What is an example of repetition in Act 1, Scene 1 of A Midsummer Night's Dream?

An example of repetition comes in the repeating of the word "four" in the opening of the scene. The word is repeated three times, with Theseus mourning how slowly the four days until the wedding will pass, while Hippolyta contradicts him by stating that the days and nights will go by "quickly."

Likewise, when Theseus tells Hermia that Demetrius, whom she does not want to marry, is a "worthy" man, Hermia repeats his idea back to him back by noting that Lysander is also worthy.

The clashes in outlook between men and women continue, reinforced by a repetition that insists on the opposite of what the first person said. For example, Hermia and Theseus spar. Hermia says:

I would my father looked but with my eyes.

Theseus answers:

Rather your eyes must with his judgment look.

There is also situational repetition among the young lovers. Hermia spurns Demetrius's love, wanting no part of his wooing. She says to Helena:

The more I hate, the more he follows me.

Helena also has a problem with unrequited love, though in her case she is the one spurned. She loves Demetrius, but he does not love her.

Each woman also feels thwarted, Hermia because Theseus and Egeus are blocking her desire to marry Lysander, Helena because her love for Demetrius is blocked. From the start, we see that love is full of complications—and repetitions—in this play.

What are parallels between Act 1, Scene 1 and Act 2, Scene 1 in A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Parallels can be drawn between the two scenes if we examine the things that are taking place within the scenes. Ask yourself, who is fighting with whom, and why? What similarities in behavior can be seen? Also, similarities in Shakespeare's language choices can be seen. You may want to analyze the language for similarities in figurative language, rhetorical schemes, and any repetition. As we are limited in space, below are a couple of ideas to help get you started.

One similarity that can be found is a similarity in imagery. In Act 1, Scene 1, the moon is a recurring image. Theseus is the first to mention the moon in reference to the passing of time. Theseus and Hippolyta plan to marry at the time of the new moon as new moons mark beginnings. Hence, Theseus opens the play by commenting on how slowly "[t]his old moon wanes" and how its speed "lingers [his] desires" (I.i.4). The moon is mentioned a second time in this scene when Hermia's father, Egeus, accuses Lysander of seducing Hermia by serenading her under her window in the moonlight. Similarly, as a symbol of nighttime and lovemaking, the moon is a recurring image in Act 2, Scene 1. In this scene, we learn of Oberon and Titania's argument, and when he sees her, he greets her with, "Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania" (II.i.61). The reference to the moon is also a reference to sexuality. Since Titania has sworn not to come to Oberon's bed, he is sarcastically stating how displeased he is to see her under the moonlight.

One parallel between the two scenes is with respect to the quarrels. In the opening scene, Egeus is having a quarrel with Hermia because she refuses to marry Demetrius and has been brought before the Duke so that he can warn her of the punishment. Egeus wants Hermia to marry Demetrius and is jealous of the fact that she prefers her own choice, Lysander, over his choice for her. Similarly in Act 2, Scene 1, we learn that Titania and Oberon are quarreling because he is jealous of a changeling boy she has in her care. The boy is particularly beautiful and Oberon wants him for his own attendant. But more importantly, Oberon is jealous because he recognizes that her affection for the boy is rather erotic. As Puck describes, Titania "[c]rowns [the boy] with flowers, and makes him all her joy" (II.i.27). We know that for her this is a type of erotic affection as later on we see her treating Bottom in the exact same way. Hence, there is a parallel in the two scenes in terms of quarrels and jealousy due to erotic behavior.

What are similarities between Act 1, Scene 1 and Act 2, Scene 1 of A Midsummer Night's Dream?

The two scenes are similar because they involve conflicts between lovers where the men think they should get their way and the women stubbornly refuse.

In Act 1, Scene 1, Hippolyta and Theseus are getting married, and Egeus brings his daughter before Theseus because she wants to marry Lysander, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius.  The conflict between Demetrius and Hermia is similar to the conflict between Oberon and Titania in that both are lovers’ quarrels, and both have intervention by outside parties—Egeus/Theseus and Puck.

Theseus tells Hermia that she needs to do what her father says.

What say you, Hermia? Be advis'd, fair maid.
To you your father should be as a god;
One that composed your beauties; (Act 1, Scene 1)

Similarly, Oberon seems to think that Titania should do what he wants.  He is upset that she has a human child, a changeling from India.

Do you amend it, then; it lies in you.
Why should Titania cross her Oberon?(120)
I do but beg a little changeling boy,
To be my henchman. (Act 2, Scene 1)

In each case, the lovers’ conflict is resolved by the end of the play.  Hermia gets to marry Lysander, because Demetrius gives her up for Helena.  Titania generally changes her mind.  The conflict of the mortal and magical couples demonstrates that love is complicated.