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A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare: About Author and Text

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, likely written around 1595-1596, is a delightful comedy that weaves together the intersecting stories of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and a mischievous group of fairies. Set in an enchanted forest near Athens, the play explores themes of love, illusion, and the unpredictable nature of desire. The central plot follows the romantic entanglements of Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius, while the comedic subplot involves the misadventures of a group of amateur actors led by the bumbling Nick Bottom. Meanwhile, Oberon and Puck, the fairy king and his mischievous servant, add a magical element to the whimsical narrative.

Among Shakespeare’s other notable works, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is celebrated for its light-hearted and fantastical nature. It is often categorized as one of Shakespeare’s comedies, showcasing his mastery in blending humor, romance, and enchantment. The play’s exploration of the complexities of love and its use of magical elements contribute to its enduring popularity.

Sourced from SparkNotes.

William Shakespeare

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William Shakespeare was a renowned English poet, playwright, and actor born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. His birthday is most commonly celebrated on 23 April, which is also believed to be the date he died in 1616.

Shakespeare was a prolific writer during the Elizabethan and Jacobean ages of British theatre (sometimes called the English Renaissance or the Early Modern Period). Shakespeare 's plays are perhaps his most enduring legacy, but they are not all he wrote. Shakespeare's poems also remain popular to this day. 

Sourced from Shakespeare Birthplace Trust