STUDENT NOTES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

CHALLENGE QUESTION 1

How is the story of Pyramus and Thisbe similar to that of Lysander and Hermia?

NOTE 1

Pyramus and Thisbe would have liked to have married, but their parents forbade the union. So they decide to run away one night and elope. They both agree to meet in a certain place.

NOTE 1 (CONTINUED)

Hermia's father has chosen a husband for her (Demetrius). Hermia refuses to submit to her father's choice of a husband, because she is in love with Lysander. Therefore, the two decide to run away one night and elope.

CHALLENGE QUESTION 2

The moon is traditionally associated with couples in love. How does Shakespeare use it in this play?

NOTE 2

•First, the moon is used to mark the passage of time. In Theseus's opening speech, he complains that time is passing too slowly and he blames the moon because he has to wait four whole days for his wedding night.

NOTE 2 (CONTINUED)

•Second, Shakespeare uses the moon to connect it to the Virgin Goddess. Theseus warns Hermia about becoming a nun, he warns her that it's no fun "To live a barren sister all your life chanting hymns to the cold fruitless moon“.

NOTE 2 (CONTINUED)

• Finally, the moon is also linked to sexual desire. •Egeus tells us that Lysander has often serenaded Hermia "by moonlight" and Shakespeare reminds us over and over again that, when the lovers chase each other around in the woods, the action occurs "in the moonlight."

CHALLENGE QUESTION 3

Compare and contrast the fairies and mortals in this play.

ANSWER 3 (PART 1)

The fairies are always joking and playing pranks. However, the mortal beings are very serious. In addition, in the fairy world spells are used to change the normal course of events.

ANSWER 3 (PART 2)

Whereas, in the mortal world, the characters remain committed to the object of their affection. It is only in the fairy world, with the help of magic, that things change.

QUIZ FORMAT

7 True/False Questions15 matching (identifying characters)14 multiple choice questions3 short answer questions___________________________________39 questions taken from PPT slides,

class discussions, & the readings