Act 3, Scene 1 Summary

Act 3, Scene 1 begins in the wood where Titania is lying asleep. Quince, Snug, Bottom, Flute, Snout and Starveling enter to begin the rehearsal of their play. There are several difficulties with the play that the men must address before the rehearsal can begin. Bottom has decided that the play needs a prologue, to explain to the audience that the swords and deaths are not real. The lion will also need to introduce himself so that the ladies won't mistake him for a real lion and be frightened. Lastly, they will need moonlight and a wall where Pyramus and Thisbe meet, so two of the actors will be assigned the roles of moonlight and the wall. They begin the rehearsal as Puck enters from behind, surprised to find actors in Titania's bower. Puck decides to watch the play and perhaps to participate...