Saturday, December 20, 2008

How does Shakespeare portray the complicated nature of love in A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Love is not only central in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, but complicated as well. This fact is most fully exemplified by the play's central plot point: the love triangle between Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius. 


At the beginning of the play, Lysander and Hermia are in love, although Hermia's parents have ordered her to marry Demetrius. Demetrius loves Hermia, but Hermia does not return his affections, although Helena is infatuated with him. This complicated situation becomes even trickier once Puck administers a magic potion to Lysander and Demetrius, causing them both to fall in love with Helena. Through this complicated and comical series of relationships, Shakespeare illustrates the difficult and complicated nature of love in all its glory. He illustrates the infatuation, forbidden affection, jealousy, and competitive nature often associated with love, especially young love. Happily, however, everything works out in the end, as Lysander ends up with Hermia, while Demetrius ends up with Helena. As such, while Shakespeare shows the complications associated with love, he ultimately gives us hope that it will all work out for the best in the end. 

No comments:

Post a Comment

How does the choice of details set the tone of the sermon?

Edwards is remembered for his choice of details, particularly in this classic sermon. His goal was not to tell people about his beliefs; he ...