William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream explores one of the most fickle and complex conditions of man: love. Love takes many forms; therefore, it is not easily illustrated. In order to display the multifaceted nature of love, Shakespeare includes different examples throughout his play. Jealousy, as exhibited by Oberon, overshadows his love for Titania, driving him to play a cruel trick on her. In addition, the unhealthy adoration seen in Helena’s pursuit of Demetrius, deprives her of her rationality. Furthermore, outside meddling by the preternaturals causes Lysander to fall for the wrong woman. Shakespeare utilizes these manifestations to express the idea that love can be unhealthy when rooted in flawed foundations.
In some cases, a relationship can have a good foundation, but due to one person’s selfishness, that foundation can be compromised. Early in the play, Robin reveals that Oberon’s jealousy of the Indian boy has corrupted the relationship between Oberon and Titania. They “never meet in grove, or green, by fountain clear, or spangled starlight sheen,” refusing to …show more content…
Lysander and Hermia share a powerful love, but a potion concocted by Oberon causes Lysander to fall in love with Helena. As a result, Lysander hates Hermia. He refers to her as “loathed med’cine… hated potion” and tells her he never wished to see her again after he left. Lysander has rescinded any affections he once had for Hermia and given his heart to Helena . The relationship between Lysander and Hermia has transformed into the dangerous love-hate relationship shared by Demetrius and Helena. Hermia still holds Lysander at the center of her heart, but Lysander’s newfound love has calloused him towards Hermia. The unfurling of Hermia and Lysander’s love illustrates the damage that can be done when outside forces are allowed to interfere in a personal
In some cases, a relationship can have a good foundation, but due to one person’s selfishness, that foundation can be compromised. Early in the play, Robin reveals that Oberon’s jealousy of the Indian boy has corrupted the relationship between Oberon and Titania. They “never meet in grove, or green, by fountain clear, or spangled starlight sheen,” refusing to …show more content…
Lysander and Hermia share a powerful love, but a potion concocted by Oberon causes Lysander to fall in love with Helena. As a result, Lysander hates Hermia. He refers to her as “loathed med’cine… hated potion” and tells her he never wished to see her again after he left. Lysander has rescinded any affections he once had for Hermia and given his heart to Helena . The relationship between Lysander and Hermia has transformed into the dangerous love-hate relationship shared by Demetrius and Helena. Hermia still holds Lysander at the center of her heart, but Lysander’s newfound love has calloused him towards Hermia. The unfurling of Hermia and Lysander’s love illustrates the damage that can be done when outside forces are allowed to interfere in a personal