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"The course of true love never did run smooth" (I.i.134)

Prediction Task: What might this famous quote from Lysander foreshadow? Why would Shakespeare place this line so early in the play?

Let's discuss: This quote serves as a thesis statement for the entire play, introducing the theme of love's complications and obstacles.

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"I know not by what power I am made bold,
But I do bend my judgment against your sovereignty" (I.i.58-59)

Prediction Task: Why do you think Hermia's words to her father and Theseus are significant? What does this tell us about her character?

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"Either to die the death, or to abjure
Forever the society of men" (I.i.65-66)

Prediction Task: What does this harsh law tell us about the society in which the play is set?

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"I wooed thee with my sword,
And won thy love doing thee injuries" (I.i.16-17)

Prediction Task: What does this reveal about Theseus and his relationship with Hippolyta?

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"That would hang us, every mother's son" (I.ii.65)

Prediction Task: Why do you think Bottom and his fellow actors are so concerned about frightening the ladies? What does this reveal about their character?

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"Earthlier happy is the rose distilledThan that which withering on the virgin thorn" (I.i.76-77)

Prediction Task: How might this mention of roses and thorns relate to the idea of magical intervention?

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"A tedious brief scene of young Pyramus
And his love Thisbe; very tragical mirth" (I.ii.11-12)

Prediction Task: Why might Shakespeare include this play-within-a-play? What similarities might we find between this story and our main plot?

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"For Oberon is passing fell and wrath,Because that she, as her attendant hath" (I.ii.27-28)

Prediction Task: What misunderstandings are hinted at in these lines regarding the fairy realm?