Hippolyta

Question 1

Who is she? [2]

Answer 1

• Theseus’ fiancée (wife at the end of the play)
• reference to the Queen of the Amazons, a fierce all-woman tribe

Question 2

What events is she involved in? [5]

Answer 2

• preparing for her and Theseus’ wedding
  celebrations.
• is present when Theseus and Egeus are arguing with Hermia over her needing to marry Lysander
• in Act 4, when she talks of hunting with Hercules and Cadmus showing her as a warrior
• finds the 4 lovers’ tale strange but believes them
• watches the play at the end and comments on the Mechanicals’ production

Question 3

Which quote shows this:

• references Hippolyta’s past as a fierce warrior and sets up her nobility.

SAID BY THESEUS

Answer 3

“I won thy love doing thee injuries” – Theseus
– Act 1 Scene 1

Question 4

Which quote shows this:

• more passive than Theseus
• she looks to reassure him about their upcoming wedding, but it feels almost resentful.
• the reference to wanting to “dream” away the time hints at not wanting to face reality of having to marry him.
• “Solemnities” also gives reference to
  something negative, such as a funeral, rather
  than a celebration.

Answer 4

“Four nights will quickly dream away the
time…of our solemnities” – Act 1 Scene 1

Question 5

Which quote shows this:

• shows she is open and compassionate to their ordeal in the forest.
• shows that she is fairer than Theseus and considers the views of others.

Answer 5

“But all the story of the night told over, And
all their minds transfigured so together, More
witnesseth than fancy’s images” – Act 5 Scene
1

Question 6

Which quote shows this:

• references her mythological background as a fierce warrior and opponent.
• reminds Theseus of her background and how she is capable to challenge him
• it shows her voice and power through her expressing her opinion
• interpretation: perhaps she will rule with
  Theseus, rather than being passive in her role
  as queen.

Answer 6

“I was with Hercules and Cadmus once…” –
Act 4 Scene 1

Question 7

What does this quote show? [1]

“I won thy love doing thee injuries” – Theseus
– Act 1 Scene 1

Answer 7

• references Hippolyta’s past as a fierce warrior and sets up her nobility.

Question 8

What does this quote show? [4]

“Four nights will quickly dream away the
time…of our solemnities” – Act 1 Scene 1

Answer 8

• more passive than Theseus
• she looks to reassure him about their upcoming wedding, but it feels almost resentful.
• the reference to wanting to “dream” away the time hints at not wanting to face reality of having to marry him.
• “Solemnities” also gives reference to
  something negative, such as a funeral, rather
  than a celebration.

Question 9

What does this quote show? [2]

“But all the story of the night told over, And
all their minds transfigured so together, More
witnesseth than fancy’s images” – Act 5 Scene
1

Answer 9

• shows she is open and compassionate to their ordeal in the forest.
• shows that she is fairer than Theseus and considers the views of others.

Question 10

What does this quote show? [4]

“I was with Hercules and Cadmus once…” –
Act 4 Scene 1

Answer 10

• references her mythological background as a fierce warrior and opponent.
• reminds Theseus of her background and how she is capable to challenge him
• it shows her voice and power through her expressing her opinion
• interpretation: perhaps she will rule with
  Theseus, rather than being passive in her role
  as queen.