A Midsummer Nights Dream Lesson 8: What a Muddle! - The Course of True Love Worksheet

Lesson 8, titled "What a Muddle!", delves into the complexities of love as portrayed in Act 3, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". The worksheet prompts students to reflect on the tumultuous relationships between the four Athenian lovers: Hermia and Lysander, and Helena and Demetrius. The famous line "The course of true love never did run smooth" serves as the central theme for the exercise, wherein students are encouraged to explore how this notion is manifested within the scene. They are tasked with explaining the chaotic nature of love as it unfolds in the narrative, and they must support their analysis with direct references to the play's text.

This particular scene in the play is a prime example of the obstacles and misunderstandings that can arise in romantic relationships. The worksheet guides students to consider the various mix-ups and changes in affections that occur, especially with the interference of the magical flower used by Puck, which causes characters to fall in and out of love with one another against their will. By examining the text, students gain insight into Shakespeare's commentary on the unpredictable and often difficult path that love can take, a path that is rarely straightforward or smooth. The activity not only enhances students' comprehension of the play but also encourages them to engage critically with the text, analyzing the characters' emotions and the overarching themes of love and chaos.