a. There are several sets of thematic contrasts that occur in Midsummer Night’s Dream, the most important of which is the court at Athens (the city) and the woods outside Athens (nature); other related contrasts include socially regulated behavior and natural, unregulated behavior; sun and moon; day and night. How are these contrasts shown in the play? What larger meanings are associated with them?
b. Describe the troubled relationships between the four lovers (Demetrius, Helena, Lysander, Hermia) and show how they are similar to those of Theseus and Hippolyta and Oberon and Titania.
