Midsummer Night's Dream

Question

by William Shakespeare

OBERON:

Having once this juice,

I’ll watch Titania when she is asleep,

And drop the liquor of it in her eyes:

The next thing then she waking looks upon

(Be it on lion, bear, or wolf, or bull,

On meddling monkey, or on busy ape)

She shall pursue it with the soul of love.

And ere I take this charm from off her sight

(As I can take it with another herb)

I’ll make her render up her page to me.

But who comes here? I am invisible;

And I will overhear their conference.

Enter DEMETRIUS, HELENA following him.

From A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

How does Oberon’s soliloquy enhance the audience’s experience of the play?

(1 point)
Responses

The soliloquy explains to the audience why Oberon wants Tatiana’s page, which helps the audience feel empathy for Oberon’s actions.
The soliloquy explains to the audience why Oberon wants Tatiana’s page, which helps the audience feel empathy for Oberon’s actions.

The soliloquy gives the audience information that they would not have known otherwise, helping them understand and enjoy what happens next.
The soliloquy gives the audience information that they would not have known otherwise, helping them understand and enjoy what happens next.

The soliloquy explains why Oberon hides from Demetrius and Helena when they appear, which helps the audience understand Oberon’s motivations.
The soliloquy explains why Oberon hides from Demetrius and Helena when they appear, which helps the audience understand Oberon’s motivations.

The soliloquy gives the audience insight into how Oberon and Tatiana interact with each other, which helps the audience understand their relationship.

Answer 1

The most appropriate response to how Oberon’s soliloquy enhances the audience’s experience of the play is:

The soliloquy gives the audience information that they would not have known otherwise, helping them understand and enjoy what happens next.

This response highlights the key function of soliloquies in Shakespeare's plays, as they provide crucial insight into a character's thoughts and intentions that may not be explicitly communicated in the main dialogue. In this case, it gives the audience a deeper understanding of Oberon's plan involving Titania and sets the stage for the ensuing events in the play, enhancing overall enjoyment and comprehension.