A Midsummer Night's Dream Act 5 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

Help students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering an excerpt from Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:

• Read for literal comprehension
• Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and figurative language
• Consider what the given excerpt reflects about Shakespeare’s mindset
• Determine the function of a given set of lyrics in Oberon’s song
• Identify the intended audience of Puck’s speech (epilogue)
• Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Apply knowledge of literary devices such as allusion, assonance, personification, and more
• Conduct research as needed to answer questions about mythological and literary figures (Hecate and Robin Goodfellow)
• Write about Shakespearean works with clarity, accuracy, and precision
• Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
• Come to class better prepared for discussions