Foreshadowing is a literary technique where the author hints at events that will happen later in the story. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare uses foreshadowing to create suspense and anticipation in the audience. Here are some examples of foreshadowing in the play:
Puck’s speech: In Act 3 Scene 2, Puck says “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” This statement foreshadows more chaos and mischief caused by Puck throughout the rest of the play.
Oberon’s plan: In Act 2 Scene 1, Oberon decides to use a love potion on Titania as revenge for her refusal to give him the changeling boy. This decision foreshadows unintended consequences as love potions often lead to confusion and chaos.
The Mechanicals’ play: In Act 5 Scene 1, the Mechanicals perform their play within a play. This performance foreshadows the resolution of the lovers’ conflicts as they all end up happily married.
Hippolyta’s dream: In Act 4 Scene 1, Hippolyta has a dream about four men fighting over a woman who keeps changing appearance. This dream foreshadows the confusion and chaos caused by Oberon’s love potion on Lysander and Demetrius.
Overall, Shakespeare uses foreshadowing throughout A Midsummer Night’s Dream to create suspense and prepare audiences for what is to come in his whimsical tale of magical mischief and love.




