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   slchanmo1885 Teacher
   High School - 10th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   In Shakespeare's Day, people recognized three seasons, Autumn, Winter, and Summer, rather than the four we recognize now. Summer began in March, and May Day (May 1st), the setting of the play, was "midsummer." May Day was considered a magical time when spirits were believed to be around. The play is set in a fairy wood, which is very dreamlike, however, the title may also refer to the popular act of analyzing a person's dreams to tell a fortune about a person's love life. Love is one of the major themes of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." On May Day, it was also the custom to hold a sunrise service with songs about hope and happiness.

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   http://www.enotes.com/midsummer/historical-background

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   Posted by slchanmo1885 on Saturday November 29, 2008 at 3:49 PM