This document provides guidance on writing introductions for essays about Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." It recommends that introductions should introduce the major themes linked to the title or question and focus on three main elements for clarity. Introductions may comment on the influence of different themes or characters. The document also provides a sample introduction analyzing how Shakespeare presents the varying emotions of characters in the play through their speeches and actions.

2. Establish the conventions of essay writing and
how to tackle an introduction
True or False?
1. Introductions are a list of the characters and what happens in the play
2. Introductions should not be entirely full of context
3. Introductions are a way to introduce the major themes linked to the
title or question
4. Introductions should be a summary of the plot
5. Introductions should focus on three main elements for clarity
6. Introductions may comment on the influence of different themes of
characters in the play
False
True
True
False
True
True

3. Exploring the context and fundamentals of ‘A
Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Key Vocabulary
Tricolon (n.)
A list of three features or phrases.
A fancy way of saying ‘rule of three’. This is the
most effective way to open your introduction as
it is easy to remember

4. Establish the conventions of essay writing and
how to tackle an introduction
Individual Analysis

5. Establish the conventions of essay writing and
how to tackle an introduction
Modelled Analysis
Shakespeare presents varying and volatile emotions of key characters
within A Midsummer Night’s Dream through their soliloquys, speeches
and subsequent actions which are often hyperbolic or encourages
confusion, both key motifs of the Comedic genre. Egeus is presented as
enraged with patriarchal dominance as he hopes to control Hermia;
Lysander seems hopeful yet anxious that they can make their escape
from Egeus’ ire; and Helena is left unacknowledged by Demetrius and
heartbroken in her unrequited love. Throughout the play, Shakespeare
comments on society’s strict rules and the young lovers escape from
them through the settings of the city and the wild woods inhabited by
fairies. Each character’s emotions are a result of their hopes and
desires battling against that of society or others who are in a more
powerful position.

6. Establish the conventions of essay writing and
how to tackle an introduction
Tier 2 Vocabulary
Shakespeare presents varying and volatile emotions of key characters
within A Midsummer Night’s Dream through their soliloquys, speeches
and subsequent actions which are often hyperbolic or encourages
confusion, both key motifs of the Comedic genre. Egeus is presented
as enraged with patriarchal dominance as he hopes to control Hermia;
Lysander seems hopeful yet anxious that they can make their escape
from Egeus’ ire; and Helena is left unacknowledged by Demetrius and
heartbroken in her unrequited love. Throughout the play, Shakespeare
comments on society’s strict rules and the young lovers escape from
them through the settings of the city and the wild woods inhabited by
fairies. Each character’s emotions are a result of their hopes and
desires battling against that of society or others who are in a more
powerful position.

7. Establish the conventions of essay writing and
how to tackle an introduction
Tricolon
Shakespeare presents varying and volatile emotions of key characters
within A Midsummer Night’s Dream through their soliloquys, speeches
and subsequent actions which are often hyperbolic or encourages
confusion, both key motifs of the Comedic genre. Egeus is presented as
enraged with patriarchal dominance as he hopes to control Hermia;
Lysander seems hopeful yet anxious that they can make their escape
from Egeus’ ire; and Helena is left unacknowledged by Demetrius and
heartbroken in her unrequited love. Throughout the play, Shakespeare
comments on society’s strict rules and the young lovers escape from
them through the settings of the city and the wild woods inhabited by
fairies. Each character’s emotions are a result of their hopes and
desires battling against that of society or others who are in a more
powerful position.
1
2
3

8. Establish the conventions of essay writing and
how to tackle an introduction
Individual Introductions
Begin your own introductions by following these simple rules:
1. Open with: Shakespeare [shows blows] key words from the question
2. Have a clear tricolon, three main ways in which you will address the
question
3. ‘Zoom out’ to the wider context of the society or time. Why does
Shakespeare do or include certain things in the text? A good
opportunity to showcase your knowledge of the genre or context.