This earlier comedy also contains cross-wooing and the confused allegiance by two pairs of lovers. Two Gentleman, in turn, was derived from an Italian comedy.
“The Knight’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer
Chaucer’s story has a reference to a great feast at the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta.
Written in 1579, this was an English translation of
Plutarch’s Lives.
Metamorphoses by Ovid
Ovid includes the tale of “Pyramus and Thisbe.”
Oral Tradition: Contained stories of fairies
Midsummer Day Holiday (June 23)
This was a day of celebration in England during the Renaissance. Midsummer Night was similar to Halloween: superstitious people believed it was a time for the gathering of witches, fairies, and spirits.