The Interaction of the Different Worlds

For the Standardized test, you will need to be able to:

1. Identify the different worlds that you have met thus far

2. Name the characters who represent / come from the different places
3. Explain how each of these worlds interact
4. Explain what the similarities are that are shared by these different worlds

5. Explain what the differences are

The Different Worlds = The Amazons, The fairy world, The upper class world of the Atheneian Court, The Working class world of the mechanicals.

Differences
Amazon (shown in the play through Hippolyta)
- Ruled by women
- Serious

Upper Class Athenian World
- Ruled by men – Theseus represents the male power
- Fathers dictates valued over personal choice
- Love is expected to take second place since there are arranged marriages
- serious

Fairy World
- King and Queen seem to have equal power
- Love takes precedence, and is even assisted by magic
- Serious and comical

World of the Mechanicals
- Freedom dominant – The men decide that they will put on a play for the Duke’s wedding
- No women
- Ruled by theatre (rules of playwriting and acting)
- Humorous

Similarities
- Life complicated by love or desire
- Power struggles
- Conflict
- Gender wars/ differences