Act+V+Questions

Act V 56. Why does Theseus dismiss the stories of the four young people?

57. Why does Theseus choose to see the play about Pyramus and Thisby rather than the other entertainments?

58. Why does Philostrate try to keep Theseus from seeing the play? What does he say is wrong with it?

59. What does Theseus mean by the lines, "For never anything can be amiss, when simpleness and duty tender it"?

60. What is accomplished by having the Prologue tell the whole story that the actors are then going to enact?

61. How does Shakespeare use comments from the audience to enhance the humour of the play that they are watching?

62. What is Hippolyta’s reaction to the play?

63. In what way is Thisby’s final speech humorous?

64. What does Oberon tell the fairies to do?

65. What is the purpose of Puck’s final speech?

Extending the thought process:

FInd at least one example of each of the following that occurs during the play within the play. Write down the quote that illustrates example. excessive alliteration breaking the play’s illusion of reality using the wrong word or name repeating a word excessively ridiculous metaphor

===a) In reading the play-within-a-play, we become the audience for the drama played out by Theseus, Hippolyta, and the others. These performers, in turn, form the audience for the reenactment of Pyramus and Thisbe. How does observing another audience help you understand the relationship between audience and performers?=== 

===b) Modern television shows often create comic effects by having a silly, innocent, or “clueless” character and a sarcastic, knowing, clever character play off of each other. What examples can you think of?===

===c) Identify ways in which Pyramus and Thisbe might be unsuitable for a wedding celebration. Are there any ways in which the play might be appropriate? In what ways is the play-within-a-play an ironic commentary on what the two pairs of young lovers (Demetrius and Helena, Lysander and Hermia) have gone through earlier?===