Shakespearean Structure The Bard’s Predictability in his plays overall and in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in particular

the overt configuration of Shakespearean plays All of Shakespeare’s plays follow this fairly rigid format. Knowing this formula helps readers and viewers anticipate various elements concerning forthcoming plot events. Discuss why this is: Many Shakespearean scholars believe Shakespeare followed a formula because it made it simpler for his less-educated viewers to follow along. For the same reason he included puns and other such “basic humor.” Much like an episode of The Simpsons, it can be appreciated on two levels: (1) a basic level for the lesser-minded, with it’s fart jokes and silly situations; and (2) a higher level for the well-educated, with it’s literary allusions and references to current events. Shakespeare is similar in this regard. The formula keeps the complexity of the material from becoming overwhelming.

the Shakespearean plotline Climax Act III Falling Action Act IV Rising Action Act II Exposition Act I Resolution Act V

four plots at their peaks There are 4 plotlines in A Midsummer Night’s Dream A plotline that involves around each of the following: Theseus and Hippolyta The quartet of young lovers The actors Oberon, Titania, and Puck (aka. R. Goodfellow) At the end of Act III, according to Shakespeare’s formula, each of these plots should be at its peak In what way do readers feel the conflict’s tension for each of these plotlines? How did Shakespeare create said tension for each plotline?

Shakespeare’s framing of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Thinking about structure while reading the final acts

all the pieces fit together A Midsummer Night’s Dream begins with the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta How is this mirrored in the play? In Acts IV and V, note where this reoccurring concept continues to reemerge The play begins in Athens but moves to the woods Watch for when the action returns to Athens and then ask yourself why the action returns at this point in the play Where are other instances where large-scale parallel structure is apparent?