Act 5, Scene 1 Name __________________________

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Study Questions

You must answer the following in a complete sentence.

1. When discarding the young Athenians’ stories, Theseus says, “Lovers and madmen
have such seething brains, such shaping fantasies, that apprehend more than cool
reason ever comprehends.” Explain his meaning. Do you agree with this idea?
Explain your answer.
Theseus is saying that there is no difference between lovers and madmen because
they don't use their reasoning. Yes, I agree because when people are in love they
don't always use logic just like madmen.

2. Why does Theseus choose to see the play about Pyramus and Thisby rather than
the other entertainment options?
It is a tragic comedy which is complete irony, and unheard of. Athenian laborers are
putting on the play, and he thinks it would be a funny sight.

3. What evidence do we have in line 89-105 that Theseus is a kind-hearted ruler?

Theseus figures that since the workmen have prepared a play for his wedding then
they should at least watch it.

4. How is Quince’s prologue reflective of what Theseus said in lines 89-105?

Theseus had said that they would stumble over their words and stop talking abruptly
and in the wrong places and that is what Quince did in the prologue.

5. In lines 145-146, what heavy-handed literary technique is being used?

Alliteration

6. Do you find the newlyweds’ commentary during the play to be funny or annoying?
Explain your answer.
I find the commentary during the play to be annoying because they were being
rude.

7. In what way is Thisby/Flute’s final speech humorous?

Act 5, Scene 1
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Study Questions

Thisby final speech is humorous because she describes Pyramus as very unattractive.

8. Write down the lines from Theseus’ last bit of text that show he actually enjoyed the
play.

"This palpable-gross play hath well beguiled the heavy gait of night"
The play helped them pass the time so he enjoyed it.
9. What wedding gift do Titania and Oberon give all three wedded couples?

They blessed them

- Always be faithful and in love
- Future children will have no deformities

10. What is the purpose of Puck’s final speech? What’s ironic (and sort of silly) about
Shakespeare ending his play this way?

That it was what happened to the couples

Theseus said not to makes an excuse and that exactly what happened
Act 5, Scene 1
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Study Questions