Lecture Notes: Folger Shakespeare Library's A Midsummer Night's Dream

Introduction

• The Folger Shakespeare Library offers a rich collection of Shakespeare’s works.
• Edited texts are available for study, artistic adaptation, and enjoyment.
• New Folger Editions are digital and provide a resource with textual expertise and commentary.

Overview of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

• The play is a mix of Athens residents and forest fairies leading to comic events.
• Main plot involves four young Athenians in a romantic entanglement.
• Key characters: Theseus, Hippolyta, Oberon, Titania, Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius, Helena.

ACT 1

Scene 1

• Theseus plans his wedding with Hippolyta.
• Egeus wants Hermia to marry Demetrius, but she loves Lysander.
• Hermia is given the choice to die, marry Demetrius, or become a nun.

Scene 2

• The mechanicals plan a play for the Duke’s wedding.
• Bottom is given a prominent role, and humorous preparations ensue.

ACT 2

Scene 1

• Oberon and Titania argue over a changeling boy.
• Oberon plans to enchant Titania with a love potion.
• Puck (Robin Goodfellow) is introduced, known for his mischievous nature.

Scene 2

• Oberon instructs Puck to use the potion on an Athenian youth.
• Mistaken identities lead to chaos among the lovers.

ACT 3

Scene 1

• The mechanicals rehearse, and Puck turns Bottom's head into that of an ass.
• Titania wakes up and falls in love with Bottom.

Scene 2

• Puck’s mistake leads to both Lysander and Demetrius loving Helena.
• Oberon orders Puck to fix his mistake.

ACT 4

Scene 1

• Oberon releases Titania from the spell.
• The lovers reconcile and plan to marry alongside the Duke.

Scene 2

• The mechanicals prepare for their performance.

ACT 5

Scene 1

• The play within a play, "Pyramus and Thisbe," is performed to much comedic effect.
• The play ends with a dance and the fairies blessing the couples.

Conclusion

• The play is a blend of fantasy and reality, with themes of love and magic.
• It is notable for its comedic elements and fantastical characters.
• Shakespeare's language and the interplay of the characters provide depth and humor.