Questions and Answers
Who is Theseus?
The Duke of Athens, who is called on by Egeus to enforce the law of Athens on his daughter.
Why is Theseus anxious for the rising of the new moon?
He is engaged to the former Amazon queen, Hippolyta, and will marry her; he also sets that date as the deadline for Hermia's decision about her marriage.
What does Theseus tell Philostrate to do?
Philostrate is charged with making all of the villagers of Athens excited about Theseus' marriage and is sent to find entertainment.
Why is Egeus angry?
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Why has Egeus come to see Theseus?
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Whom does Hermia love?
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What alternatives does Theseus offer Hermia?
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Where do Lysander and Hermia agree to meet?
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Why do Lysander and Hermia agree to meet in the woods?
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What is the relationship between Hermia and Helena?
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How does Helena betray the secret Hermia tells her?
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Why does Helena give away Hermia's secret?
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Why do you suppose Egeus prefers Demetrius to Lysander?
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Do you think a father has the right to interfere in his daughter's love life?
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What does 'foil' mean in literature?
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Who are literary foils in Act 1?
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What is the purpose of the meeting at Peter Quince's house?
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Study Notes
Characters and Relationships
- Theseus is the Duke of Athens, involved in enforcing Athenian law, particularly concerning his daughter Hermia.
- Theseus is to marry Hippolyta, the former Amazon queen, on the rising of the new moon, which also serves as a deadline for Hermia's marriage decision.
- Egeus is Hermia's father, who wants her to marry Demetrius instead of her love, Lysander, causing familial conflict.
- Hermia displays both boldness in defiance of her father and a more submissive, traditional demeanor when alone with Lysander.
- Hermia and Helena share a once-close friendship that has soured due to romantic competition, leading to tensions between them.
Conflict and Choices
- Egeus requests Theseus to uphold the law requiring Hermia to obey her father's wishes, indicating her limited agency in her love life.
- Hermia faces three dire options from Theseus: marry Demetrius, become a nun, or face execution, highlighting the patriarchy in Athenian society.
- Helena betrays Hermia's secret of eloping with Lysander to Demetrius, driven by her desperate desire for Demetrius's attention.
Themes and Foils
- The play explores themes of love, loyalty, and societal expectations, as seen through the relationships of characters.
- Hermia is portrayed as bold and independent, while Helena appears insecure and dependent, serving as literary foils to emphasize their contrasting character traits.
- Theseus’s calm and possibly pitying tone when presenting Hermia's choices hints at his role as a mediator in the conflict between father and daughter.
Key Settings and Plot Points
- Lysander and Hermia plan to meet in the woods outside Athens, a strategic choice to escape societal supervision and pursue their love freely.
- The meeting at Peter Quince's house is organized to prepare entertainment for Theseus and Hippolyta's upcoming wedding, showcasing the interplay of community and celebration in the narrative.
Personal Opinions and Reflections
- Many characters have perspectives shaped by their societal roles, prompting questions about parental authority, personal choice, and the justice of these dynamics in love and relationships during the timeline of the play.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Act 1 from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key characters and their motivations, particularly focusing on Theseus and his relationship with Hippolyta. Perfect for students studying Shakespeare.