A Midsummer Night's Dream Act 1 Quiz

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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?

Egeus is angry because his daughter, Hermia, is determined to marry Lysander, while he wants her to marry Demetrius. Signup and view all the answers

Why has Egeus come to see Theseus?

Egeus wants Theseus to enforce the law on his daughter so that his reputation and pride would remain intact. Signup and view all the answers

Whom does Hermia love?

Lysander, but she is supposed to love Demetrius. Signup and view all the answers

What alternatives does Theseus offer Hermia?

Marry Demetrius Signup and view all the answers

Where do Lysander and Hermia agree to meet?

In the woods outside the city. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Lysander and Hermia agree to meet in the woods?

The woods are far from prying eyes and will conceal them as they run away. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Hermia and Helena?

It is a friendship turned sour; they were once best friends, but Helena feels inferior. Signup and view all the answers

How does Helena betray the secret Hermia tells her?

Helena tells Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander's plan to run away into the woods. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Helena give away Hermia's secret?

Helena is so desperate for Demetrius that she is willing to ruin her best friend's plans. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you suppose Egeus prefers Demetrius to Lysander?

Demetrius is possibly a business partner or has a more professional air, while Lysander is openly affectionate. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think a father has the right to interfere in his daughter's love life?

No, everyone has the right to personal choice; such interference is unjust. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'foil' mean in literature?

It refers to when an author uses two opposite character types to emphasize their differences. Signup and view all the answers

Who are literary foils in Act 1?

The main foils are Hermia and Helena. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the meeting at Peter Quince's house?

Philostrate was sent by Theseus to find entertainment for the wedding. Signup and view all the answers

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.