Themes
Exam responses that are led by themes, or the ideas that Shakespeare explores in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, are more likely to achieve higher marks in the mark scheme. If you can revise the play thematically, and focus on responding to the key theme/s in the question being asked, you will be able to write with greater fluency and assurance about Shakespeare’s celebrated comedy.
Below are some of the key themes that could be explored in A Midsummer Night’s Dream:
Exam Tip
The theme the examiner wants you to focus on will be given to you in the question. It is therefore crucial that you base your answer on the focus of the question, rather than just writing about all of the themes in the play or what happens. You should instead focus on how Shakespeare presents the theme in focus, and why he does this. Consider how Shakespeare uses characters, plot, setting or stage directions to explore bigger ideas.