Act 3 Scene 2

The scene begins with Puck reporting back to Oberon. Oberon can’t believe how successful his
plan has been, and relishes the idea of Titania in love with Bottom. Bottom is an ass in every
sense the word – both a fool and a donkey (Lines 35-37).

However, they soon realise that not everything is going to plan. On pages 109-113, Puck and
Oberon watch as Demetrius, still madly in love with Hermia, pursues her through the forest.
They realise Puck enchanted the wrong man, and attempt to fix their mistake by applying the
love potion to Demetrius.

On page 115, Lysander barges in still pursuing Helena, awaking Demetrius – who now, finally,
falls in love with Helena. Is Helena happy that both Demetrius and Lysander are in love with
her? Read lines 145-161.

Hermia enters on page 119. Consider how Hermia would feel when Lysander declares his love
for Helena? How is Hermia and Helena’s friendship affected by the love triangle? (Read lines
192-221)

The scene descends into chaos as Hermia and Helena fight each other – their argument gets
heated from page 127. Look for lines that suggest physical actions. Remember that this is a
fight scene – what are the characters physically doing?

The Globe Theatre’s interpretation of the fight scene

On page 131, Puck and Oberon are watching on. Look at how each of them reacts to the fight
they have just witnessed. One is amused and the other is appalled – which is which? (Lines
345-353)

Puck and Oberon watch on as the lovers fight and quarrel in Michael Hoffman’s 1999 film
rendition of the play

Puck lures the nobles into a clearing where he sets things right – Demetrius remains in love
with Helena, and he applies the antidote to Lysander to make him fall in love with Hermia
once again (Page 141).

The scene ends and all is well once again between the lovers.