by A.Fern White, Kohala High
You are about to embark on a gathering of information and background related to Shakespeare's comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (MSND)
Teacher Introduction
Probably composed in 1595 or 1596, A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's early comedies but can be distinguished from his other works in this group by describing it specifically as the Bard's original wedding play. Most scholars believe that Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream as a light entertainment to accompany a marriage celebration; and while the identity of the historical couple for whom it was meant has never been conclusively established, there is good textual and background evidence available to support this claim. At the same time, unlike the vast majority of his works (including all of his comedies), in concocting this story Shakespeare did not rely directly upon existing plays, narrative poetry, historical chronicles or any other primary source materials, making it a truly original piece. Most critics agree that if a youthful Shakespeare was not at his best in this play, he certainly enjoyed himself in writing it. (enotes.com May2007)
Enjoy the comedy. . . versus the tragedy of Romeo & Juliet or Hamlet or Macbeth
Students enjoy the couples complicated crossings.