Why is act 3 scene 2 of A Midsummer Night's Dream an interesting and effective scene?

Answer 1

This is indeed a scene which is great fun and is difficult to do badly. It is extremely entertaining in any movie version you should care to watch. The reason for this is conflict.

After Puck explains to Oberon how he has used the love-flower on Titania and "the Athenian", we see Demetrius and Hermia arguing. He still is trying to get her love, and she is trying to find out what has happened to Lysander. Apart from their conflict, there is conflict between Oberon and Puck over Puck's error in love-juicing Lysander instead of Demetrius. Oberon juices Demetrius and he falls for Helena, Hermia arrives and then the fun starts. The following conflicts are all going on at the same time: Demetrius protests to Helena that he loves her but she thinks he's making fun of her. Lysander also protests to Helena that he loves her and she thinks he is also making fun of her. Hermia protests to Lysander that she loves him, but he says he hates her. Hermia gets mad at Helena for stealing Lysander's love and Helena thinks Hermia is also making fun of her. Finally Lysander and Demetrius fight over who should get Helena.

In the course of the scene every one of the four lovers finds him or herself in conflict with each of the others. This crazy madness only ends when Puck comes along and puts them all to sleep.