The themes of love, jealousy, and marriage are vital in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. In this Elizabethan Era play, fairies involve themselves in the love lives of mortals, producing hilariously tragic results. Lysander, a victim of the fairies’ games, has strong feelings about love; he believes love is worth the sacrifices and risks that often accompany it. His belief is expressed when he’s consoling Hermia, when he escapes Athens with her, and when he gives in to her wishes.
At the beginning of the play, it is apparent that Egeus, Hermia’s father, greatly disapproves of Hermia and Lysander’s relationship. He wants Hermia to marry Demetrius and is willing to go to great lengths to get his way. Hermia is exasperated by …show more content…
Lysander wants to sleep near Hermia because he loves her so, but Hermia doesn’t want to lay near, him in order to protect her purity. While Lysander doesn’t agree with Hermia’s assessment of the situation, he respects her wishes. His response to her is expressed when he says, “Amen, amen to that fair prayer say I. And then end life when I end loyalty! Here is my bed. Sleep give thee all his rest!” (2.2.51-53). While this isn’t a huge example of sacrifice it still shows Lysander is willing to do anything for his love, Hermia. As he says in his quote, Lysander would rather die than betray Hermia. He respects and adores her more than anyone else. Overall, Lysander believes you should put those you love before yourself, even if it causes you discomfort.
William Shakespeare may have included Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream because he represents the valiant knight willing to risk it all for his love. Lysander impacts his fellow characters by showing them what love truly is and how it will conquer all. This serves as a reminder for readers that love is worth fighting for and that good, noble people are out there. People should strive to love as selflessly as Lysander and honor the beautiful, persevering adoration that he
At the beginning of the play, it is apparent that Egeus, Hermia’s father, greatly disapproves of Hermia and Lysander’s relationship. He wants Hermia to marry Demetrius and is willing to go to great lengths to get his way. Hermia is exasperated by …show more content…
Lysander wants to sleep near Hermia because he loves her so, but Hermia doesn’t want to lay near, him in order to protect her purity. While Lysander doesn’t agree with Hermia’s assessment of the situation, he respects her wishes. His response to her is expressed when he says, “Amen, amen to that fair prayer say I. And then end life when I end loyalty! Here is my bed. Sleep give thee all his rest!” (2.2.51-53). While this isn’t a huge example of sacrifice it still shows Lysander is willing to do anything for his love, Hermia. As he says in his quote, Lysander would rather die than betray Hermia. He respects and adores her more than anyone else. Overall, Lysander believes you should put those you love before yourself, even if it causes you discomfort.
William Shakespeare may have included Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream because he represents the valiant knight willing to risk it all for his love. Lysander impacts his fellow characters by showing them what love truly is and how it will conquer all. This serves as a reminder for readers that love is worth fighting for and that good, noble people are out there. People should strive to love as selflessly as Lysander and honor the beautiful, persevering adoration that he