3" width="240" height="20" media type="file" key="Bottom's Dream.mp3" width="240" height="20" A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 20/20

How is Hippolyta’s reasoning concerning how quickly the next four days will pass different from that of Theseus?
Hippolyta knows that the days and the time will go quickly, the nights will sleep itself away.

2. Why has Egeus brought his daughter and her two suitors to Theseus? What does Egeus expect him to do?
‍So that he could force his daughter to marry or if she refused, kill her. he wanted Egeus to enforce ancient athenian law, giving him permission to do what he wants. ‍

3. What was the proper role for women/daughters in Athenian society according to Egeus and Theseus? What is Theseus’s ruling concerning Hermia?
That if they disobey their fathers will, that the parents are allowed to kill him. Thesus gives another option, to abstain from men and become a nun.

5. What do Lysander and Hermia plan to do about this seemingly impossible situation? Why do they tell Helena?
‍To run off into the the woods, escape athens and get married, in short elope. ‍Helena is depressed because she is in love with Demetrius who, in turn is in love with Hermia. Lysander tells Helena that soon, Hermia won't be around for Demetrius because they are eloping.

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?
Because her sad insecure brain tells her that it will make him happy and love her. 7. Identify Hermia’s basic dilemma. What are the choices outlined for her by Theseus and her father? What other choice does Lysander suggest? Hermia loves Lysander, but not Demetrius however Egeus likes Demetrius. Three choices are offered to Hermia. Die, marry Demetrius, or become a Nun. Lysander essentially says to Demetrius, if Egeus loves him why dont //they// marry.

8. Why does Nick Bottom want to play all the parts?
Because is is egotisical, and thinks that he is the best actor.

9. In what way is this scene funny? Why do you suppose Shakespeare included this scene?
It is funny how Bottom wants to play all of the parts, but also how little bottom knows about the play, even though he pretends to be an expert.

10. Where are the actors to meet the following night? Who else is meeting there at the same time?
At night in the forest, the same forest where Hermia and Lysander.

11. How would you describe Bottom’s acting ability? What is Bottom’s own opinion of his acting ability?
He seems to be an okay actor but not nearly as good as he thinks he is.

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? We learn that their relationship is rocky. Every time they see each other they fight, at this point over a Changling Indian boy. Oberon's faithful servant is Robin Goodfellow, or Puck. Puck is a trickster who jests for Oberon, where first Fairy is one of the higher ranker of Titania's fairy trail.11. How have Oberon and Titania been involved in the past with Theseus and Hippolyta; why have they come to Athens?It is implied that oberon for a time was romanticly involved with Hippolyta, and Titania with Theseus. But since, both couples have seperated and given their blessing to the marriage. 12. What effect has their quarrel had on nature, on the seasons, on humans? When they fight and debate, floods capsize villages and pestilence ravages fields. The seasons run rampant and misery spreads through the lands 13. Why won’t Titania give up the changeling to Oberon? She was close with his mortal mother, they did sit gossiping but because she was mortal, died and left Titania with her changeling baby. 14. What does Oberon send Puck to find? Flowers that have been struck by cupids arrows. With the juice from these flowers' petals are dropped onto any persons eyelids, the person will be wooed by the first thing s/he sees. 15. What are Oberon’s plans for Titania? Oberon plans to sqirt theflowers juice into Titania's eyes, so she will fall in love with the first thing she sees. Oberon is hoping that she will se a wicked beast, so she will fall in love with some strange animal. 16. How does Helena react to Demetrius’s verbal abuse? She turns it around on him so that the insult turns into a compliment. 17. What is her response to his threats of physical abuse? She tells him that she will be his spaniel. and that the more he beats her the more loyal she will become. 18. In what way is Helena’s behaviour inappropriate for Athenian women? She has brought Demetrius into a forest to woo him and is now standing up to his threats, instead of cowering. 19. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about Demetrius and Helena? To use the flowers to make demetrius fall into love with Helena. Act II, Scene 2 20. Why does Oberon want Titania to wake and fall in love with some vile thing? Because she will not give him the changling and she embarrassed him in front of the Fairies.21. Why does Hermia insist Lysander sleep a little ways from her?She does not want to make love and become "to close" before they are Married and commited.22. Why does Puck anoint Lysander’s eyes?He sees Lysander's Athenian clothing, as well as the fact that he sleeps far away from such a beautiful woman. 23. How does Helena react to Lysander’s sudden love for her when he awakens?She believes that Lysander is playing a mean trick on her for fun. 24. How is Hermia’s dream a reflection of reality? Hermia dreams that her Heart (love) has been eaten (stolen) by a foul serpent (Puck/Flower Juice)
 * **Act II, Scene 1**

**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? Write a prolougue to describe that these are merely actors and no harm will come their way. 26. How are the actors going to manage the setting/scenery such as the moonlight and the wall? For the wall an actor is to be dressed up to look like a wall. and for the moon they will open a window and let the moon shine down. 27. Why do the rest of the actors run off when Bottom reappears? Bottoms head has been turned by puck into that of a donkey. 28. What does Puck plan to do when he follows after the other actors? Sing to show he is not scared of their joke. 29. How does Bottom react to Titania and the other fairies? At first he is suprised, but then he expresses that love isn't often logical. 30. Bottom says, "…reason and love keep little company together nowadays." Why is this such an apt statement at this point in the play? Because of the love being switched around within the group of lovers elsewhere, the king of fairies is tricking the queen. **Act III, Scene 2** 31. What does Hermia accuse Demetrius of doing? Killing lysander and then throwing him and his beloning into a lake. 32. How are Puck and Oberon going to correct Puck’s earlier mistake? Anoint Lysanders eyes to reverse the effects of the love juice with another potion of sorts. 33. Why is Helena upset when Demetrius says he loves her? Isn’t this what she had wanted all along? She thinks that he is lying and joking with Lysander. She wanted it so much and she feels like they are mocking her because of it. 34. Of what does Helena accuse Hermia? On being in on the supposed prank with Lysander and Demetrius. 35. How close had Hermia and Helena been in the past? Very close. Helena says that they were two bodies with one heart and one mind. 36. How does Lysander treat Hermia? Why can’t she believe what he says? Lysander professes his undying love to her and says that any feelings that he ever had towards Hermia were gone. Helena finds this hard to believe because 37. Of what does Hermia accuse Helena? Stealing away the love of her life. 38. Why is Helena afraid of Hermia? She says that Hermia is a treacherous little vixen, and that she is small and feisty. 39. What are Lysander and Demetrius going off to do? Battle it out over Helena 40. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about the two young men? Put them to sleep and anoint Lysander's eyes. 41. What is Oberon going to do about Titania? He will steal the child, fix and remove bottom, and anoint her eyes, curing her of her fantasy. 42. Why doesn’t Oberon fear the coming of day? He knows his work will be done by then. 43. How well does Puck’s trickery work Very well. All of the lovers end up sleeping side by side. Act IV, Scene 1 44. How has Bottom adjusted to the attention of Titania and her fairies? Bottom is taking as much advantage as he can of being waited on. 45. What is Oberon’s reaction to Titania’s infatuation with Bottom? He begins to pity Titania. 46. What sort of explanation will Oberon make to Titania’s question about what happened to her? That any silly thing that happened was simply a dream. 47. Why are Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, and the others out in the woods so early in the morning? They are having a fox hunt on the morning before their wedding. 48. What is Theseus’s first explanation of why the young people are asleep in the woods? He says that they probably woke early to observe May Day, and to meet us here. 49. What explanation does Demetrius make? Why does he compare his love for Hermia to an illness? He says that his love was like being sick, and not wanting to eat a certain food, but when healthy, he cravfes the food and simply wants more of it. 50. What is Theseus’s decision concerning the four young people? Theseus decides that they will have a triple wedding, because it the day of his marriage, and he wants it to be a happy joyous day, and not one for execution. 51. Why can’t the young people be sure whether they are awake or dreaming? Because the events that transpired the night before were so irreggular, and everything seems a foggy haze. 52. Bottom believes he too has had a dream. How is he going to use that to entertain the Duke? He wants Quice to compose a Ballad in his honour, and he shall put it to music. Act IV, Scene 2 53. What opinion do the other artisans now have of Bottom since they think he is lost? They think of him as an amazing, enthusiastic actor, who held up their play. 54. What do they most regret losing by not being able to perform the play? They realized that if they could have performed, then they would have been opayed a hefty sum. 55. Why must the artisans hurry to the Duke’s palace? To be ready to perform if they are chosen

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?
====Bottom is an iteresting character, he is energetic, egotistical, and a happy person. He thinks that he is what the world revolves around (evident in the second scene, when he feels he should play all the part)Bottom is a fun character that doesn't realize that he is being laughed not with, but at. He seems to be a complete polar oppisite of Theseus, who is the voice of respect, power, and reason. When bottom acts silly, Theseus acts serious. While bottom is a fool, Theseus is wise. When bottom acts self-centred Theseus is empathetic. Theseus represents order and Bottom disorder.====

b) How do most of the dreamers respond to the dream experience upon waking? Which character is changed permanently by the dream experience
====After waking up, the lovers reflect on the mystical night. They ponder reality, and what events transpired. unsure of any true magic. The only one who truly changed from the experience was Demetrius, who fell in love with Hermia. All is well and love is abundant, and soon everyone is happily married, though they agree it is curious that they all dreamed the same thing...====

c) In this act, several characters look back at prior infatuations with disbelief. What do you think Shakespeare is saying about love and infatuation?
==== That love is temporary, and after infatuation and crushes pass, the folly of it all becomes apparant. also that love is not entirely rational, but when your in it, nothing else matters and logic fail, for love and reason keep little company nowadays. ==== || Act V 56. Why does Theseus dismiss the stories of the four young people? He dismisses it as the brain in love, and says that young people can have wild illusions. 57. Why does Theseus choose to see the play about Pyramus and Thisby rather than the other entertainments? Because the other plays are "mainstream" and he has seen them all before. He also thinks that Pyramus and Thisbe will be entertaining and different. 58. Why does Philostrate try to keep Theseus from seeing the play? What does he say is wrong with it? He says that even though it is a short play, it seems boring and tedious. He also says that it is a mockery of good acting. 59. What does Theseus mean by the lines, "For never anything can be amiss, when simpleness and duty tender it"? It means that nothing can be wrong with something that has been worked hard on and has heart in it. 60. What is accomplished by having the Prologue tell the whole story that the actors are then going to enact? It is a nice setup that explains what the play //should// be like, and makes all of the mistakes a lot more obvious. 61. How does Shakespeare use comments from the audience to enhance the humour of the play that they are watching? They are making jokes and poking fun at the play, the likes of which are quite humourous. 62. What is Hippolyta’s reaction to the play? She notices the good in the play, and that the actors are trying, and almost begins to pity them 63. In what way is Thisby’s final speech humorous? It seems like a farce of death itself, making it humourous. It is the end of the incredible fail of a tradgedy and doesn't seem aa all sad. 64. What does Oberon tell the fairies to do? To sing dance and provide light throughout the house which all the lover are sleeping in. 65. What is the purpose of Puck’s final speech? In Puck's final speech, he breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the audience, while simultainiously staying in character as a fairie. This speech apoligizes for any offence, and shows that after all of Pucks trickery, he has to apoligize for his pranks. 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.

a) excessive alliteration whereat, with blade with bloody blameful blade, He bravely broach'd is boiling bloody breast

b) breaking the play’s illusion of reality Bottom stops in the middle of his scene and starts to talk and explain to the audience. c) using the wrong word or name Bottom, as Pyramus says "Ninny's tomb, instead of Ninus' tomb.

d) repeating a word excessively Bottom when killing himself repeats the word "die" over and over. e) ridiculous metaphor an example of a ridiculous metaphor, is when Bottom, as Pyramus, Thanks the moon for its sunny beams. which is also an oxymoron.

====== === 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? === This part of the play seems to be a satire on the audience members Shakespeares time, being disrespecful and making mockeries of the work, however also realizing that lots of work has been put into something and that it can still work out to be something that seems nice.

=== 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? === I think that a good example of this is in the show, " Spongebob" with the characters Spongebob, and Squidward. Squidward is mean and pessimistic, while spongebob the complete oppisite. The result is often humourous, as the happier Spongebob is, the more annoyed and depressing Squidward is.

=== 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? === Pyramous and Thisbe is a tradgedy and is therefore innapropriate, however, it is also a romatic piece, illustrating that love is forever existing, even in death. At a wedding, it would probably create a somber attitude, on a day of joy. However, it also seems appropriate for the young lovers, who have just realized how much confusion and disorder love can bring. It also contrasts with the happy ending of their story with the tradgedy of the play. Completion 20/25 Effort 18/25 Content 22/25

Total 70/75

Podcast 1 20/20 Podcast 2 NHI revised 19/20