A Midsummer ND
An Introduction to Shakespeare and his theater (Text for answering p. 3 of study guide)
MSND Lover's Plot in a Nutshell
Audio Version of A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Play by Rice University actors
Outdoor play - shortened version, not line by line - Rossmoor Community Services
No Fear Shakespeare for A Midsummer Night's Dream
Searchable text version of A Midsummer Night's Dream
Sparknotes for A Midsummer Night's Dream
Essay Questions for Practice
To prepare for the objective test:
1. Review the 4-page study guide I provided for you.
a. Study page 3 and re-read the information on the accompanying handout. (There is also information available at Sparknotes.com.) There are approximately 20 multiple-choice and multiple mark questions about Shakespeare's theater
b. Study the quotations on page 4 of the handout and on Sparknotes.com. You will not need to know the act, scene and line, but you will need to know the context of the quote, who said it and what it means. You will need to know word meanings also.
2. Read plot summaries either in your book or online. (See pp. 1-2 of your study guide.) Know plot details such as:
a. Royals - Theseus will marry Hippolyta, whom he won in war. Their wedding sets the backdrop for the play.
b. Lovers - Review the portion of the handout that shows who is in love with whom in each act. Know the events that lead to the lovers' mixed-up love.
c. Artisans (workers) -
1. Know the name of the play (Pyramus and Thisbe)
2. Know the reason that Flute does not want to play Thisbe.
3. Know who wants to play all the parts, including the lion's part. Know who really plays the lion.
4. Know who directs the play.
d. Fairies -
1. Know that Oberon and Titania are fighting over possession of an Indian servant boy.
2. Be able to explain why Titania will not "give him o'er." (sails look pregnant in the sea wind; child's mom pregnant; child's mom dies in childbirth, etc.)
3. Be able to explain how the fairy king and queen's fighting is affecting nature.
4. Know that Puck is the catalyst for moving along the plot. Be able to identify actions that cause lover to get mixed up.
5. Know that Oberon causes Titania to fall in love with Bottom.
3. Be able to identify and explain malapropisms (odious, odorous; Ninny's tomb, Ninus' tomb; deflowered, devoured; etc.)
4. Be able to recognize images such as "Tawny Tartar," "acorn," "minimus of hindering knotgrass," and "Ethiope" that Lysander and Helena use to describe Hermia's height and dark complexion.
5. Attempt the Sparknotes quiz.
6. See the 2018 essay prompts here.