A Midsummer Night's Dream
20 Shakespeare Children's Stories (Easy Classics) Series
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of the most popular comedies by Shakespeare. Just as confusing, and equally as entertaining, the play revolves around Hermia and her best friend, Helena. Hermia runs away into the woods with her lover, Lysander. Demetrius, the man of her father's choice, then follows them. Helen, being in love with him, follows Demetrius. In the woods however, they come across Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the Fairies, where much confusion is created when Puck, one of the fairies, causes havoc with a love potion. Also available as part of a 20 book set, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, The Tragedy of Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, A Winter's Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Timon of Athens, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear, Julius Caesar, Cymbeline, The Comedy of Errors, As You Like It, Anthony and Cleopatra and All's Well That Ends Well. About Sweet Cherry Easy Classics: Sweet Cherry Easy Classics adapts classic literature into stories for children, introducing these timeless tales to a new generation.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hermia
Nick Bottom
Demetrius
Lysander
Titania
Helena
Robin Goodfellow (Puck)
Hippolyta
Theseus
Oberon
Discussion points
How do the characters' misunderstandings lead to problems in the story? Can you think of a time when a misunderstanding caused a problem in real life?
Why do you think Puck uses magic to influence the events in the play? What are the consequences of using magic to solve problems?
How do the different settings in the forest and the city affect the story? Which setting would you prefer to explore and why?
What lessons do you think the characters learn by the end of the play? Can you relate any of these lessons to your own experiences?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the magical elements of the story by asking them to describe or draw the enchanted forest as they see it.
Discuss the different emotions characters experience, relate them to real-life feelings, and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Highlight the importance of communication and understanding in resolving conflicts, drawing parallels to conflicts in the child's life.
Ask your child to think about the consequences of actions, both in the play and in their own actions, to foster a sense of responsibility.
Engage in a creative exercise by asking your child to rewrite a scene or ending, encouraging them to explore alternative outcomes and hone their creative thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' characters often find themselves in complicated situations due to misunderstandings and miscommunication. By stepping into the shoes of others, they begin to resolve their conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to consider the feelings and perspectives of others in their interactions, fostering a more compassionate and understanding environment in school and at home.
Example Lesson: The value of resolution and forgiveness
Explanation: The play showcases various disputes between characters, which are ultimately resolved through dialogue and reconciliation. This highlights the power of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and the strength found in forgiving others, which can be applied in playground disputes or sibling rivalries.
Example Lesson: The role of creativity and imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements of the play, such as magical potions and mythical creatures, stimulate the imagination and underscore the creative potential of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their own creativity in play or school projects, enriching their intellectual and emotional development through imaginative thinking.
Example Lesson: Recognizing the consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in the play deal with the repercussions of their decisions, particularly those influenced by the magical flower. This demonstrates the cause and effect relationship of actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that their choices have consequences, teaching them to think before acting, which is crucial in developing responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity and individuality
Explanation: The play features a wide range of characters, each with unique traits and backgrounds, promoting diversity and the acceptance of individual differences.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate and celebrate the differences in people they encounter daily, promoting inclusivity and respect in their community.