Midsummer+Night+Dream+Act+1

1. How is Hippolyta’s reasoning concerning how quickly the next four days will pass different from that of Theseus?
Hippolyta is expecting time to fly while Theseus is assuming that the next four days will drag by.

2. Why has Egeus brought his daughter and her two suitors to Theseus? What does Egeus expect him to do?
He has brought them there because his daughter doesn't want to marry the man he has chosen for her. Egeus expects Theseus to force his daughter to marry the man he has chosen for her, or kill her.

3. What was the proper role for women/daughters in Athenian society according to Egeus and Theseus? What is Theseus’s ruling concerning Hermia?
The proper role for women is to listen to the men and to do what they are told to. That she must do what he father tells her to.

4. How does Lysander’s comment about Demetrius’s previous love affair with Helena complicate things?
He thinks it complicates thing because if Demetrius cheated once he could cheat again.

5. What do Lysander and Hermia plan to do about this seemingly impossible situation? Why do they tell Helena?
They plan to meet at night in the forest and run away to wed at Lysanders aunts house. They tell Helena because she is Hermias best friend.

6. Even though Helena loves Demetrius and is Hermia’s best friend, why does she decide to tell Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander’s plans?
She decides to tell him since she think it will make him love her again.

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7. Identify Hermia’s basic dilemma. What are the choices outlined for her by Theseus and her father? What other choice does Lysander suggest? ===== That she doesn't want to marry Demetrius, but if she doesn't she will die. Either that she marries Demetrius, dies, or becomes a nun. Lysander suggests to run away and get married at his aunts.

8. Why does Nick Bottom want to play all the parts?
He wants to play all the parts because he thinks he is perfectly suited for every part.

9. In what way is this scene funny? Why do you suppose Shakespeare included this scene?
This scene is funny since Bottom wants to play all the parts and that they made Flute be Thisbe. Shakespeare included this to point out how ridiculous it was for women to not be aloud on stage.

10. Where are the actors to meet the following night? Who else is meeting there at the same time?
They are meeting in the forest. Hermia and Lysander are also meeting there at the same time.

11. How would you describe Bottom’s acting ability? What is Bottom’s own opinion of his acting ability?
I think Bottom would be a very comedic actor, he wouldn't be very good at acting but he sure would be hilarious.  Bottom thinks he is the best actor in the world.