The famous play titled “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is attributed to the art and work of the historical William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was born in Warwickshire England in 1564 and died in 1616. He wrote several plays including, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” that has been traced back to the 17th century when it was first published in the year 1600 (Web.a.ebscohost.com.bethelu.idm.oclc.org, 2015). This romantic-comedy is set in Athens. This is a story about Theseus, Duke of Athens and Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons and their forthcoming wedding day. Additionally, the story also focuses around four lovers who are at odds with one another, family, and the powerful force of their own young love. Finally, with the majestic assistance …show more content…
The tone is set as we are introduced to Theseus and Hippolyta planning their wedding day. Both the duke and the queen, once enemies in battle, are now eager to celebrate their nuptial in four days (Act 1, Scene 1, 4, 5& 7). Shortly thereafter, we encounter Egeus, father of Hermia. Egeus is not pleased with the decisions that his daughter has made by choosing to love Lystander, a man of whom he does not approve. Egeus has brought Demetrius, whom he wishes Hermia to wed, Hermia, and Lystander before Theseus. Egeus is now asking Theseus’s permission to enact his authority under Athenian law to force his daughter to marry Demetrius. The consequences, should Hermia continue to refuse her father’s wishes, would be …show more content…
In Act 1, we see an unexpected type of love between Hermia and Helena. This is because Helena is in love with Demetrius who in turn is in love with Hermia. Helena tells Hermia that she wishes for Hermia’s beauty so that Demetrius would love her. Helena states, “O, teach me how you look and with what art you sway the motion of Demetrius’s heart” (Act 1, Scene 1, 192). Hermia comforts Helena and shares that she only has love for Lystander. She further shares the plan that she and Lystander have developed to run away together. The wording here suggests that Hermia and Helena have shared a childhood friendship. Hermia tells her that Lystander is to meet her in the pale primrose, where she and Helena use to tell each other their secrets (Act 1, Scene 1, 214). In addition to this Hermia says to Helena, “Farewell sweet playfellow. Pray for us, and good luck grant thee thy Demetrius!” (Act 1, Scene 1, 220). Despite Helena’s cynicism toward Hermia’s beauty, Hermia still references Helena as her friend and bids her good luck in her pursuit with Demetrius. The adoration that Hermia exhibits for Helena in spite of their positions validate a love of