A Midsummer Nights Dream Essay Topics:
1. The play presents several different couples: Theseus and Hippolyta, Hermia and
Lysander, Helena and Demetrius, Titania and Bottom, and Titania and Oberon. What
aspects of love are explored in each of these relationships?
2. Much has been written about the darker side of this play, its savage, erotic aspects and its
violence. For example, the critic Jan Kott finds the eroticism of the play “brutal.” On the
other hand, the critic Hartley Coleridge says this drama is “all poetry, and sweeter poetry
was never written.” Which of these critics do you agree with—if either? Overall, is this a
sinister, violent, erotic play or a lighthearted, romantic comedy? Support your answer with
references from the text.
3. Compare and contrast the Athenian lovers with the craftsmen. In what ways are the
dispositions of the two groups different from each other? Are they the same in any way?
4. It has been argued that the characters of the Athenian lovers are not particularly
differentiated from one another—that Hermia is quite like Helena (even down to her name)
and that Demetrius resembles Lysander. Do you think that this is the case, or do you think
that the lovers emerge as individuals? If you believe that these characters are quite similar
to one another, what do you think Shakespeare’s intent was in making them so?
5. Support or refute the following thesis statement: When Lysander tells Hermia, “The course
of true love never did run smooth” (1.1.134) he is uttering a central theme of the play. You
may wish to consider the following:
a) Hippolyta and Theseus’ engagement
b) Hermia’s conflict with her father
c) The complications between the four young lovers
d) The trouble between Oberon and Titania
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Choose one of the above topics and write an essay that is a minimum of two pages in
length. You will be marked on your introduction, thesis statement, paragraphing, topic
sentences, supporting details, conclusion, conventions, voice, and sentence fluency. You
will also be marked on your knowledge of the play which should be evident by the amount
of detail offered in your essay.
Your essay must include a properly formatted title page and your pages must be
numbered
You are to use a size 12 font only, and I suggest you use either Times New Roman or Ariel
as your font choice.
You must include some quotes from the play as supporting details and these must be cited
properly.
Essays are due on Friday, March 4th. If you wish to have me proofread a draft copy for
you should have it to me no later than the Wednesday prior to the due date.
Take pride in your work. This assignment should reflect your best writing.