Women In A Midsummer Night's Dream

The various kinds of relationships that women have with one another can be explored throughout many of Shakespeare’s works. In particular, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a strong example of one of his works that puts an emphasis on strong female relationships and their progression, as well as the emotions experienced throughout. By examining relationships between these women written and brought to life by Shakespeare, we can come to understand their emotional breadth over the course of the play.
As first presented early on within “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” the relationship between Helena and Hermia is brought to the forefront. As part of the lovers, Shakespeare’s language may make them seem very flat at times. But their interactions prove …show more content…
She feels that Hermia has betrayed their childhood friendship by doing this to her. “-oh, is all forgot? All schooldays’ friendship, childhood innocence?” (3.2, Line 202). Both women feel betrayed by one another, and Hermia is quickly taken aback. “I scorn you not. It seems that you scorn me.” (3.2, Line 221). Though this is a situation of misunderstanding, the emotional hurt of the two women is very real. As the conflict progresses, Hermia learns that now Lysander is infatuated with Helena. Her anger becomes very real, and she blames Helena for this shift. The love that these women have for their men completely overshadows their friendship to the point where they nearly fight one another. As the men fight over Helena, plans are finally made to return the situation back to normal. The women and eventually the men all return to a restful state, and the love juice is squeezed into Lysander’s eyes. As he awakens, things are put back as he is in love with Hermia again. Even though there seems to be no apology between the two, it is implied that since now Helena has what she wants, and so does Hermia, the contest of love that broke their friendship now over has been