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Exploring A Midsummer Night's Dream

May 15, 2025

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.