A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a complex play with multiple plot lines that interweave throughout the story. The three main plot lines in the play are the fairy world, the human world, and the mechanicals’ performance. A structural analysis of the play reveals how these plotlines develop and interact.
Act 1: In this act, we are introduced to all three plotlines. The fairy world is in turmoil due to Oberon and Titania’s quarrel over a changeling boy. Meanwhile, four young lovers from Athens (Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius) enter the woods seeking refuge from their complicated love triangle. Lastly, a group of amateur actors plan to perform a play for Theseus’s wedding celebration.
Act 2: This act further develops each of these plot lines. In the fairy world, Puck mistakenly puts a love potion on Lysander’s eyes instead of Demetrius’s eyes, causing chaos among the lovers. Meanwhile, Oberon orders Puck to put the love potion on Titania’s eyes so that he can obtain the changeling boy she has been caring for. In the human world, Hermia and Helena continue to bicker over their respective love interests while being pursued by both Lysander and Demetrius under the influence of Puck’s magic. Finally, in the mechanicals’ storyline, they begin rehearsing their play “Pyramus and Thisbe.”
Act 3: The third act sees all three plotlines come together as various characters converge in the forest during midsummer night. The fairies continue to interfere with each other’s affairs while also observing and playing tricks on humans who have entered their realm. Meanwhile, Bottom (a member of the mechanicals) is transformed into an ass by Puck after stumbling upon Titania while she is under a spell. Finally, Hermia and Lysander flee into the forest, followed by Demetrius and Helena. This leads to a confrontation between all four lovers, which is ultimately resolved with the help of Puck’s magic.
Act 4: In this act, the mechanicals perform their play for Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding celebration. The play itself serves as a comedic commentary on the themes of love and desire explored in the rest of the play.
Act 5: The final act sees resolution to all three plotlines. Oberon and Titania reconcile, and Bottom is restored to his human form. The four young lovers are reunited, with Lysander back in love with Hermia and Demetrius in love with Helena. Finally, Theseus and Hippolyta reflect on the strange events that have transpired during midsummer night.
In conclusion, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has a complex structure that weaves together multiple plot lines. Each plotline develops separately before converging during midsummer night in the forest. Ultimately, resolution comes for all three plotlines in the final act through various magical interventions.




