ShakespeareQuestions

The thoughts Helena expresses in lines 238-247 (page 23) are //crucial// to the meaning of the play. Paraphrase this main idea. Read the lines carefully and summarize what they mean. Do you agree with this idea about love? Explain your opinion.
 * Act 1, Scene 1**

We've now met the "Rude Mechanicals": Peter Quince the carpenter, Bottom the weaver, Snug the joiner, Flute the bellows-mender, Snout the tinker, and Starveling the tailor. How would you characterize each of these tradesmen? What do you think each of them are like -- in terms of their background, personality, and demeanor. If you were going to play the character, you'd want to feel like you know and understand him. Think beyond the text and describe who you think each of these men are.
 * Act 1, Scene 2**

The scene opens with a meeting between a Fairy and Robin Goodfellow, otherwise known as Puck. The Fairy recognizes Puck, but doesn't seem overly impressed with him, but wanting to show off, Puck goes on and on, describing all his pranks and other trouble he's caused. Read lines 33-60 (pages 37-39) and figure out what pranks Puck has pulled. Describe them.
 * Act 2, Scene 1**

In this scene, the fairy world and the mortal world begin to intertwine. How have these two worlds been connected through the fairies and the royals (lines 66-83 on pages 39-41)? How does Shakespeare bring them together now through the fairies and the lovers?

Which of the characters are now under a magic spell of some sort? What do these enchantments, which cause the characters to mistake identities and affections, reveal about the control or lack of control we as human beings have over ourselves and our own fates?
 * Act 2, Scene 2**

How does Bottom act throughout this scene? What do his actions reveal about him? About human nature in general? What might be the commentary on human nature in this scene?
 * Act 3, Scene 1**

Carefully read Puck's speech at the opening of this scene (lines 6-36 on pages 83-85). What does his speech mean? What purpose does it serve?
 * Act 3, Scene 2**

Read through the "fight" between Hermia and Helena (lines 197-365). What insults do Hermia, Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius hurl at each other in this scene? About what do they insult each other (look particularly around lines 265-280, 303-321, 340-348 and be sure to read the notes)? What parts or aspects of the other does each focus on as they "attack" one another?