The Wave
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Literary Analysis
Samuel Solomon Sanders
By
About the Writing
In the vast tapestry of Shakespeare’s renowned works, from the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet to the gripping tale of Macbeth’s downfall, one often overlooked gem shines brightly: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This classic play, rich with mythical elements and relatable themes, has enchanted audiences for over four centuries with its exploration of the complexities and follies of human love. Delving into the theme of blind love, Shakespeare masterfully weaves a tapestry of affection, deception, and self-discovery among the characters, showcasing the enduring relevance and universal appeal of this timeless comedy. Through the lens of unrequited affections, mistaken identities, and enchantments, the play delves into the paradoxes of love and the transformative power of affection, captivating audiences with its blend of humor, fantasy, and heartfelt emotions.
The Writing
SSS
Tuesday, December 20th. 2022
A Midsummer Night'sNight's Dream Literary Analysis
Shakespeare is arguably the most famed writer of plays in all of history. His most notorious works? Claiming first place is the well-known and well-loved Romeo and Juliet, as the romantic comedy is cited time and time again in countless modern dramas. The second most infamous is the tragic tale of Macbeth, which is a testament to the results of ego inflation. Coming in a close third is the utterly beloved Hamlet, an evocative tragedy stirring the deepest depths of the heart. These phenomenal works may be Shakespeare's most quoted, discussed, and loved works. However, there is a close fourth: A Midsummer Night's Dream. Performed by troupes worldwide, this play has never failed to bring its viewers tears of joy and sadness. Though originally written in the fifteenth century, the intrigue of this play has not dulled even a smidgen and, if anything, has most likely increased with each school-hosted performance. But what is this tale truly about? Why has this mythical, fantastical, and yet relatable fable stayed in the circulation of theatre for over four hundred years? The answer lies in the human heart's intricacies and love's peculiar existence. Though this play has many themes and sub-themes, with love indeed central, the main motif to focus on in this summary is the theme of blind love.
Love is blind- someone could be an ass and yet loved as fiercely by their lover as would be the perfect partner. One of the first examples of this is between Lysander and Demetrius. Both are fickle and strange, yet Helena and Herma, beautiful maidens, love them nonetheless for their idiosyncrasies. Throughout the play, the strength of love overshadows the insolence and swagger expressed toward the two women by their strange partners. A realization aspect does come in later between the two friends when one realizes the flaws of the other whilst arguing, but this only occurs in moments of weakness in their relationship. For example, when Helena, Hermia, Lysander, and Demetrius are all jostling with one another, Helena insults Hermia regarding childhood, lack of height, etc. This scene contrasts sharply with the beginning of the play, where the two are talking about their wonderful childhood friendship.
Even though love is ceaselessly toyed with throughout the play, perhaps the parts of the play where love is absent between lovers display the true selves of the involved.
