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Act 1, Scene 1
A Midsummer Night's Dream Translation Table of Contents
Helena and Demetrius, and Hermia and Lysander, are crossed in love; the fairy king Oberon and his queen Titania are arguing; and Bottom and his friends are trying to prepare a play to celebrate Duke Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding. With Puck’s magic potion and a bit of mischief, the lovers re-couple, while Bottom gains a donkey’s head—and Titania’s love! With the Shakescleare modern English translation of A Midsummer’s Night Dream, you can understand with ease how Shakespeare’s twisted comic plot untangles, and better grasp the play’s famous lines, including “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” and “the course of true love never did run smooth.”
Act 1, Scene 1
Egeus tries to force Hermia to marry Demetrius. Duke Theseus arbitrates. Hermia and Lysander decide to elope.
Act 1, Scene 2
A group of craftsmen prepare to perform a play called "Pyramus and Thisbe" at Theseus' wedding.
Act 2, Scene 1
Oberon and Titania argue. He plans to trick her. Demetrius enters followed by Helena. Oberon decides to trick these two.
Act 2, Scene 2
Oberon places a spell on Titania. Robin mistakes Lysander for Demetrius, and makes Lysander fall in love with Helena.
Act 3, Scene 1
The craftsmen rehearse. Robin plays tricks on them, and gives Bottom a donkey's head. Titania falls in love with Bottom.
Act 3, Scene 2
Oberon talks to Robin about their tricks. They watch the Greek lovers and realize their mistake. Robin goes to fix it.
Act 4, Scene 1
Oberon shows Titania his trick. Theseus and Egeus find the Greek lovers. Demetrius now loves Helena.
Act 4, Scene 2
The actors prepare to rehearse, and are glad to see Bottom back in his natural shape. He promises to describe his dream.
Act 5, Scene 1
To celebrate the three couples' weddings, the actors perform their play. It is a disastrous, but amusing, production.
