| Why does Theseus dismiss the stories of the 4 young people? | They are lovers, and lovers are crazy. |
| Why does Theseus see the play about Pyramus and Thisbe rather than the other entertainments? | Because it is made by simple people who work hard. |
| Why does Philostrate try to keep Theseus from seeing the play? What does he think is wrong with it? | He does not like it. He says it is not well-written and the acting is bad. |
| What does Theseus mean by the lines, “For never any thing can be amiss, when simpleness and duty tender it”? | “Nothing can be really bad when it’s created by simple people who try hard.” |
| What is accomplished by having the Prologue tell the whole story that the actors are then going to enact? | 1. To quiet and appease the audience2. To make the play easier for the audience to follow |
| How does Shakespeare use the comments from the audience to enhance the humor of the play that they are watching? | They poke fun at the actors and the things that they say. |
| What is Hippolyta’s reaction to the play? | She is amused. |
| In what way is Thisbe’s final speech humorous? | It rhymes too much. |
| What does Oberon tell the fairies to do? | Sing and dance with him. |
| What is the purpose of Puck’s final speech? | To apologize for the silliness of the play and suggest the interesting idea that the play (about a dream) is a dream. Mind blown! |
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Act 5
July 8, 2019