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

2. 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.

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

4. 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?

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

6. 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?