Examination Questions on A Midsummer Night's Dream
Question: What is the dramatic purpose of the reference by the king and queen of the Fairies to Theseus and
Hippolyta?
Answer: To make evident the close relation and strong influence of the latter upon the Fairies, who
play so important a part in carrying forward the action of this drama. By means of it Shakespeare connects the mortals in the drama with the Spirits; the natural with the supernatural.
How to cite this article:
Fleming, William H. How to Study Shakespeare. New York: Doubleday and Co., 1898. Shakespeare Online. 10 Aug. 2010. (date when you accessed the information) < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/midsummer/questions/referencetofairies.html >.
