MNSD+Act+4

Act IV, Scene 1 44. How has Bottom adjusted to the attention of Titania and her fairies? Bottom has adjusted very well to Titania and her fairies! He loves the attention. 45. What is Oberon’s reaction to Titania’s infatuation with Bottom? Oberon begins to feel both jealous and guilty of Titania's infatuation with Bottom. 46. What sort of explanation will Oberon make to Titania’s question about what happened to her? When Titania wakes up, she thinks all of her previous experiences were dreams, until Oberon points Bottom out to her. When Titania asks more questions, Oberon changes the subject. 47. Why are Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, and the others out in the woods so early in the morning? Theseus, Hippolyta and Egeus were all out looking for Hermia, Helena, Lysander and Demetrius. 48. What is Theseus’s first explanation of why the young people are asleep in the woods? Theseus says that the lovers woke up early to observe the rite of May and to hear their intent. 49. What explanation does Demetrius make? Why does he compare his love for Hermia to an illness? He compares Helena to food and Hermia to sickness. He says that while he was in love with Hermia, he didn't love Helena, and compares this to while he is sick, he doesn't want food. When he is in full health, he wants food, and compares this to when he falls in love with Helena. 50. What is Theseus’s decision concerning the four young people? Theseus allows both groups of lovers to marry at the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta. 51. Why can’t the young people be sure whether they are awake or dreaming? Because their memories seem indistinguishable, they think that they were dreaming the whole time. 52. Bottom believes he too has had a dream. How is he going to use that to entertain the Duke? Bottom plans on writing a ballad about his "dream", so that people don't think he's crazy. Act IV, Scene 2 53. What opinion do the other artisans now have of Bottom since they think he is lost? Since they think he's lost, the artisans now refer to him as a great actor. 54. What do they most regret losing by not being able to perform the play? They think that if they had performed the play they would of been made men. 55. Why must the artisans hurry to the Duke’s palace? Because the wedding starts soon, and they must perform their play.

==**Extending the thought process.** == ====a) The fourth act opens and ends with Bottom at center stage. What is your opinion of Bottom’s character? How might he be the antithesis, or opposite, of Theseusy’s character? ==== ==== ====

====b) How do most of the dreamers respond to the dream experience upon waking? Which character is changed permanently by the dream experience? ====

Demetrius is changed permanently by the experience, because he no longer loves Hermia, and will be forever in love with Helena. Most of the dreamers awake confused, and assuming it was all a dream. ==== ==== ====c) In this act, several characters look back at prior infatuations with disbelief. What do you think Shakespeare is saying about love and infatuation? ====

I think Shakespeare is saying that love causes people to do irrational and silly things, because it can be so overpowering.