A Midsummer Night's Dream Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Theseus has defeated Hippolyta in battle, and now claims her as his bride. But before the nuptials begin, a pair of young lovers flee into the forest to be married, pursued by a pair of not-lovers. There, in the forest, live the fairies whose lives are in turmoil, due to the heated lovers' quarrels between their rulers, Oberon and Titania. Between the fairies, an ass's head, the lovers, a troupe of unsuspecting would-be actors, and a magic flower that can make people fall in love at first sight, it's a merry night of chaos and comedy until everything is put to rights.

Emile Ardolino's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Diane Venora (Hippolyta)'s journey. But before the nuptials begin, a pair of young lovers flee into the forest to be married, pursued by a pair of not-lovers.

How Does Diane Venora (Hippolyta)'s Story End?

• Diane Venora: Diane Venora's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• James Hurdle (Theseus): James Hurdle's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Ricky Jay (Philostrate): Ricky Jay's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of A Midsummer Night's Dream Mean?

A Midsummer Night's Dream's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Diane Venora may feel rushed. Emile Ardolino's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.