Act 1, Scene 1 and Scene 2 Summaries

Act 1, Scene 1
In act 1, scene 1 readers learn that Theseus and Hippolyta are getting married on the new moon. Meanwhile, Hermia's father, Egeus wants Hermia to marry a young nobleman called Demetrius. The problem is that Hermia loves another young nobleman called Lysander, and in loving him, she is disobeying her father's orders (which is very disrespectful). Egeus talks to Theseus about his daughter not marring the man he picked out for her and tells him that if she does not marry Demetrius, the death penalty will be inflicted on her. Of Course, Theseus sees that this is a bit too brutal and adds an option to Hermia's possibilities. He proposes that if she does not marry Demetrius she has the choice to either become a nun or die. Later on, she meets with Lysander and he convinces her to run away with him to his aunt's house. Helena then shows up and they tell her their plan. Helena then decides that it would be best to tell Demetrius the plan because she thinks that he is going to be grateful and fall in love with her again.

Act 1, Scene 2
In Act 1, Scene 2 readers learn that some middle class men are planning to put on a show for Theseus's wedding. Peter Quince (the carpenter) is the director of the show and will also be Thisbe's father. Nick Bottom the weaver) was given the role of Pyramus but is very full of himself and thinks that he can do anything better than everyone. Francis Flute (the bellow's repairman) was given the role of Thisbe and will have to talk in a really high pitched voice. Robin Starveling (the tailor) is going to be Thisbe's mother in the play. Snout (the handyman) will play Pyramus's father. Snug (the cabinetmaker) will play the part of the lion and is afraid that if he roars too load, it will scare the ladies. When the meeting was over, Peter Quince set the first rehersal to being the next night in the forest at the exact same place where Hermia and Lysander will be... (Hmm... interesting)

If you have something to add to my summary, post a comment please.