Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare, Maxim Montoto, Guido Montelupo
- First published 1891
- 97 pages
- English
- Classic
In a forest outside Athens, the boundaries between worlds dissolve under the moonlight. Four young lovers, fleeing the strict laws of the city for the freedom of the woods, find their affections twisted into a comical and chaotic tangle. Hermia loves Lysander, but is promised to Demetrius, who is adored by Helena. Their escape into the enchanted wilderness places them at the mercy of feuding fairy royalty and the whims of a mischievous sprite named Puck, who wields a powerful love potion with hilarious and unpredictable results.
This magical comedy weaves together the fates of distressed lovers, a troupe of amateur actors rehearsing a play, and powerful fairies engaged in their own domestic disputes. As mistaken identities and magical enchantments spiral out of control, the play explores the absurdity and irrationality of love, questioning whether the characters are awake or merely players in a shared, fantastical dream. The result is one of Shakespeare's most beloved and enchanting works, a story that celebrates the chaos of the heart and the delightful madness that unfolds when the human and supernatural worlds collide.
This magical comedy weaves together the fates of distressed lovers, a troupe of amateur actors rehearsing a play, and powerful fairies engaged in their own domestic disputes. As mistaken identities and magical enchantments spiral out of control, the play explores the absurdity and irrationality of love, questioning whether the characters are awake or merely players in a shared, fantastical dream. The result is one of Shakespeare's most beloved and enchanting works, a story that celebrates the chaos of the heart and the delightful madness that unfolds when the human and supernatural worlds collide.
What readers say
3.94
596K ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Many readers celebrate this book as one of William Shakespeare's most entertaining and hilarious comedies, with some even preferring it to his more serious works. Reviewers consistently praise its beautiful, poetic, and lyrical language, noting its magical quality and the memorable lines that resonate deeply. The play is lauded for its immense creativity, imaginative plot, and whimsical elements, particularly the enchanting fairy world that contributes to its unique charm. It is often described as a delightful and accessible read, even for those new to Shakespeare, making it an excellent entry point into his works. The clever use of humor, the intricate blend of fantasy and reality, and the overall sense of joy and wonder it evokes are frequently highlighted as its strongest attributes.
Despite its widespread appeal, some readers find aspects of the plot to be silly, fanciful, or even arbitrary, requiring a degree of imaginative acceptance. While the language is generally admired, a few note that the classical English can be challenging initially, suggesting that external aids or modern translations might be necessary. Critiques also emerge regarding character portrayal, with some finding certain individuals to be manipulative, overly clingy, or even unlikeable in their actions and motivations. The depth of characterization is occasionally questioned, with one reviewer feeling they were "flat." A recurring sentiment is that the play is significantly more impactful and enjoyable when experienced as a performance, whether live on stage or through a full-cast audio version, rather than simply read on the page, where some perceive it as less substantial or even "lightweight."
Overall, the consensus is that this book stands as a classic, offering a unique blend of humor, magic, and poetic artistry. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in Shakespeare, theater, or simply a light-hearted, whimsical story filled with comedic misunderstandings. Readers who appreciate fantastical elements, clever wordplay, and a narrative that explores the complexities of love with a light touch are likely to find it deeply enjoyable. To fully appreciate its enduring charm and comedic brilliance, many reviewers strongly advise experiencing it in its intended form as a play, whether by watching a live production or listening to an audio adaptation, allowing the vibrant characters and magical setting to truly come to life.
Despite its widespread appeal, some readers find aspects of the plot to be silly, fanciful, or even arbitrary, requiring a degree of imaginative acceptance. While the language is generally admired, a few note that the classical English can be challenging initially, suggesting that external aids or modern translations might be necessary. Critiques also emerge regarding character portrayal, with some finding certain individuals to be manipulative, overly clingy, or even unlikeable in their actions and motivations. The depth of characterization is occasionally questioned, with one reviewer feeling they were "flat." A recurring sentiment is that the play is significantly more impactful and enjoyable when experienced as a performance, whether live on stage or through a full-cast audio version, rather than simply read on the page, where some perceive it as less substantial or even "lightweight."
Overall, the consensus is that this book stands as a classic, offering a unique blend of humor, magic, and poetic artistry. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in Shakespeare, theater, or simply a light-hearted, whimsical story filled with comedic misunderstandings. Readers who appreciate fantastical elements, clever wordplay, and a narrative that explores the complexities of love with a light touch are likely to find it deeply enjoyable. To fully appreciate its enduring charm and comedic brilliance, many reviewers strongly advise experiencing it in its intended form as a play, whether by watching a live production or listening to an audio adaptation, allowing the vibrant characters and magical setting to truly come to life.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Independently published, 2021
- ISBN
- 9798526731249
- Language
- English
Original edition A Midsummer-night's Dream Originally published in 1891 · English
