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.

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

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

Answer 1

The most fitting response is:

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

This choice encapsulates how Oberon’s explanation of his plan to use the juice on Titania provides crucial context and sets up the unfolding events, enriching the audience’s engagement with the plot and enhancing their anticipation of the ensuing action.