Quiz: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act I
Name __________________________
1. Explain why Egeus has come to Theseus to complain about his daughter, Hermia.
Egeus has promised Hermia in marriage to Demetrius, who is in love with her. However, Hermia has
fallen in love with Lysander and refuses to obey her father. Egeus demands that Hermia be punished
if she refuses to obey his order to marry Demetrius.
2. Why do Hermia and Lysander plan to visit his aunt who lives outside of Athens?
Lysander’s wealthy and childless aunt lives outside the jurisdiction of Athenian law. Since she loves
Lysander like a son, they plan to visit her and be married there.
3. Who is Helena, and why does she decide to tell Demetrius about Hermia and Lysander’s plan?
Helena is Hermia’s friend and the former lover of Demetrius. Demetrius dumped her for Hermia.
She tells Demetrius about Hermia and Lysander’s plan, hoping that he will follow them into the
woods to try to stop the marriage. She plans to follow him, hoping for a chance to win him back.
4. What part will Bottom play in “Pyramus and Thisby,” and how does Peter Quince convince Bottom
to accept the part?
Bottom will play Pyramus. Peter Quince flatters him, telling him that Pyramus is very handsome.
5. Why are the tradesmen worried about the lion’s part in their production?
They are afraid that the roar of the lion might frighten the women in the audience, and cause them
all to be hanged as punishment.
Who said it, and what is he/she talking about?
6. Hippolyta, I woo'd thee with my sword, / And won thy love, doing thee injuries;
But I will wed thee in another key, / With pomp, with triumph and with revelling.
Theseus explains that although he won Hippolyta’s love by conquering her in battle, their marriage
will have a different tone, one of lavish celebration.
7. The course of true love never did run smooth;
Lysander comments on his and Hermia’s situation after Theseus advises Hermia to obey her father,
give herself up to Athenian law, and marry Demetrius.
8. I will roar you as gently as any sucking dove; I will roar you, as 'twere any nightingale.
After the laborers express concern that the lion’s roar will frighten the ladies, Bottom explains that
he would roar as gently as a dove or a nightingale, in order not to frighten anyone. Bottom feels
that he is talented enough to play every role in the play, but Peter Quince again convinces him to
play Pyramus.
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