Midsummer Nights Dream Test Study Guide

Peter Quince

A carpenter and the nominal leader of the craftsmen's attempt to put on a play for Theseus's marriage celebration. Quince is often shoved aside by the abundantly confident Bottom. During the craftsmen's play, Quince plays the Prologue.

Lysander

A young man in Athens who is in love with Hermia. He can not openly marry her because Hermia's fathers wishes are for her to marry Demetrius. He comes up with the plan for them to run away together.

Demetrius

A young man in Athens who was initially in love with Helena then became in love with Hermia but ultimately in love with Helena.

Helena

A young woman in Athens who is in love with Demetrius. She is tall, blonde, lacks confidence, and she is whiny.

What does Oberon order the fairies to do at the end of the play?

All of the elves and fairies are to jump, join hands, sing, and bless the place of Hippolyta and Theseus.

What does Bottom's reaction to Titania's declarations of love say about his character?

Bottom shows humanity for a line when he says that he isn't handsome, asking are you sure. But, then he says that love doesn't make sense. (plays the part)

How does Lysander treat Hermia?

Calls her a dwarf and makes fun of her height; hates her.

What is the mood as Act III opens?

Comic relief - opens with the actors practicing (both fairy and city world - everything is mixed)

What is symbolic about where the potion comes from?

Cupid's arrow missed a girl (Virgin Queen Elizabeth) and hit the white flower turning it purple/red with love's desire (blind). Love is sparked by romance, not reason.

Who else is present and unnoticed by her?

Demetrius, Helena, Hermia, and Lysander (asleep). Might also just be Puck and Oberon.

Hermia

Egeus' daughter, a young woman of Athens. She is in love with Lysander, childhood friend of Helena. She is short and fierce.

How does Oberon plan to set things right in the fairy world?

Get the child from Titania and reverse the potion.

How does the inclusion of the craftsmen shift the atmosphere and tone of the play?

Gives a more comedic plot that's bold rather than subtle. Audiences are able to relate to them and know not to take them seriously. They are able to laugh at the mechanicals. Lower class= comedy, Higher = tragedy

Why is Bottom worried about the ladies in the audience?

He is afraid that the suicide or the lion will scare the ladies, and if he scares the ladies, there is a chance that the cast members could be executed.

How does Lysander's comment about Demetrius' previous love affair with Helena complicate things?

He is basically telling Egeus that he will cheat on Hermia because Demetrius had done it before with Helena. It makes Demetrius unfaithful and unfit for marriage.

What is Oberon's plan for forcing Titania to agree to his demand?

He is going to put a special love flower onto her eyes to make her fall in love with someone ugly so she is humiliated. While she is in love she will have Puck ask for the kid and take him. He will then remove the spell once he gets the boy.

Why does Moonshine speak in prose instead of verse?

He is speaking as if he was the lantern not a person, he says this lantern represents the horned moon. Shakespeare uses prose for the lower class which Moonshine is as well as he is probably nervous.

Compare and contrast it with his motivation in using the potion on the human lovers.

He makes both decisions based on love. Oberon feels bad for Helena because they are both getting rejected by their loves. OBERON PARALLELS HELENA.

How does Quince manage to make the Prologue to the play unintentionally funny?

He messes up his punctuation, which changes the meaning of the prologue. He also mixes up words.

What explanation does Demetrius offer?

He says that Helena told him about Lysander and Hermia's plan of escape. He was angry and followed Lysander and Hermia to the spot where they fell asleep. Helena was in love with him, so she followed as well. Then, Demetrius' love for Hermia disappeared and his love for Helena returned. (love melted like snow)

What are Theseus' expectations about the Mechanicals' play?

He thinks that it is going to be terrible since Philostrate says the group is going to be the worst, but still wants them to perform anyway since they are hardworking, poor men who have tried very hard. He cares more about the effort made than the quality of achievement.

How does Puck suit the mood and plot of the play?

He's mischievous, playful, controlling (like a puppet) and gives potions to the wrong person. He lightens the mood. The plot is in the forest, which is very magical, and doesn't make sense.

What are Helena's views on love?

Helena believes that "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind" Implying that Demetrius only loves Hermia for her looks. Later in the story, when Demetrius and Lysander have been given the love juice, they "love" Helena blindly because of the love potion. Evidently, Helen's notions and the love potion contrast. "Cupid with blindfold" Love is mean. Love is blind, lacking in judgement and reason, inconsistent, deceptive.

How does Helena react when Demetrius declares his love for her?

Helena is angry and stunned because she thinks they are making fun of her.

What are the differences between Hermia and Helena?

Helena is taller than Hermia and has lighter colored skin and hair. Hermia is depicted as being of a darker complexion. Hermia is quite fierce while Helena is kinda of a coward. Helena is very jealous in the beginning of the play of Hermia since Demetrius loves Hermia and not her.

What do Hermia's resistance, Lysander's scheme, and Helena's betrayal of her friends suggest about loyalties?

Hermia and Lysander trusted Helena enough to tell her their escape plan, but Helena tells Demetrius for the sake of her selfish love. This proves that friends who are seemingly loyal may be disloyal to you in order to pursue their own love. They are all selfishly entwined in their own affairs with Hermia leaving the loyalty of her father and to Athens by running away.

Explain the significance of Hermia's snake dream.

Hermia had a nightmare that snakes at her heart and Lysander didn't protect her. This parallels what happened in reality while she was having this dream. Hermia's heart was ripped out in real life by Lysander saying that he doesn't love her anymore (hate)

Compare Helena and Hermia characteristics now versus at the beginning of the play. ****

Hermia had the power of love at the beginning of the story. Now, Helena has the power of love. Now Hermia is the one acting jealous and depressed, not Helena. (they are foils)

Egeus

Hermia's father who brings a complaint against his daughter to Theseus to help decide. He cares about his status only and is very selfish.

Theseus

Heroic Duke of Athens who is engaged to Hippolyta. Represents power, order and law.

How does the play-within-a-play serve as a parody of traditional tragedy?

It serves as a warning as to how terribly wrong things could have gone for the characters in the main play. Pyramus and Thisbe play is similar to Hermia and Lysander since a parent didn't want them to be together so they were going to run away with each other.

What does Oberon's decision to use the magic potion on Titania indicate about his character?

It tells us that he cares about his ego, honor, and reputation. He wants power over his wife. He wants to get back at her for making him look like a fool. Although, he does it to get Titiana's attention because he loves her. DETERMINED.

What is the significance of the play that Bottom and his friends are rehearsing as Scene 2 opens?

It's a love story but ends tragically, two of the lovers end up dead because they thought the other had died. Supposed to be a tragedy. Shakespeare used parallel play within a play as a device. Ironic since they are playing this at a wedding. Parents of Pyramus and Thisbe don't approve of marriage, which mirrors Hermia and Lysander.

What arguments does Lysander use to claim his right to court Hermia?

Lysander argues that he is in love with Hermia and Demetrius already has Egeus's love. He also makes the argument that Demetrius loves Helena and chased after her and when she fell madly in love with him he ditched her. (one night stand) Also says he is just as wealthy.

How does Lysander react toward Hermia after the juice is placed in his eyes?

Lysander falls in love with Helena and says that she is very beautiful. He hates Hermia now and only has eyes for Helena.

What is ironic about Hermia saying that she wishes "the wisher's eyes be pressed" before they fall asleep?

Lysander's eyes do end up "getting pressed" in the way that Puck put some of the juice from the flower on Lysander's eyes.

What does the resolution of Titania's quarrel with Oberon imply about the fairy dreams?

Magical dreams can bring people to their senses/correct way.

How do Puck and Oberon react when they learn Puck has mistaken the identities of the mortal lovers?

Oberon blames Puck right away and becomes angry. He thinks that he might have done it on purpose. Puck says that he did what Oberon told him to. Puck is entertained; Oberon is outraged.

Robin Goodfellow (Puck):

Oberon's jester, a mysterious fairy who delights in playing pranks on mortals. Robin Goodfellow is his helpful side and Puck is his mischievous side.

Philostrate

Philostrate is the Master of the Revels, responsible for organizing the entertainment for the Duke's marriage celebration.

Describe Bottom the Weaver.

Plays as Pyramus in "Pyramus and Thisbe". Comical; friends love him; mixes up names and words. CONFIDENT.

What causes the mix-up Puck causes?

Puck assumes that the man who was sleeping far away from Hermia was the man that she doesn't want to marry (Demetrius). He assumed that they would be sleeping together if they were in love (Like blindfolded Cupid)

What is Puck doing at the end as he describes the night?

Puck is sweeping back the past and apologizes for causing trouble with the lovers, promising to make amends.

Hippolyta

Queen of the Amazons, engaged to Theseus. She also symbolizes order.

How are all the confusions among the human lovers resolved?

Robin makes Lysander and Demetrius fall asleep by pretending to be the other and wearing them out. He takes the love potion off of Lysander, but keeps the love potion on Demetrius.

Let me play the lion too: I will roar, that I will do any man's heart good to hear me; I will roar, that I will make the duke say 'Let him roar again, let him roar again.

Said by: Bottom Said to: Quince Meaning: Let me play the lion too, I'll roar so well that it'll be an inspiration to anyone who hears me. I'll roar so well that the duke will say, "Let him roar again. Let him roar again."

True, he hath my love, and what is mine my love shall render him.

Said by: Egeus Said to: Lysander Meaning: Egeus does love Demetrius and that is why he is giving his daughter to him.

I beg the ancient privilege of Athens, as she is mine, I may dispose of her...

Said by: Egeus Said to: Theseus Meaning: I ask you to let me exercise the right that all fathers have in Athens, since she belongs to me, I can do what I want with her -- as the law says she belongs to me and I can do what I want with her.

I am your spaniel; and, Demetrius, the more you beat me, I will fawn on you.

Said by: Helena Said to: Demetrius Meaning: I am your dog, the more you beat me and push me away the more I will love you.

We cannot fight for love, as men may do; we should be wooed and were not made to woo. I'll follow thee and made a heaven of hell, to die upon the hand I love so well.

Said by: Helena Said to: Demetrius Meaning: We cannot fight for love as men can, we should be pursued and courted. We weren't made to do the pursuing.

Call you me fair? that fair again unsay. Demetrius loves your fair: O happy fair! ... O, teach me how you look, and with what art you sway the motion of Demetrius' heart.

Said by: Helena Said to: Hermia Meaning: Did you just call me beautiful? Take it back. You're the beautiful one as far as Demetrius is concerned. Teach me to be like you so that Demetrius can love me.

Through Athens I am thought as fair as she....I will go tell him of fair Hermia's flight: Then to the wood will he to-morrow night pursue her; and for this intelligence if I have thanks, it is a dear expense: but herein mean I to enrich my pain, to have his sight thither and back again.

Said by: Helena Said to: Herself Meaning: People throughout Athens think I'm as beautiful as Hermia... I'll go tell Demetrius that Hermia is running away tomorrow night. He'll run after her. If he's grateful to me for this information, it'll be worth my pain in betraying my best friend. At least I'll get to see him when he goes, and then again when he comes back.

But, gentle friend, for love and courtesy, lie further off; in human modesty, such separation as may well be said becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid, so far be distant; and, good night, sweet friend: Thy love ne'er alter till thy sweet life end!

Said by: Hermia Said to: Lysander Meaning: But please darling, sleep a little farther away so we can behave properly. It's only proper for a well-behaved bachelor and a well-behaved girl to be physically separated like this. Stay away for now. I hope your love for me remains this strong for your entire life.

I would my father looked but with my eyes.

Said by: Hermia Said to: Theseus Meaning: I wish my father could see him with my eyes.

The course of true love never did run smooth.

Said by: Lysander Said to: Hermia Meaning: True love always faces obstacles.

I am, my lord, as well derived as he, as well possess'd; my love is more than his; my fortunes every way as fairly rank'd...

Said by: Lysander Said to: Theseus Meaning: I am just as rich and noble as Demetrius. I love Hermia more than he does. My prospects are as good as his, if not better.

And ere I take this charm from her sight...I'll make her render up her page to me.

Said by: Oberon Said to: Himself Meaning: I can cure her by treating her with another plant. I'll make her give me that little boy as my page.

When thou wakest, it is thy dear: Wake when some vile thing is near.

Said by: Oberon Said to: Titania Meaning: Wake up when someone ugly is near.

Thou shalt not from this grove till I torment thee for this injury.

Said by: Oberon Said to: Titania Meaning: Go on your way, you won't leave this grove until you have paid for what you have done.

I am that merry wanderer of the night. I jest to Oberon, and make him smile...And sometimes lurk I in gossip's bowl...

Said by: Puck Said to: Fairy Meaning: That is me you are talking about, the playful wanderer of the night. I tell jokes to Oberon and make him smile. I like gossip.

Be advised fair maid: To you your father should be as a god; One that composed your beauties, yea, and one to whom you are but as a form in wax by him imprinted and within his power to leave the figure or disfigure it.

Said by: Theseus Said to: Hermia Meaning: Theseus suggest that Hermia should obey her father.

Either to die the death or to abjure forever the society of men.

Said by: Theseus Said to: Hermia Meaning: You'll either be executed or you'll never see another man again.

These are the forgeries of jealousy: And never, since the middle summer's spring, met we on hill, in dale, forest or mead, by paved fountain or by rushy brook, or in the beached margent of the sea, to dance our ringlets to the whistling wind, but with thy brawls thou hast disturb'd our sport!

Said by: Titania Said to: Oberon Meaning: These are nothing but jealous lies, since the beginning of midsummer, my fairies and I haven't been able to meet anywhere to do our dances in the wind without being disturbed by you and your arguments. We haven't been able to meet on a hill or in a valley, in the forest or a meadow, by a stream or on the beach by the ocean without you disturbing us.

How does Titania show her affection for Bottom at the beginning of this scene?

She says that his ears are beautiful. She gathers flowers (roses) to put on his head.

Francis Flute

The bellows-mender chosen to play Thisbe in the craftsmen's play for Theseus's marriage celebration. Forced to play a young girl in love, the bearded craftsman determines to speak his lines in a high, squeaky voice.

What conflict exists between Oberon and Titania?

The conflict between Titania and Oberon is the life of an Indian Boy. Oberon wants to have him in his fairy army while Titania wants the boy to be raised as her son. Oberon only wants the boy so Titania will pay less attention to the boy and pay more attention to him.

What conflict is introduced in Scene 1?

The conflict that is introduced in Scene 1 is Hermia wants to marry Lysander and vice versa but Egeus her father promised her hand to Demetrius and Athenian law states she has to listen to her father or else be sent to her death.

What aspect of love does the tone of this disagreement support?

The disagreement shows the jealousy aspect of love. They both bring up love affairs.

Snug

The joiner chosen to play the lion in the craftsmen's play for Theseus's marriage celebration. Snug worries that his roaring will frighten the ladies in the audience.

Oberon

The king of fairies, he is at odds with his wife Titania since she refuses to give him a little Indian boy. He puts a love flower juice on her eyes to make her fall in love with something ugly so he can take the boy from her and after he undos the potion he can get some of her attention back.

Nick Bottom

The overconfident weaver chosen to play Pyramus in the craftsmen's play for Theseus's marriage celebration. Bottom is full of advice and self-confidence but frequently makes silly mistakes and misuses language. His simultaneous nonchalance about the beautiful Titania's sudden love for him and unawareness of the fact that Puck has transformed his head into that of an ass mark the pinnacle of his foolish arrogance.

Titania

The pretty queen of fairies, who resists the attempt to give the Indian boy to Oberon and gets a trick played on her by Oberon and ends up falling in love with Bottom who is a donkey.

What purpose is served by Puck's epilogue?

The purpose of his epilogue is to ask forgiveness to the audience if anyone was offended. He refers to the fictional characters as shadows comparing the play to nothing more than a harmless dream. Shows how ironic the play is since Puck said he was trustful but in fact he is not.

Why is Bottom's transformation ironic?

The synonym to bottom is ass, so he got a donkey's head.

Robin Starveling

The tailor chosen to play Thisbe's mother in the craftsmen's play for Theseus's marriage celebration. He ends up playing the part of Moonshine.

Tom Snout

The tinker chosen to play Pyramus's father in the craftsmen's play for Theseus's marriage celebration. He ends up playing the part of Wall, dividing the two lovers.

What makes the scene where all the lovers confront one another comic instead of tragic?

The two women are fighting and the two men are fighting. We know the potion will be reversed - Puck's pranks are harmless.

What views of love is Shakespeare trying to relay in his play?

The views of love in this play is his dissatisfaction with the idea of love as a supreme power and his belief that power and fertility are the prime factors in deciding a union. Greenery=fertility. Lust is the endearing power and without it love cannot last. Believing in only love, creating bonds based on a fleeting notion rather than on lasting principles such as fertility and power is to be "enamored of an ass"

What event is being planned as the play's opening?

The wedding of Hippolyta and Theseus. (May-day)

What do the Mechanicals find out about their play?

Their play is on the menu for the Royals to choose from. (maybe they have been preferred)

What are some of the magical elements in Act II, Scene 1?

There is a magical flower that makes people fall in love with whomever they see first. The fairies are also introduced. Cowslip flowers: rubies on the petals. Fairies-magical powers, elves, Magical flower, setting (Forest/woods/fairyland)

How are these expectations ironic?

These expectations are ironic since Theseus thinks that the play can't go horribly wrong since these are strong hardworking men but in fact, the play is really bad.

How are the green world and the city world reconciled?

Theseus and court go to woods to hunt. Faires bless the beds.

Why is Theseus surprised to see the lovers together?

Theseus thinks that Demetrius and Lysander are still enemies and enemies usually don't sleep next to each other.

What are Theseus' views about this conflict?

Theseus views the conflict to be challenging and that he may see the law as being outdated. He offers her the choice of death or life as a celibate nun if she choose not to marry Demetrius. He knows he has to uphold the law given that he is the Duke of Athens. Show says he shows compassion since he offers a choice while others say he doesn't since none of the choices were positive.

How do the Royals react to the show?

They are somewhat torn with Theseus thinking the play is actually good and shows creativity while Hippolyta thinks that the play is just plain silly. Lysander and Demetrius are making jokes the whole time. THEY ARE BEING JERKS THE WHOLE TIME AND MOCKING THE PLAY.

What is the state of the young Athenian couples and bottom when they awaken from their trances?

They are very confused. Demetrius said that the events are small and hard to see clearly. Hermia said like her eyes were out of focus and she was seeing double. All thought it was a weird dream and were very confused about why they all had the same dream.

How has Bottom's absence affected his friends?

They began to think the show won't go on because Bottom is the only one who can play Pyramus. They think that they won't get money from the royals.

How does the group decide to stage the play?

They check in the almanac to find that there was moonlight that night. They will open the window in the big hall where they are performing to see the moonlight where Pyramus and Thisbe meet.

What parallels does Theseus draw between the lover, the madman, and the poet?

They hallucinate about things that sane, normal people can't comprehend. They are all ruled by overactive imaginations. Whenever they are happy they assume that a god or some other supernatural being is bringing that happiness or joy to them.

What obvious differences are there in the play between night and day?

They wanted to make sure that they didn't offend the ladies during the day. But at night, Bottom said to make sure that the lion's nails are long and Thisbe's underwear is clean. The day represents the human world night=fairy realm. More free at night less magic during the day.

Why are Titania's affirmations so amusing?

Titania is complimenting a donkey/butt and saying that it's beautiful. (her words are poetry)

What sort of tricks does Puck play on the humans?

Turning into a stool and then, when an elderly woman comes to sit down, disappearing so that she falls onto the floor. Frightens young girls. Skim the milk so that it will not produce butter no matter how hard it is churned. Mislead travelers at nights so that they get lost. Turns Bottom into an ass.

What are some of the unpleasant aspects of love revealed in Act I?

Unrequited love; someone can love you at one point but able to stop the next. No control over yours and someone else's love. Unreciprocated love. Love can blind you, leading to betrayal. Hermia didn't have any say on who she was marrying.

What is ironic about Lysander's declaration of love for Helena?

What is ironic is Lysander is crying because Helena doesn't love him back. Helena thinks he is pathetic. This is how Helena was previously acting towards Demetrius. At the beginning, Helena cried and begged for Demetrius, and was pathetic herself. Their roles switch where Helena now has the power of love.

What three choices does Hermia ultimately have?

a. Marry Demetrius b. Become a nun and commit to life of celibacy c. Death

Give at least two of the mythical allusions in this act. (not including Hippolyta and Theseus)

a. Oberon tells of the time he saw Cupid shoot a fiery love arrow at a virgin, Elizabeth I, but the fire was extinguished by the beams of the moon (Diana=virgin goddess) so, Cupid's arrows missed b. Daphne was chased by the Sun god Apollo. She was transformed into a laurel tree. This shows that the weak pursues the strong. Helena=weak. Demetrius=strong. (Dido, Aegeles, Ariadne) like Hermia=destroyed by lovers.

Explain the significance of Puck's two names.

a. Puck - Represents his mischievous side (fairy) not malicious but annoying. b. Robin Goodfellow - His good side. Helpful

Give two examples of how this argument affects the human world.

a. Seasons switch b. Areas with too much water from flooding ruins crops; areas with not enough water ruins crops.

What are the four important events that will occur on May Day?

a. Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding b. The day Hermia has to make a decision if she is going to marry Demetrius or become nun/die. c. The play will occur d. New Moon (fairies powers-max)