Did you know Hermia being tortured by a law? Well, The Duke of Athens, Theseus, declared this law when him and Hermia’s father were discussing issues to each other. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, Hermia was affected harshly by the her father and the Athenian Law. Hermia was treated unfairly by her father and the Athenian law because she either had to marry Demetrius, be killed, or become a nun.
The first reason Hermia’s choices were unfair is because she had to marry Demetrius. She makes it clear that she does not want to when she states “Be it so she will not here before your grace, Consent to marry with Demetrius.” (Shakespeare 1.1. 39-40) When Hermia says this, she is being forced to marry a man she is not in love with. Egeus says he gives Hermia permission to marry Demetrius. Hermia really wants to marry Lysander in the story when …show more content…
Theseus explains this choice when he says “Upon that day either prepare to die for disobedience to your father’s will.” (Shakespeare 1.1. 86-87) He says if Hermia decides to choose incorrectly, she will die on that day she made her choice. Theseus clarifies how she would make her father look bad if she doesn’t marry Demetrius. After they discuss this, Demetrius jumps in the conversation and says “Relent, sweet Hermia, and Lysander, yield thy crazed title to my certain right.” (Shakespeare 1.1. 91-92) He describes how Hermia needs to marry him because he does not want her going through the cruel punishments. Demetrius cares about her and loves her very much, but unfortunately, she does not feel the same way for him. As they are discussing about this issue, Theseus adds “Or else to wed Demetrius, as he would... For aye austerity and single life.” (Shakespeare 1.1. 88-90) He is essentially saying that she can go to the wedding with Demetrius or have a single life. Theseus says Hermia has a very strict and severe attitude with her
The first reason Hermia’s choices were unfair is because she had to marry Demetrius. She makes it clear that she does not want to when she states “Be it so she will not here before your grace, Consent to marry with Demetrius.” (Shakespeare 1.1. 39-40) When Hermia says this, she is being forced to marry a man she is not in love with. Egeus says he gives Hermia permission to marry Demetrius. Hermia really wants to marry Lysander in the story when …show more content…
Theseus explains this choice when he says “Upon that day either prepare to die for disobedience to your father’s will.” (Shakespeare 1.1. 86-87) He says if Hermia decides to choose incorrectly, she will die on that day she made her choice. Theseus clarifies how she would make her father look bad if she doesn’t marry Demetrius. After they discuss this, Demetrius jumps in the conversation and says “Relent, sweet Hermia, and Lysander, yield thy crazed title to my certain right.” (Shakespeare 1.1. 91-92) He describes how Hermia needs to marry him because he does not want her going through the cruel punishments. Demetrius cares about her and loves her very much, but unfortunately, she does not feel the same way for him. As they are discussing about this issue, Theseus adds “Or else to wed Demetrius, as he would... For aye austerity and single life.” (Shakespeare 1.1. 88-90) He is essentially saying that she can go to the wedding with Demetrius or have a single life. Theseus says Hermia has a very strict and severe attitude with her