Looking particularly at the last act, what do you think the play is suggesting about the role and potential of the imagination in human relationships and/or in the theater?
The last act is suggesting that the whole play is no more than a mere dream. It is a product of imagination portraying a different reality or even a suspension of it. The play is based on confusion, magic and the exaggerated role of love. All the protagonists have a hard time trying to achieve what they truly desire, which is being with their desired partner and making the relationship work.
There is the final quote by Puck, which states:
“If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended—
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearnèd luck
Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long.
Else the Puck a liar call.
So good night unto you all.
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends. “
Midsummer Night’s Dream has a happy ending. And the play within the play is the highlight of this ending with the representation of the achieved stability, joy and harmony. But it all ends being an illusion of a reality that never existed. Puck, by saying that all has been but a dream, is also mentioning that the play is not meant to offend anyone.