Understanding Love in Shakespeare's Play

Shakespeare introduces the complexity of love in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' through Lysander's metaphor comparing love to a river, highlighting its unpredictable nature. The play's structure, with its intertwining subplots, further emphasizes this theme, illustrating that love cannot be expected to follow a rational path.

What does Lysander's line 'The course of true love never did run smooth' suggest about love?

• Love is always easy and straightforward.

• Love is unpredictable and full of challenges.

• Love is always rational.

• Love is a simple emotion.

How does Shakespeare metaphorically compare love in the play?

• To a tree

• To a river

• To a bird

• To a mountain

Why does Shakespeare use the metaphor of a river to describe love?

• Because rivers are always calm and predictable.

• Because rivers naturally change course and speed.

• Because rivers are man-made and controlled.

• Because rivers are always straight.

What does Shakespeare remind us about love through the river metaphor?

• Love is always predictable.

• Love is always logical.

• Love is a weak emotion.

• Love is a powerful emotion that defies predictability.

How does the structure of the play emphasize the complexity of love?

• By including multiple subplots that intersect.

• By focusing on a single love story.

• By avoiding any subplots.

• By having a straightforward plot.

What do the multiple subplots in the play revolve around?

• Love stories

• War stories

• Adventure stories

• Friendship stories