A Midsummer Night’s Dream Annotated
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Annotated by William Shakespeare is an edition published by Independently Published on October 21, 2021. This 185-page work presents a classic play that unfolds in Athens, where Duke Theseus eagerly anticipates his wedding to Hippolyta. The narrative begins with a conflict involving Egeus, who demands that his daughter Hermia marry Demetrius, despite her love for Lysander. This sets off a series of events that challenge Athenian law and explore themes of love and choice.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of drama as the story progresses, highlighting the tensions between love and authority. The play features a mix of characters, including the feuding suitors Demetrius and Lysander, and the heartbroken Helena, who complicate the romantic entanglements. This annotated edition provides insights into the text, enhancing the understanding of Shakespeare’s exploration of relationships and societal expectations. The language is English, making it accessible to a broad audience interested in classic literature and dramatic themes.
Official synopsis Publisher
As the play opens, Duke Theseus is hanging out at his palace in Athens with his bride-to-be, Hippolyta, the Amazon queen who was recently defeated by Theseus and his army. Theseus is VERY excited about getting hitched (in just four days) and spending his wedding night with Hippolyta. He promises her that getting married will be a lot more fun than being conquered in battle. Uh, let’s sure hope so.
Egeus, an Athenian citizen, arrives at Theseus’s palace with a crisis. He’s made plans for his daughter, Hermia, to marry Demetrius, but this other guy named Lysander has managed to steal his daughter’s heart. Now Hermia refuses to marry Demetrius. Egeus is outraged and wants Theseus to give Hermia the death sentence for her disobedience, per Athenian law. Because that’s not an overreaction or anything.
Duke Theseus wants to be reasonable, so he advises Hermia to be a good girl and listen to her father. Hermia flat-out refuses, so Theseus gives her two alternative options: 1) accept the death penalty as punishment for disobedience, or 2) become a nun and remain a virgin forever. Hermia has four days to decide her fate. Yep–that’s Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding day. Coincidence? We think not.
Demetrius and Lysander bicker over who should get to marry the lovely Hermia. Demetrius thinks he should have dibs because Hermia’s dad likes him the best and has already given him permission to marry his daughter. Lysander argues that he should get Hermia because Hermia actually loves him. Plus, Demetrius has way too much baggage–he used to go steady with Hermia’s friend Helena, who is still in love with Demetrius….
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