A Midsummer Night's Dream

Thesues, the Duke of Athens and Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazon are to be wed. Theseus and Hippolyta are not directly affected by the fairy world. They never encounter the mystical experience. They are merely spectators. The real world of these two ruling characters is a definite contrast to the fairy world of Oberon and Titania. As king of his magical realm, Oberon is the most powerful figure in the play. He is often referred to as the "stage manager." He directs the characters and controls the plot and ending. Oberon, with Puck's assistance, sets the motion and fate of his characters and uses his skills with mischief but ultimate good. Oberon seems to be an elemental, natural force. There is a playful, irresponsible, and lively quality about he fiary world that the real world will never possess. Oberon finds joy with is own petulant mischief. His quarrel with Titania puts Athens completely out of balance. However, when he finally restores harmony to his relationship with Titania, the play is brought back from chaos to order.
             The two realms meet through Puck and Nick Bottom. Puck is supernatural and is the only one sees everyone and watches what they do. Bottom, under Oberon's spell is able to see Titania and her fairy attendants. On stage, the audience understands that Bottom can see the fairies, because of dialouge. He observes the fairies sleeping and tells the audience what he sees. The play has many sub-plots and each can be a story on its own. But Shakespeare wants to show how the stories can work together. The real world and fairy world coming together creates a romantic, fantasy-like, comedy.
             It is easy to distinguish which realm is the fairy world and which is the real world in both stage and film form. The costume is the key element in portraying the difference. The fairies in both stage and film wear flowy, glittery, dresses. Some fairies have wings. The make-up also plays a part in separting the fairies from the mortals.