Despite being one of Shakespeare's most popular works, A Midsummer Night's Dream can be a tough play to follow. It contains four plots, and as Puck's work unfolds, things can get a little strange. Watch your students master this comedy and become pros with Shakespeare!
A Midsummer Night's Dream Summary - Five Act structure of A Midsummer Night's Dream
Storyboard Text
Slide: 1
PROLOGUE
The Duke of Athens is to be married to the Queen of the Amazons. During the festival, two young men, Demetrius and Lysander, meet Hermia. Both men fall in love with her. Her father gives her permission to marry Demetrius, even though she loves Lysander.
Slide: 2
CONFLICT
Hermia runs away with her love. However, before she does, she tells her friend Helena, who is in love with Demetrius. Helena tells him in hopes of winning some favor in his eyes. They all end up running into the woods after one another.
Slide: 3
RISING ACTION
In the woods, a fairy named Puck tries to solve the love triangle and accidentally makes Lysander fall in love with Helena. While trying to fix the issue, he makes Demetrius fall for her too. Now everyone loves Helena and no one loves Hermia.
Slide: 4
CLIMAX
With the men fighting over Helena, and Hermia mad at Helena, Puck manages to separate them all so they don't end up killing each other. Once they fall asleep, Puck reverses the spell and rights his wrong.
Slide: 5
FALLING ACTION
The Duke, while riding in the forest, comes upon the lovers. After hearing their story, he is confused, but invites them to be married during his wedding ceremony.
Slide: 6
DENOUEMENT
In the end, everyone is married! The play “Pyramus and Thisbe” is performed, and Puck ends the play by asking the audience to remember it all as if it were a dream!