ACT I

ACT I BEFORE YOU READ

Focus Activity Map It
What is the best way to resolve a conflict? Create a graphic organizer to show the six steps of problem solving listed below. Include ideas on how these steps might be applied to the Focus Activity above. 1. identify the problem 2. determine the importance of the problem 3. identify and discuss options 4. agree on an option 5. act on your decision 6. evaluate your decision Why do young people in love sometimes experience conflict with their parents?

Setting a Purpose
As you read Act I, note what dilemmas Theseus, Hermia, Lysander, and Helena face and how they decide to solve them.
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ACT I, SCENE I
Theseus and Hippolyta discuss their wedding which is to take place in four days. Theseus sends Philostrate to round up entertainers to while away the time. Egeus brings his daughter Hermia and her two suitors, Lysander and Demetrius, to Theseus to settle an argument. Hermia wants to marry Lysander. Eegus wants her to marry Demetrius. Theseus gives Hermia three choices-marry Demetrius, enter a nunnery, or be put to death for disobedience. Hermia has until the day of Theseus's wedding to come to a decision. Lysander and Hermia plan to meet in the woods the next night and elope. Helena, who loves Demetrius and is the lovers' friend, decides she will tell Demetrius of their plans so she can be with him while he looks for Hermia and Lysander.

Study Questions
1. How is Hippolyta's reasoning concerning how quickly the next four days will pass different from that of Theseus? Note how Shakespeare portrays the patience and calmness of Hippolyta in contrast to the impatience and need for action of Theseus. Why has Egeus brought his daughter and her two suitors to Theseus? What does Egeus expect him to do? What was the proper role for women/daughters in Athenian society according to Egeus and Theseus? What is Theseus's ruling concerning Hermia? How does Lysander's comment about Demetrius's previous love affair with Helena complicate things? What do Lysander and Hermia plan to do about this seemingly impossible situation? Why do they tell Helena what they plan to do? Even though Helena loves Demetrius and is Hermia's best friend, why does she

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decide to tell Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander's plans?

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ACT I, SCENE II
Six artisans meet to discuss what sort of entertainment they will prepare for Theseus's wedding. They decide to do a play about Pyramus and Thisby. Parts are assigned.

Study Questions
1. 2. Why does Nick Bottom want to play all the parts? How do you suppose the threat of being handed if they scare the ladies will affect the artisans' interpretation of the tragedy of Pyramus and Thisby? In what way is this scene funny? Why do you suppose Shakespeare included this scene? Where are the actors to meet the following night? Who else is meeting in these same woods at the same time?
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ACT I AFTER READING

Personal Response
How did you feel when you read Helena's decision to tell Demetrius about Hermia and Lysander's plan? Why did you feel this way?

Evaluate and Connect

Describe Theseus's character. What sort of leader does he seem to be? Do you think Egeus is justified in being angry with his daughter? Why or why not?

Literature and Writing

Moon Images Act I of A Midsummer Night's Dream takes place in the daytime, but it contains many images of the moon that foreshadow the night to come. On a separate sheet of paper, identify the examples of moon imagery in act 1. Then, in a paragraph or two, analyse and explain the moods that the images suggest.

Extending Your Response

Literature Groups The Athenian tradesmen who appear in scene 2 are broadly comic figures. Divide into small groups, and make a list of comic actors in the television or movie business today who could best play each part. Include the characteristics or qualities that make each actor perfect for each part. Share your cast list with the other groups, and take a class vote to decide which actor would be best cast in each part. Learning for Life How do you go about solving your problems or conflicts? Think of a conflict you have experienced in the past week or so. Review the graphic organizer you created in the Focus Activity above ("Map It"). Then develop a plan for solving your problem by following the

steps described in the graphic organizer. Make a brief outline of your plan on a separate sheet of paper.