Analysis Pages

Plot in A Midsummer Night's Dream

Plot Examples in A Midsummer Night's Dream:

Act I - Scene I

🔒 2

"And stolen the impression of her fantasy..."   (Act I - Scene I)

The phrase "stolen the impression of her fantasy" describes how Lysander has won Hermia over by gifting her poems, bracelets, rings, games, and sweets. Hermia has impressed his image onto her imagination, or mind.

Subscribe to unlock »

"Hippolyta..."   (Act I - Scene I)

As Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta would have been a worshiper of the virgin goddess of the hunt and of the moon, known as Artemis in Greek mythology and Diana in Roman mythology. The following references to the moon as a measurement of slowly-passing time thus take on a measure of irony: Hippolyta will lose the virginity cherished by her goddess.

Subscribe to unlock »

"When thou wakest, Thou takest True delight..."   (Act III - Scene II)

Puck adheres to Oberon’s wishes and uses his magic to make sure that love between the four humans is in balance. Puck’s supernatural trickery further reveals itself here as he is able to speak as any character and make them fall asleep. Notice though, that rather than removing the effects of the love potion on Lysander himself, Oberon has Puck use the love potion again. This ensures that the love will happen rather than leaving anything up to chance, which further underscores Oberon’s role as playwright because of his preference for using plot devices like the love potion.

Subscribe to unlock »

Analysis Pages