A Midsummer Night’s Dream

When this play by William Shakespeare is quoted at the beginning of the play, it represents the ending of a phase of life for Tom, his family, and the other characters. This is partly because the section of the play that is quoted is its ending, or epilogue. It also represents the starting point of their various journeys, both physical and psycho-emotional, that they take over the course of the play. Finally, because the story and characters of the play are influenced by the powers of nature, the reference to it at the beginning of the play represents the thematically significant presence of that power throughout Away.

The Music of Mendelssohn

The compositions of composer Felix Mendelssohn, referenced throughout the play, represent the presence of deep emotion and feeling. Because the music used is mostly from Mendelssohn's score for Midsummer Night's Dream...