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A Midsummer Night's Dream

by William Shakespeare

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Student Question

As Oberon in Act 5 of A Midsummer Night's Dream, what three instructions would you give the fairies to bless the king's court after the wedding?

Expert Answers

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This sounds like a fun, creative assignment! While creative assignments allow for you to be imaginative, we must also remember to keep our answers rooted in the text. That being said, let's consider what Oberon has experienced with those at court. He knows there was discord between them, as he was the one to witness Demetrius dismiss Helena. After he asked Puck to intervene, he knows Puck got mixed up, creating confusion. Finally, the correct pairs were able to end up together.

With that in mind, we might include a first rule that instructs the fairies to find the corrects pairs. He wants to avoid another mix up, like previously in the woods. This first instruction might go along the lines of listing the names and descriptions of all the correct couples (and remember, we want to be more specific than "Athenian garb" like earlier in the play).

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allows you to determine what exactly the "blessing" is. Is it another love potion? We know that the earlier potion came from a specific flower—perhaps you could show your knowledge of the text by including instructions similar to those that Oberon gave Puck earlier in the play on how to find the flower. Or, knowing that the love potion cause problems, perhaps this time we want to steer clear of flowers, and bless the couples in another way. Regardless of what you choose, your second instruction can be defining the blessing, or if it requires something (like a flower) instructing the fairies on how to find it.

Our third rule might expand upon the second. For example, earlier Puck was instructed to get the flower, and then drop it in the Athenian's eyes. If your blessing involves getting a flower, this next step might specify what to do with it. We can also consider how Oberon wants his fairies to perform the blessing, regardless of if it involves a flower or not. Does he want them to remain hidden, and cast the spell from the shadows? Do the fairies follow the theme of disguise and dress up as members of the Athenian court in order to approach the lovers and shake their hands in a blessing?

There's endless possibilities for what exactly the three instructions might sound like! Hopefully this helps you construct yours!

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