A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM
Midsummer Night's Dream was written in 16th century England. In 1595, life was as you can imagine very different. During this period Queen Elizabeth I was at the throne. England was a Christian country and people greatly honoured the queen. Shakespeare was Elizabeth I's poet laureate, so his work was highly valued across England.Women were treated as second-class citizens. In lower class families, girls were not usually educated. They were expected to do domestic jobs and look after children. In the upper class homes things were different. Girls were educated but they did not have free opinion. Women did not have any rights; they had no choice in what they did with their lives or whom they married. The father of the girl would choose a suitor for her (usually being the wealthiest man available) and she was expected to marry him. In theatre, men would play the part of women. The Elizabethans strongly believed in the supernatural. Few aspects of sixteenth century life were not affected by the belief of witchcraft. Fairies and sorcerers as being real. Magic was not as we see it today; things that young children believe, but as compelling and real. Their beliefs in god were very
The Lovers represent the effects and powers of love. There are many lessons to be learned from A Midsummer Night's Dream. This is a unique experience for them, less drama and more comedy. In a way, Shakespeare has adopted a modern view of things, as Hermia's character is not one of a 'typical' Elizabethan woman. These are used to make the scene romantic and comical. The workmen would be dressed in rags and the lovers and court in very smart, rich garments. Act 3, Scene 2 begins to be comical in which the lovers are talking in rhyming couplets. I think the Duke is enjoying the play within the play, as he has always seen 'professional, serious performances. 134 Lysander: The course of true love never did run smooth;I believe this is very true, as there are so many problems in love. 144 Titania: 'Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful. The play is set in an enchanting forest amongst the cowslips; hidden deep in the wood is the fairy kingdom. The fairies' costumes would have been spectacular and dazzling. I personally think that Shakespeare was very clever in how he devised 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' as he has three very good elements of entertainment; love, magic and comedy represented with different stories and characters. My heart to her but as but as guest wise sojourn'd, And now to Helen is it home return'd. Hippolyta is comparing Quinces' prologue to a child, meaning it was not professional, as the actors thought it was.
Common topics in this essay:
Lysander Hermia,
Hippolyta Played,
England Women,
Night's Dream,
Night's Dream',
Lysander Lysander,
Dream Lysander,
Similes Act,
England Christian,
Lysander Demetrius,
midsummer night's,
midsummer night's dream,
night's dream,
act 3 scene,
true love,
scene 1,
prologue child,
real love,
rhyming couplets,
act 3,
play play,
3 scene,
|
Acceptance Essays
