Themes

Question 1

conflict in play stems from

Answer 1

the troubles of romance
number of romantic elements -> not truly a love story

Question 2

how is the play not really a love story?

Answer 2

distances audience from emotions of the characters
-> poke fun at torments and afflictions of those suffering in love

Question 3

tone of play, how it helps the play

Answer 3

lighthearted -> audience never doubts things will end on good terms
free to enjoy the comedy without ending caught in uncertain outcome

Question 4

how is the theme of love’s difficultly (out of balance) explored

Answer 4

inequality interferes with harmony of a relationship

four young athenians
-> two men love Helena at first
one with too many suitors, one with none

Question 5

theme of love out of balance, how does it work as a plot in the play and how did it get solved

Answer 5

lovers triangle
-> solved into symmetrical pairings

Question 6

how transformation contributes to play

Answer 6

humorous chaos
happy ending possible

Question 7

emotional transformation in play

Answer 7

Pucks meddling messes up the athenian lovers and transforms their affections

-> athenian lovers end up in proper pairings in the end

enable plays happy ending