A Midsummer Night’s Dream - solved exam questions

(from Act 1, Scene 1)

4(a) In what ways does Shakespeare make this early moment in the play so
memorable?
Shakespeare makes this early moment in A Midsummer Night’s Dream memorable through a
combination of emotional intensity, poetic dialogue, and dramatic tension. This passage from
Act 1, Scene 1, is significant for several reasons:

1. Emotional Depth and Intimacy: The conversation between Lysander and Hermia reveals
their deep affection and the intensity of their emotions. Lysander's concern for Hermia's
pallor and her poetic response about her tears fading the roses on her cheeks demonstrate
their romantic connection. This moment captures the personal and emotional stakes of their
relationship, making it poignant and memorable.

2. Poetic Language: Shakespeare's use of poetic language adds a lyrical quality to the
dialogue. Lysander’s lament about the difficulties of true love—“The course of true love
never did run smooth”—is expressed through vivid imagery and metaphor. Hermia’s
subsequent description of love’s trials as “momentary as a sound, / Swift as a shadow, short
as any dream” further emphasizes the fleeting and elusive nature of their struggles. The rich,
evocative language enhances the emotional impact and memorability of the scene.

3. Conflict and Tension: The passage introduces the central conflict of the play—the
obstacles faced by the lovers due to societal and familial pressures. Lysander and Hermia’s
discussion about the various ways true love can be thwarted—whether by differences in
social status, age, or parental choice—establishes the dramatic tension that will drive the plot.
This early exposition sets the stage for the play’s exploration of love’s challenges.

4. Romantic Resolve: Lysander’s proposal to escape to his aunt’s house and marry Hermia
in secret reflects the lengths to which the lovers are willing to go to be together. Hermia’s
vow to meet Lysander in the woods, swearing by various symbols of love and fidelity,
underscores the sincerity and strength of their commitment. This resolve is both dramatic and
romantic, adding to the scene’s memorability.

5. Foreshadowing and Theme: The passage foreshadows the play’s exploration of love’s
trials and the interference of external forces, such as the magical elements introduced later.
The themes of love’s difficulty and the desire for escape from societal constraints are
established early, creating a foundation for the play’s subsequent events.

Overall, Shakespeare makes this early moment memorable through its emotional depth,
poetic dialogue, exploration of conflict, romantic resolve, and thematic foreshadowing. These
elements combine to create a compelling and impactful scene that resonates with the
audience.
4(b) How does Shakespeare's use of magic contribute to the dramatic
impact of the play?
Shakespeare's use of magic in A Midsummer Night’s Dream is integral to the play’s dramatic
impact, serving multiple functions that enhance both the plot and thematic exploration. The
magical elements contribute to the play’s complexity and entertainment value in the
following ways:

1. Creation of Comic Situations: Magic is a key driver of the play’s comedic elements. The
enchantments cast by Puck, such as the love potion that causes characters to fall in love with
the wrong person, lead to a series of humorous and absurd situations. For instance, the scene
where Lysander and Demetrius both fall in love with Helena, leaving Hermia bewildered and
distraught, creates a comic confusion that is central to the play’s humor. This use of magic
highlights Shakespeare’s skill in blending fantasy with comedy.

2. Exploration of Love’s Illusion: The magical elements in the play underscore the theme of
love’s illusion and the unpredictability of human emotions. The enchantment that causes the
lovers to experience irrational affection reflects the play’s exploration of love as a whimsical
and unpredictable force. By using magic to manipulate the characters’ feelings, Shakespeare
emphasizes the theme that love can be as capricious and uncontrollable as the magic itself.

3. Enhancement of the Fantastical Atmosphere: The presence of the fairy world, with its
magical creatures and spells, creates a fantastical atmosphere that contrasts with the human
world. This juxtaposition enhances the play’s sense of wonder and enchantment. The fairy
realm, governed by Oberon and Titania, adds a layer of mystique and otherworldliness,
making the play’s setting more imaginative and engaging.

4. Resolution of Conflicts: Magic plays a crucial role in resolving the conflicts that arise
throughout the play. The use of the love potion to correct the romantic entanglements among
the characters allows for a resolution that restores order and harmony. By the end of the play,
Puck’s final spell to remove the magical influence and return the characters to their original
affections brings about a resolution to the chaos created by the earlier enchantments.

5. Meta-Theatrical Commentary: The play’s use of magic also serves as a commentary on

the nature of theater and illusion. The boundary between reality and fantasy is blurred
through the magical elements, reflecting the play’s exploration of theatrical artifice. The play-
within-a-play and the magical interventions both highlight the artifice of theater and invite
the audience to consider the nature of performance and illusion.

In summary, Shakespeare’s use of magic in A Midsummer Night’s Dream contributes

significantly to the play’s dramatic impact by creating comedic situations, exploring the
theme of love’s illusion, enhancing the fantastical atmosphere, resolving conflicts, and
providing a meta-theatrical commentary. The magical elements enrich the play’s narrative
and thematic depth, making it a memorable and engaging theatrical experience.

[from Act 3, Scene 2]

4(a) How does Shakespeare make this such an entertaining moment in the
play?
Shakespeare crafts this moment in A Midsummer Night’s Dream as highly entertaining
through a combination of sharp dialogue, dramatic irony, and comedic conflict. The passage
from Act 3, Scene 2, stands out due to the following elements:

1. Comic Conflict: The scene is a prime example of Shakespeare’s use of comic conflict.
The confrontation between Hermia and Helena is fueled by mistaken identities and magical
interference, leading to a farcical exchange. Hermia’s accusations and Helena’s defensive
responses create a humorous situation where both characters are caught in a tangled web of
misunderstanding and emotional intensity. This clash of emotions and personalities is
inherently entertaining.

2. Witty Dialogue: Shakespeare’s use of witty and biting dialogue adds to the scene’s
entertainment value. Hermia’s insults, such as calling Helena a “puppet” and a
“cankerblossom,” and Helena’s counterattacks, including calling Hermia a “painted
maypole,” are laced with humor and sharpness. The playful banter and the exchange of
barbed comments contribute to the scene’s comedic effect. The wordplay and insults are
exaggerated and theatrical, heightening the entertainment factor.

3. Dramatic Irony: The audience is aware of the magical potion causing the lovers’ confused
affections, while the characters themselves are unaware. This dramatic irony heightens the
humor of the situation, as the audience understands that the absurdities and grievances are the
result of enchantment rather than genuine conflict. The contrast between the audience’s
knowledge and the characters’ ignorance creates a comedic effect, as the characters’
heightened emotions and accusations seem absurd in light of the magical interference.

4. Physical Comedy: The physicality of the scene adds to its comedic appeal. The arguments
between Hermia and Helena, coupled with Lysander and Demetrius’s involvement, create a
chaotic and visually entertaining tableau. The physical altercations and the exaggerated
expressions of anger and hurt contribute to the scene’s overall comedic impact.

5. Exaggeration of Character Traits: Shakespeare exaggerates the characters’ traits to

enhance the comedic effect. Hermia’s and Helena’s emotional outbursts are intensified, with
Hermia’s jealousy and Helena’s self-pity being portrayed in an over-the-top manner. This
exaggeration amplifies the humor and makes the scene more entertaining as the characters’
reactions become increasingly melodramatic.

6. Role Reversals: The scene also features role reversals and unexpected dynamics. Helena,
who was previously the victim of ridicule, gains a position of power through her
confrontation with Hermia. The reversal of roles and the shifting dynamics among the
characters contribute to the scene’s humor and interest.

Overall, Shakespeare’s use of comic conflict, witty dialogue, dramatic irony, physical
comedy, exaggeration of character traits, and role reversals makes this moment in the play
highly entertaining. The combination of these elements creates a memorable and engaging
scene that exemplifies Shakespeare’s skill in blending humor and drama.

4(b) To what extent does Shakespeare make Oberon a likeable character?

Shakespeare’s portrayal of Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream presents him as a
multifaceted character whose likability is nuanced and varies depending on the perspective of
the audience. While Oberon possesses qualities that make him appealing, his actions also
reveal aspects that complicate his character’s overall charm. Here’s an analysis of the extent
to which Oberon is a likeable character:

1. Charming and Charismatic: Oberon is initially presented as a charming and charismatic

figure. His regal demeanor and eloquent speech contribute to his appeal. For instance, his
commands to Puck and his interactions with Titania showcase his authoritative yet
commanding presence. His poetic language and confident manner are indicative of a
character who is both influential and engaging.

2. Romantic and Idealistic: Oberon’s actions driven by love and his desire to restore
harmony between himself and Titania highlight his romantic and idealistic side. His plan to
use the magic flower to enchant Titania and reconcile with her demonstrates his commitment
to resolving personal conflicts and restoring order. This romantic motivation adds a layer of
depth to his character and makes him relatable in his pursuit of love.

3. Manipulative and Self-Serving: Despite his appealing qualities, Oberon also exhibits
manipulative and self-serving behavior. His decision to use magic to influence the affections
of others, particularly his use of the love potion on Titania and the lovers, reveals a more
controlling side. Oberon’s willingness to manipulate others for his own benefit, as seen in his
plan to make Titania fall in love with an “ass,” raises questions about his ethical behavior and
the extent to which he can be considered likeable.

4. Inconsistent Morality: Oberon’s morality is inconsistent, which affects his likability.

While he aims to resolve personal conflicts, his actions also lead to confusion and distress
among the other characters. His intervention in the lovers’ relationships, though ultimately
intended to restore harmony, causes significant turmoil and highlights his disregard for the
emotional well-being of others.

5. Generous and Forgiving: Oberon’s ultimate act of generosity and forgiveness, as seen in
his decision to lift the enchantments and restore the natural order, contributes to his likability.
By the end of the play, his actions lead to reconciliation and harmony among the characters,
showcasing his capacity for generosity and benevolence.

In conclusion, Shakespeare presents Oberon as a character with both appealing and

unappealing traits. His charm, romantic motivations, and final act of generosity contribute to
his likability, while his manipulative actions and inconsistent morality complicate his overall
character. The extent to which Oberon is likeable depends on how one weighs his positive
and negative qualities, making him a complex and multifaceted character in the play.