What role does Theseus play in the city and in the play? How about Hippolyta? Why do you think Shakespeare changes them so much from their mythological originals?

L5. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
NOTE: Please view the 1999 film version of this play and follow along with your text. You can rent it at amazon for 2.99
First, here is a brief Biography of Shakespeare
Now take a look at the Shakespeare Resource Center – here you will find a wealth of information on Shakespeare and his works

Lesson 5 Questions:
1. View this video clip. Do you recognize it? In any event, who are some of the audiences the speaker addresses? To what extent do you think his audiences are aware of each other?

2. Going back to Ancient Greek Drama, plays that are tragedies have most frequently ended with the protagonist’s death while comedies have ended with a wedding. What about the plot of A Midsummer Night’s Dream clearly identifies it as a comedy?

3. What role does Theseus play in the city and in the play? How about Hippolyta? Why do you think Shakespeare changes them so much from their mythological originals?