It feels like yesterday when it happened. A group of students stirs in Elrod Commons as they await the reveal of this year’s Fancy Dress theme. The Fancy Dress chairs giggle to each other atop the balcony as they hold that rolled-up banner in their hands, ready to enlighten their peers with this magical piece of secret information. The banner unravels and everyone cheers. That is, everyone who paid attention in their ninth grade English class. If you’re part of the crowd left wondering, “how can a night dream?” or “why did they put fairy wings on George Washington?” have no fear. Per usual, the Radish is here to help refresh you on the plot of and some of the most well known quotes from the Bard’s most famous comedic work.
So basically, two couples run into the woods together to escape a party. Then, this fairy named Puck accidentally makes both guys fall in love with the same girl. While this love triangle plays out, all of the fairies put on a show and someone turns into an ass (meaning donkey, obviously). Are you seeing why these plays have stayed relevant for 400 years?
Still lost? Have no fear, be sure to impress your friends and your date by referencing some of the most famous quotes from Shakespeare’s legendary work.
“love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind”
The perfect response for when your gargoyle-looking date asks if she looks good.
“the course of true love never did run smooth”
Use these encouraging words to help your rejection prone friend get back in the game after being turned down by the same girl three times (this time she’ll change her mind I swear…).
“I’ll follow thee and make a heaven of hell, To die upon the hand I love so well.”
Turn to this couplet when you’re trying to convince a girl to come to your sludge covered, pungent, and visually disturbing fraternity off-campus house which you fondly call a home.
“And though she be but little, she is fierce.”
A cutting remark against the freshmen who stepped on your toes with her heel in line to get into the gym.
We hope this short guide has cleared up some confusion and shed light on some general context of the Fancy Dress theme. If not, don’t sweat it. You may not know Shakespeare but you’ll still look radishing.
The Radish 