Composer

:

William Shakespeare

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

ca. 1595

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a play written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century. It was first performed in 1595 or 1596 and has since become one of Shakespeare's most popular and frequently performed plays. The play is a comedy and is set in Athens and a nearby forest. It is divided into five acts and features a large cast of characters. The play begins with the Duke of Athens, Theseus, and his fiancée, Hippolyta, discussing their upcoming wedding. They are interrupted by Egeus, a nobleman who wants his daughter, Hermia, to marry a man named Demetrius. However, Hermia is in love with a man named Lysander and refuses to marry Demetrius. Theseus gives Hermia four days to decide whether she will marry Demetrius or be put to death. Meanwhile, a group of amateur actors, led by a man named Peter Quince, are rehearsing a play that they hope to perform at Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding. Among the actors is a man named Bottom, who is transformed into a donkey by the fairy queen, Titania. In the forest, a group of fairies led by their king, Oberon, and queen, Titania, are having their own troubles. Oberon wants to punish Titania for refusing to give him a young Indian boy that she has been caring for. He orders his servant, Puck, to use a magical flower to make Titania fall in love with the first creature she sees when she wakes up. Puck mistakenly puts the flower juice on the eyes of Lysander instead of Demetrius, causing Lysander to fall in love with Helena, who is in love with Demetrius. Demetrius, meanwhile, is being pursued by Hermia and the two women end up fighting over him. Oberon eventually sorts out the confusion and the four lovers are reunited. In the end, the amateur actors perform their play, which is a hilarious and poorly executed version of the story of Pyramus and Thisbe. Theseus and Hippolyta are amused by the play and the play ends with the fairies blessing the newlyweds. 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is known for its complex plot, witty dialogue, and memorable characters. It is also notable for its use of magic and supernatural elements, which were popular in Elizabethan England. The play explores themes of love, jealousy, and the power of the imagination. It has been adapted into numerous films, operas, and ballets and remains a popular choice for theater companies around the world.

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