Act 4 Scene 1

This scene opens with another entertaining scene of intimacy – this time between Titania and
Bottom the ass. Notice Bottom’s behaviour in this scene. Titania treats him as a prince and
commands her fairies to look after him, but Bottom behaves like an ass in every sense of the
word. He asks to be scratched (lines 7-8), requests to be fed (lines 10-18), and wants to be
entertained by loud and clumsy instruments – though Titania quickly changes the subject
before this happens (lines 29-31).

Edwin Henry Landseer’s impression of Titania, Bottom and the fairies

It is important to also notice that Bottom still does not realise he has been turned into a
donkey – read lines 23-27.

Oberon and Puck enter the scene on page 147. Consider whether Oberon’s attitude towards
Titania has changed (focus on lines 46-70).

When the antidote is applied and Titania awakes, she thinks she has had a terrible dream
about falling in love with an ass. Look at how Oberon breaks the bad news to her on page 149.

On page 151, we return to the storyline with Theseus. It is the day of Theseus and Hippolyta’s
wedding, and they are up early as part of a Midsummer morning ritual. The couple-to-be
along with the duke’s attendants and Egeus head into the forest to go hunting. In Greece, the
midsummers celebration is called Klidonas (Κλήδονας) meaning sign or oracle, and was
considered a time when unmarried girls would discover their potential mates through a ritual.
This is important in terms of thinking about what happens next.

While hunting in the forest, the group finds Demetrius, Lysander, Hermia and Helena asleep
on the forest floor. Think about how you might stage this scene.

Northern Stage’s interpretation of Demetrius, Lysander, Hermia and Helena asleep on the forest
floor

Demetrius, Lysander, Hermia and Helena try to explain to Theseus and Egeus what has
happened, but even they don’t really know.

For example, look at these lines from Demetrius:

These things seem small and undistinguishable,

Like far-off mountains turned into clouds.

(Lines 86-87)

And from Hermia who says:

Methinks I see these things with parted eye,

When every thing seems double.

(Lines 88-89)
However, all is well. Demetrius and Helena are together, as are Hermia and Lysander. The
scene ends with them walking off trying to piece together what happened to them. Is their
inability to remember what happened a side-effect of the love potion? The enchantment of the
forest? The magic of the night?

Bottom concludes this scene with a monologue – note the hesitation and confusion in his
speech as he also tries to piece together the events of the previous night. However, even
through his confusion, this is perhaps one of the most genuine and relatable speeches of the
play.

Man is but an ass if he go about to expound this dream. Methought I was – there is no man can
tell me what. Methought I was, and methought I had, but man is but a patch’d fool, if he will offer
to say what methought I had.

(Lines 206-210)
Act 4 Scene 2

In this scene, we are returned to the mechanicals. They are anxious – it is the day of Theseus’
wedding but Bottom, responsible for playing a main character in their play, is missing (lines 4-
7).

However, on page 161 Bottom makes a dramatic and triumphant entrance. He gives a rousing
speech and declares that they must get ready immediately, for they are to perform their play
that night.

Consider the contrasting emotions in this scene – the players are anxious and disappointed at
the beginning of this scene, but when Bottom returns there is palpable excitement. Even
though Bottom might be an ass, his vibrant presence brings energy to those around him.