Some reading is required. You may wish to print a copy for yourself.
*Disclaimer*
These are only suggested answers for questions under the "Topics for Discussion" after each separate Act in your novels. Some of the questions may have been addressed in passing, in class.
Act Two (p103)
1. How does Act 2 serve to both contrast and complement Act 1?
Differences / Contrast
- The fairies vs the mortals
- The moonlit woods of Athens vs the day-light bright court of Athens
- Dreams and magic vs reality and reason
Similarities / Links / Complements
- Royal couples
Theseus and Hippolyta / Oberon and Titania
- Conflict at the palace / conflict in the woods
- Lovers in the palace / lovers in the woods
- Lovers’ fates linked to fairies actions
- Human world linked to realm of the fairies
2. What has Shakespeare achieved by the end of Act 2?
All the characters have now been introduced. Shakespeare has introduced us to the fairy world and the conflict between Oberon and Titania. Oberon has initiated his plans of revenge.
In Act 1, the lovers’ conflict has been introduced. Act 2 then connects the lovers to the fairies. This connection creates comic complications and confusions which need to be resolved.
Act 2 also adds variety and interest by introducing the fairy world as well as elements of song and dance.
6. In what ways is Puck different from the fairies?
Physically, Puck is obviously less ethereal / graceful / delicate than Titania’s fairy attendants.
He has greater individuality and seems more independent / autonomous than Titania’s homogenous attendants.
Whereas the fairy attendants are unquestioningly dutiful / respectful / loyal in their treatment of Titania and fulfilling her requests, Puck whilst obedient to Oberon, is more self-willed / assertive / opinionated.
Puck also has more dealings with the mortal world- he is associated with Ribin Goodfellow of folklore and his pranks (see Act 2 Scene 1 pages 43-57) are more of a lively / robust / domestic nature than the ethereal / exotic activities of the fairies.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION (ACT 1)
Some reading is required. You may wish to print a copy for yourself.
*Disclaimer*
These are only suggested answers for questions under the "Topics for Discussion" after each separate Act in your novels. Some of the questions may have been addressed in passing, in class.
Act One (p56-57)
1. How does Act 1 serve as an effective opening to the play? Comment especially on the way Shakepspeare establishes main characters, important relationships and key elements of plot.
The 1st Act introduces all the main groups of characters.
- The 'older generation' at Theseus' court (Theseus, Hippolyta & Egeus)
- The 'Athenian youths /lovers' (Hermia, Lysander, Helena, Demetrius)
- The 'rude mechanicals / craftsmen' (Bottom, Quince, Snout, Snug, Starveling, Flute)
Shakespeare introduces all the main relationships and causes of conflict between characters. The elements of romance (between the lovers) and comedy (by the craftsmen) are established. Shakespeare has created a sense of anticipation / interest / curiosity- the audience now wants to know if Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope will come to fruition or if it will be thwarted by another party (Egeus? Theseus?)
The craftsmen on the other hand both complement the marriage preparations of Theseus to Hippolyta and also provide some much needed comic relief- recall the tensions of the first scene where Lysander and Hermia are confronted by Egeus, Theseus and Demetrius.
3. In what respects are the four young lovers in Act 1 different from their elders? Discuss in particular the different views of love and marriage that are expressed.
The youths come across as more impetuous / impulsive / reactionary / emotional / less mature than their elders.
Hermia, for one, believes that Egeus is not being reasonable and does not understand her.
There is also the seemingly romantic side of young love apparent in the relationship between Lysander and Hermia.
The audience is privy to (even if Demetrius is seemingly unaware of!) Helena’s misery at being a rejected lover and the unfathomable quality of egocentric obsession where Demetrius dotes /hankers after Hermia even as Helena is willing to be Demetrius’ ‘spaniel’.
In a marked contrast, the relationship that Theseus shares with Hippolyta seems to be more balanced and stable-their past animosity is over and their upcoming nuptials seem to be eagerly anticipated by both.
In contrast to the happy / calm / harmonious unity of the royal couple, change, conflict and confusion seem to typify or prevails the young lovers’ relationships for the most part of the play.
In general, the audience sees a ‘gap’ between the young (the lovers) and old (Theseus and Hippolyta). Lysander and Hermia are restless, rebellious and straining against parental rights and the governmental authority of the time.
Egeus too, demands furiously of his traditional rights (which has the support of Athenian law) and parental privileges and Theseus (at least for this Act) helps to uphold those rights.
4. What impression are we given of the craftsmen in Act 1? What is their role in the play? Do you find Bottom a lovable or irritating character?
In all respect, the craftsmen are comic characters that appear all the more comical and amusing because they take themselves and their planned performance so very seriously. Having said that however, we must admit that the craftsmen are all simple / simple-minded(?) / innocent / naïve and honest working men with good intentions (of entertaining the Duke on his nuptial day) and are all possessed of good hearts. They are basically good people.
Their general role in the play is to provide humor. More specifically, their play “The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisbe” serves as a comic parallel of the predicament of Hermia and Lysander (forbidden lovers) and their antics in the woods. Eventually, the craftsmen’s play serves as a fitting performance at Theseus’ wedding where they provide much comic-relief and entertainment for the courtiers and the audience alike.
Bottoms especially, provides the audience with ironic insights into the nature of (blind) infatuation and the world of the lovers when he is ‘translated’ into an ass and wooed most lovingly by no less than Titania, the Queen of Fairies.
Bottom is a lovable character because, for all his self-centered / over-confident banter, he is basically a well-meaning / good-intentioned / good-natured and innocuous character. We enjoy his exuberance and enthusiasm because for the most part, he is too laughable and ludicrous for us to find him offensive.
*Disclaimer*
These are only suggested answers for questions under the "Topics for Discussion" after each separate Act in your novels. Some of the questions may have been addressed in passing, in class.
Act One (p56-57)
1. How does Act 1 serve as an effective opening to the play? Comment especially on the way Shakepspeare establishes main characters, important relationships and key elements of plot.
The 1st Act introduces all the main groups of characters.
- The 'older generation' at Theseus' court (Theseus, Hippolyta & Egeus)
- The 'Athenian youths /lovers' (Hermia, Lysander, Helena, Demetrius)
- The 'rude mechanicals / craftsmen' (Bottom, Quince, Snout, Snug, Starveling, Flute)
Shakespeare introduces all the main relationships and causes of conflict between characters. The elements of romance (between the lovers) and comedy (by the craftsmen) are established. Shakespeare has created a sense of anticipation / interest / curiosity- the audience now wants to know if Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope will come to fruition or if it will be thwarted by another party (Egeus? Theseus?)
The craftsmen on the other hand both complement the marriage preparations of Theseus to Hippolyta and also provide some much needed comic relief- recall the tensions of the first scene where Lysander and Hermia are confronted by Egeus, Theseus and Demetrius.
3. In what respects are the four young lovers in Act 1 different from their elders? Discuss in particular the different views of love and marriage that are expressed.
The youths come across as more impetuous / impulsive / reactionary / emotional / less mature than their elders.
Hermia, for one, believes that Egeus is not being reasonable and does not understand her.
There is also the seemingly romantic side of young love apparent in the relationship between Lysander and Hermia.
The audience is privy to (even if Demetrius is seemingly unaware of!) Helena’s misery at being a rejected lover and the unfathomable quality of egocentric obsession where Demetrius dotes /hankers after Hermia even as Helena is willing to be Demetrius’ ‘spaniel’.
In a marked contrast, the relationship that Theseus shares with Hippolyta seems to be more balanced and stable-their past animosity is over and their upcoming nuptials seem to be eagerly anticipated by both.
In contrast to the happy / calm / harmonious unity of the royal couple, change, conflict and confusion seem to typify or prevails the young lovers’ relationships for the most part of the play.
In general, the audience sees a ‘gap’ between the young (the lovers) and old (Theseus and Hippolyta). Lysander and Hermia are restless, rebellious and straining against parental rights and the governmental authority of the time.
Egeus too, demands furiously of his traditional rights (which has the support of Athenian law) and parental privileges and Theseus (at least for this Act) helps to uphold those rights.
4. What impression are we given of the craftsmen in Act 1? What is their role in the play? Do you find Bottom a lovable or irritating character?
In all respect, the craftsmen are comic characters that appear all the more comical and amusing because they take themselves and their planned performance so very seriously. Having said that however, we must admit that the craftsmen are all simple / simple-minded(?) / innocent / naïve and honest working men with good intentions (of entertaining the Duke on his nuptial day) and are all possessed of good hearts. They are basically good people.
Their general role in the play is to provide humor. More specifically, their play “The Most Lamentable Comedy and Most Cruel Death of Pyramus and Thisbe” serves as a comic parallel of the predicament of Hermia and Lysander (forbidden lovers) and their antics in the woods. Eventually, the craftsmen’s play serves as a fitting performance at Theseus’ wedding where they provide much comic-relief and entertainment for the courtiers and the audience alike.
Bottoms especially, provides the audience with ironic insights into the nature of (blind) infatuation and the world of the lovers when he is ‘translated’ into an ass and wooed most lovingly by no less than Titania, the Queen of Fairies.
Bottom is a lovable character because, for all his self-centered / over-confident banter, he is basically a well-meaning / good-intentioned / good-natured and innocuous character. We enjoy his exuberance and enthusiasm because for the most part, he is too laughable and ludicrous for us to find him offensive.
TERM 2 (18 APRIL 08) WEEKEND HOMEWORK
Hi everyone
My apologies for not posting more regularly the past weeks- there are alot of things I wanted to upload here now, look out for updates! :)
In any case, like Mr. Dava's To Kill A Mockingbird tests, the school also requires that 2 components of your CA marks come from A Midsummer Night's Dream and since it slipped my mind to brief you when I saw you this week (3MD/3RP) and since I didn't have time to brief you properly (3BN/3GR), I've had to resort to assigning work for the weekend *apologetic*
Instructions for weekend homework
1. Term 2 Test 1 & Group Work (Quiz) are to be completed (neatly) on fulscap paper. Each handout carries questions worth 25 marks in total. These two assignments will make up the 50 marks required for MSND CA component.
Deadline: Monday 21st April 2008 5pm.
Non-submission = ZERO marks for CA
2. Term 2 Test 2 is a PRACTICE paper- this is the format you can expect to get for MYE but for MYE there will be FEWER questions that carry the same amount of marks (25 marks). Answers for this practice paper will be uploaded after Monday.
Please continue to revise for the MYE on your own and post your questions, if any, using the comments function. I will answer them as soon as I can.
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