A Midsummer Night's Dream

Here are the quizzes we have done so far, with answers. The quizzes cover some of the main plot points, but there are many other things you need to know.

Act One

1. Summarize the problem presented to Theseus at the start of the play. (2 points)

 Egeus' daughter, Hermia, refuses to marry Demetrius, the man her father has chosen for her. She instead wants to marry Lysander, the man she loves and who loves her.

2. What choice is given to Hermia?

 She must either marry Demetrius or be killed for disobeying her father (as stated in Athenian law). The other option is to become a nun and never marry anyone.

3. What is Lysander’s plan?

He suggests that he and Hermia run away at night to his aunt's house. She lives outside the city of Athens, so they could safely get married there.

4. Who is Helena? 

She is Hermia's friend, who has previously had a relationship with Demetrius and still loves him, even though he has rejected her and now desires Hermia.

5. What are the craftsmen doing in Act 1, Scene 2? 

They are choosing roles for the play they want to perform at Theseus' upcoming wedding.  

6. How does Bottom make the scene comedic? 

He wants to play every role available and demonstrates  what he thinks is his excellent acting ability.

7. Which characters say the following lines? (1 point each)

“Full of vexation come I, with complaint” - Egeus, I.i.23

“The course of true love never did run smooth.” - Lysander, I.i.136

Act Two

1. Titania and Oberon meet and have a conversation. What are two things they mention? (2 points)

Possible answers: Oberon being unfaithful with Phillida; Thesues and Hippolyta's wedding; the accusations that Oberon loves Hippolyta and Titania loves Theseus; the fact that Oberon and Titania's arguments have bad effects on the natural world (and therefore on humans); the Indian boy adopted by Titania and wanted by Oberon; Titania's request that Oberon dance with her at the wedding, which Oberon will only do if she gives him the boy.

2. After Titania leaves, what promise does Oberon make?

To take revenge on her before she leaves the forest.

3. What does he send Robin to get?

A flower, the juice of which has the magical effect of making people fall in love with the next person (or animal) they see.

4. What does Oberon see while Robin is away?

He sees Helena chasing Demetrius, who is telling her to leave him alone. He is looking for Hermia and Lysander.

5. After he has the item, what does he tell Robin to do? Be precise with your answer (2 points)

To put the flower's juice on the eyes of a "disdainful" Athenian youth who is in the forest with a young lady who loves him.

6. What mistake does Robin make? 

He uses the potion on Lysander instead of Demetrius, with the result that it is Lysander who falls in love with Helena when she wakes him up.

7. Which characters say the following lines? (1 point each)

“Thou shalt fly him, and he shall seek thy love.” - Oberon, II.i.253

“Lysander, if you live, good sir, awake.” - Helena, II.ii.108