A Midsummer Night's Dream: Abridged and Illustrated

By William Shakespeare

Enchanted by the magical world of fairies, A Midsummer Night' s Dream is a comic tale about the entwined destinies of four lovers amid the spirit of nature. Shakespeare' s writing inspires young minds to contemplate concepts represented by the comic interplay of wise characters, emotional conflicts, and fatal realities. The tale has been retold using simple language and beautiful illustrations to make it easier for the kids to grasp and enjoy. The book also has interesting, application-based and memory-based questions, along with an introduction to the themes in the story for better understanding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wonder House Books
• Release date: Nov 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9789390093892

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon".

Book preview

"

Ay me, for aught that I could ever read,

Could ever hear by tale or history,

The course of true love never did run smooth.

"

― Lysander,A

ct

I, S

cene

1

Long ago, in the ancient city of Greece, King Theseus won a war against the beautiful queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta. When the war was over, Theseus proposed marriage to Hippolyta; she said yes! The king ordered the citizens of Athens to prepare for celebrations without a moment of delay.

When the wedding was just four days away, King Theseus expressed his restlessness to Hippolyta

He held Hippolyta’s hand and said, My dear, waiting for the day of the new moon is becoming tough for me. I feel that the new moon is making us wait longer!

Hippolyta replied, Don’t worry, my dear, four days will pass quickly.

Theseus called his attendant Philostrate, and said, Philostrate, go and announce the date of our wedding to the young people of Athens. In this festive season, I want everyone to enjoy and be happy. There should be no sadness.

When Philostrate left, the King turned to Hippolyta and said, Hippolyta, we met on the battlefield, but I want to get married to you with a happy heart. We will wed with lots of celebrations and extravagant festivities.

While Theseus was speaking, an old courtier arrived with his daughter and two young men. Egeus, the courtier, bowed and said, Long live our respected Duke!

Theseus replied, Thank you, Egeus. Tell me, what happened?

Egeus answered, My lord, I have come to you with a complaint about my daughter and the man who woos her. I want her to get married to this young man, Demetrius. But this other man, Lysander, has cast a spell on her. He sang fake love songs and gave her flowers to decorate her hair. He has made my daughter’s heart stubborn and harsh. She refuses to marry Demetrius. But, my king, I am her father and thus, lawfully, only I have the right to choose a groom for her. I request you to give me permission to either forcefully get her married to Demetrius or have her killed.

Theseus was listening to Egeus patiently. When he stopped speaking, Theseus turned to Egeus’s daughter Hermia. You are a pretty girl, Hermia. You should thank your father for your beauty. He has selected a fine man for you, dear. Tell me, do you want to say something?

Hermia answered, Your Majesty, Lysander is also a fine man, and I love him.

Theseus said, I agree. But if your father wants you to get married to Demetrius, then you must obey him!

Your Grace, I apologise for speaking to you like this, but please tell me the worst punishment that I could get for not marrying Demetrius.

Theseus frowned. You would either be executed or kept away from men forever. Hermia, you are a beautiful woman. Make a wise decision. I know that women who restrain their passions and remain chaste are awarded in heaven, but remember, women who get married are happier on Earth.

Hermia replied