The power of authority, the power to transform perceptions and the power of infatuation and romantic desire all contribute to the theme of love. ... Upon the awakening of Lysander he immediately started addressing Helena in terms of extravagant love and admiration; telling her she as much excelled Hermia in beauty as a dove does a raven, and that he would run through fire for her sweet sake. ... Upon awakening, the first thing he saw was Helena, resulting in Demetrius spreading his love to her, through love speech and emotion. ...

• Word Count: 1738
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's early "festive comedies,"" written around 1595-6. Despite the many thematic references to "dreams- and the fantastic setting of the Athenian forest, the play also contains a fair amount of commentary on Shakespeare's contemporary English world. The play's title, for instance, refers to an English holiday custom: on "Midsummer Eve,"" or the night of the summer solstice on June 23, English men and women would spend the night outdoors around bonfires, telling supernatural tales of fairies and witchcraft. The play not only ...

• Word Count: 10864
• Approx Pages: 43
• Grade Level: High School