Reading and explanation of Act One - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Reading and explanation of Act One of A Midsummer Night's Dream

Scene One

Act One, Scene One of A Midsummer Night's Dream introduces the main characters and the conflict that drives the play. Theseus, the Duke of Athens, is preparing for his wedding to Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons. Egeus, a citizen of Athens, arrives with his daughter Hermia and her two suitors, Lysander and Demetrius. Egeus tells Theseus that he wants Hermia to marry Demetrius, but Hermia loves Lysander. Egeus demands that Theseus enforce Athenian law, which states that a father has the right to choose his daughter's husband. Theseus gives Hermia four days to decide whether to marry Demetrius or die.

Scene Two

In Act One, Scene Two, Lysander and Hermia meet in the woods to discuss their plans. They decide to run away together the next night. Hermia tells her friend Helena about their plans, not knowing that Helena is in love with Demetrius. Helena decides to tell Demetrius about Lysander and Hermia's plans in the hope that he will follow them into the woods and she can win back his love.

Discussion on scene one

Act One, Scene One is an important scene because it introduces the main characters and the conflict that drives the play. The scene also provides insights into the nature of love and the social roles of men and women in Elizabethan England.

Analysis of the scene

The scene begins with Theseus and Hippolyta discussing their upcoming wedding. Theseus is eager for the wedding day to come, but Hippolyta reminds him that they have four days to wait. This suggests that Theseus is a passionate and impulsive man, while Hippolyta is more cautious and patient.

The arrival of Egeus and his daughter Hermia interrupts Theseus and Hippolyta's conversation. Egeus tells Theseus that he wants Hermia to marry Demetrius, but Hermia loves Lysander. Egeus demands that Theseus enforce Athenian law, which states that a father has the right to choose his daughter's husband.

Theseus gives Hermia four days to decide whether to marry Demetrius or die. This is a difficult choice for Hermia. She loves Lysander, but she also respects her father and the law. Hermia's dilemma highlights the conflict between love and social duty in Elizabethan England.

Explanation of act one scene two

Act One, Scene Two is a more romantic scene than Act One, Scene One. It focuses on the love between Lysander and Hermia. The scene also shows how love can make people blind to reason.

Analysis of the scene

The scene begins with Lysander and Hermia meeting in the woods to discuss their plans. They decide to run away together the next night. Hermia tells her friend Helena about their plans, not knowing that Helena is in love with Demetrius.

Helena decides to tell Demetrius about Lysander and Hermia's plans in the hope that he will follow them into the woods and she can win back his love. Helena's decision to betray her friend shows how powerful love can be.

The scene ends with Lysander and Hermia leaving the woods. They are both excited about their plans to run away together. However, the audience knows that Helena's betrayal will complicate their plans.

Conclusion

Act One of A Midsummer Night's Dream introduces the main characters and the conflict that drives the play. The play also provides insights into the nature of love and the social roles of men and women in Elizabethan England.