Midsummer ACT I, SCENE I  1.) How is Hippolyta’s reasoning concerning how quickly the next four days will pass different from that of Theseus? Note how Shakespeare portrays the patience and calmness of Hippolyta in contrast to the impatience and need for action of Theseus. 

2.) Why has Egeus brought his daughter and her two suitors to Theseus? What does Egeus expect him to do? 

3.) What was the proper role for women/daughters in Athenian society according to Egeus and Theseus? 

4.) What is Theseus’s ruling concerning Hermia? 

5.) How does Lysander’s comment about Demetrius’s previous love affair with Helena complicate things? 

6.) What do Lysander and Hermia plan to do about this seemingly impossible situation? 

7.) Why do they tell Helena what they plan to do? 

8.) Even though Helena loves Demetrius and is Hermia’s best friend, why does she decide to tell Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander’s plans? 
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