A Midsummer Nights Dream

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Conduct a close reading of ONE of the extractsChoose ONE only of these extracts 1- A Midsummer Nights Dream 2- The Merchant of Venice 3- Henry VWrite a close reading of ONE of the passages listed in the Module Handbook. Your discussion should attend to the particularities of its language, structure, genre, and theme; you should also discuss the passages relation to the text as a whole and the passages relationship to the texts historical moment. Make sure you have a clear line of argument running through the essay: for example, it would be helpful to outline the central theme(s) of your chosen passage in your introduction (e.g. race, religion, gender), and then (in subsequent sections of your essay) to trace the ways in which the formal elements of the text (language, imagery, structure, stage directions etc.) advance its theme(s). As this is primarily a close reading, it is not expected that you will embark on extensive secondary and contextual research; however, you are expected to engage with some secondary material to demonstrate awareness of existing scholarly perspectives (at least three additional sources). Awareness of existing scholarly sources can also help bring depth and nuance to your argument. Please read the marking criteria for this assessment before submitting. While you may wish to make passing references to other parts of the play, your analysis should be rooted in the passage. Do not use the passage as a starting point for a discussion as the play as a whole. Questions to consider when constructing your close reading:Who is speaking and how are they speaking?What is the central theme of this passage? What kind of rhetorical or theatrical techniques are being used to convey this theme?What form does this passage take (i.e. poetry, prose, or both). How does the form impact the meaning of the passage?For poetry: how is the verse displayed on the page? Can you discern its metre and rhyme scheme? How do they help shape the meaning of the passage?Are there any stage directions, effects, entrances, or exits that influence the scene?3.When you are writing, be sure to balance close attention to language with an awareness of the performance possibilities afforded by the passage. When discussing language, you might think about the significance of specific word choices, images, metaphors, idiom (formal, or informal), and metre (verse, or prose). When discussing performance possibilities you might think about where characters are standing on the stage (are they in a gallery, or on the main stage), what kind of stage it is (indoor, or outdoor), what the actor might be wearing (if it seems especially important), or how the actor speaks their lines (e.g. in dialogue, monologue, aside or soliloquy). Does this passage require any specific stage technologies (e.g. sound effects, lighting effects, props, cosmetics or other stage materials (e.g. stage blood).4.Although this is a commentary or a close critical analysis of a text, use relevant pieces of criticism to provide critical assessments of the text and contextual information. I would expect you to use a minimum of three critical sources. In addition to this, it is a good idea to consult at least one critical edition, to see which words or phrases the editor has glossed.please use act, scene, and line numbers when quoting from the page: DO NOT USE PAGE NUMBERS.

Sample Solution

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Close Reading of Lysander’s Declarations of Love (Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 37-46)

William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a whimsical comedy that explores the complexities of love and illusion. One of the most intriguing aspects of the play is the way characters’ affections shift dramatically under the influence of a mischievous fairy, Puck. This essay will conduct a close reading of a passage from Act 2, Scene 2, where Lysander, initially in love with Hermia, declares his love for Helena after being touched by a magical flower. Through an analysis of language, imagery, and dramatic structure, we will explore how this passage reflects the play’s themes of love’s fickleness and the transformative power of illusion.

The Illusion of Desire: Language and Imagery

The passage opens with a forceful declaration: “Why should you think of Hermia? (Aside) Though she be as brown as hazel nuts, / And as withered as a sapless log, / Even so l love hot ice and detest snow” (Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 37-40). Lysander’s harsh dismissal of Hermia, previously the object of his devotion, is striking. The imagery of “brown hazel nuts” and a “withered log” creates a picture of ugliness, emphasizing the swift and complete reversal of his feelings. Furthermore, the paradoxical statement “love hot ice” highlights the nonsensical and illogical nature of his affection for Helena. Shakespeare’s use of oxymoron underscores the transformative power of the love potion, which has completely distorted Lysander’s perception.

Dramatic Irony and the Power of Performance

The aside, “Though she be as brown as hazel nuts,” is a key element in this passage. It reveals Lysander’s true feelings to the audience, creating a layer of dramatic irony. While Helena believes his declarations, we, the audience, are privy to the artificiality of his affection. This technique emphasizes the playfulness of the scene and the theme of illusion. Stage direction also plays a role. The fact that Lysander speaks these lines directly to Helena suggests a performative aspect to his love. He is putting on a show, fueled by the magic rather than genuine emotion. This adds a layer of humor to the scene, as we witness Lysander’s clumsy attempts to woo Helena with outlandish compliments.

Thematic Connections and Critical Perspectives

This passage contributes to the play’s central theme of love’s fickleness. Lysander’s swift shift of affection highlights the capricious nature of human desire, particularly when influenced by external forces. Several scholars have explored this theme. Jeanette L. McClure, in her essay “The Midsummer Night’s Dream: Redefining Love,” argues that the play “presents love not as a constant, unchanging emotion, but as a multifaceted and ever-evolving experience” (McClure 2000). Similarly, Stephen Orgel, in *Dreams and Discourses: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, suggests that the play “shows us the limitations of human reason and the power of the irrational in human affairs” (Orgel 2003). Lysander’s transformation embodies these ideas, demonstrating how easily love can be manipulated and distorted.

Conclusion

Shakespeare’s use of strong imagery, dramatic irony, and stage direction in this passage from A Midsummer Night’s Dream effectively conveys the play’s themes of love’s fickleness and the power of illusion. Lysander’s declarations, fueled by magic rather than genuine emotion, highlight the fragility of human desire and the transformative power of external forces. By examining the language, structure, and performance possibilities of this passage, we gain a deeper understanding of the play’s exploration of love, illusion, and the complexities of human nature.

 

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