When we hear the word "fairy," typically we think of a tiny sprite with wings, a wand, possibly a tiara, some lilting figure that dances innocently over toadstools and sprinkles glitter all about. In other words, Tinkerbell has informed our imaginations -- thank you, Walt Disney. These whimsical, somewhat "fluffy" characters are not the fairies of Shakespeare's world, though.
In A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare's fairies serve an important role in the story itself. They have magical powers that advance the plot or add more complexity to the story that's already happening. They can manipulate human characters into acting in ways they normally wouldn't, creating both relationships and rivalries. These characters do more than sprinkle a bit of fairy dust!
(Midsummer Eve, Edward Robert Hughes ca. 1904)
Write a story about fairies. You may make your fairies the glitter-sprinkling Disney kind, the regal, meddling Shakespearean kind, or any iteration of fairies you choose to represent.
Remember, your story must be at least two paragraphs in length. You must include good descriptive language and characterization to adequately demonstrate your imagination's version of a fairy.
Mine would build their houses in library books!
Have fun! Be creative!
