MSND+Questions

Act I 1. How is Hippolyta’s reasoning concerning how quickly the next four days will pass different from that of Theseus?

Hyppolyta reasons that the days will pass quickly, perhaps the preparations for the wedding will consume all their spare time, making the days appear to pass quickly. Theseus thinks that the days will pass slowly, because anticipating something seems to slow time.

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

Egeus wants his daughter, Hermia, to marry Demetrius, but she loves Lysander. Egeus expects Theseus to make Hermia marry Demetrius.

3. What was the proper role for women/daughters in Athenian society according to Egeus and Theseus? What is Theseus’s ruling concerning Hermia?

In Athenian society, woman seemed to be treated with no say to anything. Theseus' ruling is to make Hermia marry Demetrius, join a nunnery, or let her father "dispose" of her.

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

It shows that Demetrius may not actually love Hermia, and it suggests that Demetrius is unreliable.

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

Lysander and Hermia plan to run away into the woods, outside Athenian authority. They tell Helena because it will allow Helena to pursue Demetrius.

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 is so lovesick, she thinks it may make Demetrius like 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's dilemma is that she is being forced to marry Demetrius, or die/join a nunnery. Lysander suggests that they should flee outside of Athenian authority.

Act I, Scene 2

8. Why does Nick Bottom want to play all the parts?

Nick Bottom thinks he can play all of the parts better than anyone else.

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

This scene is funny because it pokes fun at the theatre. Shakespere included this scene for that very reason.

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

The actors were to meet in the forest the following night, but it turns out that Demetrius and Hermia are meeting at the same time.

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

Bottom is not a very good actor, but he thinks very highly of his acting ability.

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 reader finds out through Puck and the first fairy that Titania and Oberon detest eachotehr and are in the middle of a fight.

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

They have had affairs, Titania with Theseus, and Oberon and Hyppolyta.. They are near Athens for the wedding.

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

Horrible things happen, such as floods, deseases, and rotting crops.

13. Why won’t Titania give up the changeling to Oberon?

She promised her servant she'd look after the baby.

14. What does Oberon send Puck to find?

A magic panzy that makes the first thing the person sees, after having the juice put on the eyelids, become the persons love of their life.

15. What are Oberon’s plans for Titania?

He will annoint her eyes with the juice and she'll fall in love with some vile beast.

16. How does Helena react to Demetrius’s verbal abuse?

She will love him more.

17. What is her response to his threats of physical abuse?

It makes her more desparate for him.

18. In what way is Helena’s behaviour inappropriate for Athenian women?

In Athenian society, like most societies, it was traditional for the man to pursue the woman.

19. What does Oberon tell Puck to do about Demetrius and Helena?

Oberon tells Puck to annoint Demetrius' eyes when Helena is near to make Demetrius fall in love with her.

Act II, Scene 2

20. Why does Oberon want Titania to wake and fall in love with some vile thing?

This is Oberons idea of revenge after Titania wouldn't give the changeling to him.

21. Why does Hermia insist Lysander sleep a little ways from her?

Hermia says she isn't married and wants to keep her modesty.

22. Why does Puck anoint Lysander’s eyes?

Puck thinks that Lysander is Demetrius because he did not have any other description than; "Athenian man."

23. How does Helena react to Lysander’s sudden love for her when he awakens?

Helena thinks it is a cruel joke and despises Lysander, because she thought he was a better man than to make fun of her.

24. How is Hermia’s dream a reflection of reality?

Hermia's dream is that a snake eats her heart out while Lysander watches. This is a reflection because Lysander loves her no more.