Msnd Essay, Research Paper

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare In Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” the mortalteenage characters fall in love foolishly, and the characterBottom states, “O what fools these mortals be”. They are foolishbecause they act like children. Although Lysander, Hermia,Demetrius, and Helena appear grown-up, when they are in love theyact foolishly. The four teenage lovers are fools. Demetrius is a fool because he is unaware that his lovechanges through out the play. At the start of the play Demetriusdoes not love Helena. (II ii,line 188) Demetrius says, “I lovethee not, therefore pursue me not.” (II ii,line 194) “Hence, getthee gone, and follow me no more.” In III ii, Demetrius afterbeing juiced begins to love Helena. (III ii,line 169-173)Demetrius says, “Lysander, keep thy Hermia; I will none. If e’erI loved her, all that love is gone. My heart to her but as guest-wise sojourned, And now to Helen is it home returned, There toremain.” This proves he is a fool, because he is not aware of hischanging love for Helena. Helena is a fool because Demetrius does not love her but shestill persists in chasing him. Demetrius shows no love forHelena. (II i,line 227-228) Demetrius says, “I’ll run from thee,and hide me in the brakes, And leave thee to the mercy of wildbeasts.” (II i,line 199-201) “Do I entice you? Do I speak youfair? Or rather do I not in plainest truth Tell you I do not, norI cannot love you?” Demetrius clearly illustrates to Helena thathe has no interest, but Helena persists. (II i,line 202-204)Helena says, “And even for that do I love you the more. I am yourspaniel; and, Demetrius, The more you beat me, I will fawn onyou.” (II i,line 220-222) “Your virtue is my privilege. For thatIt is not night when I do see your face, Therefore I think I amnot in the night;” This proves that Helena is a fool becauseDemetrius does not love her, but she still persists. Lysander is a fool because he persuades Hermia to avoid

death and run away with him. Hermia must marry Demetrius or shewill be put to death. (I i,line 83-88) Theseus says, “Take timeto pause, and, by the next new moon- The sealing-day betwixt mylove and me, For everlasting bond fellowship- Upon that dayeither prepare to die For disobedience to your father’s will, Orelse to wed Demetrius, as he would,” Hermia does not loveDemetrius. (I i,line 140) Hermia says, “O hell! To choose love byanother’s eyes.” Hermia loves Lysander. (I i,line 150-155) “Ifthen true lovers have been ever crossed, It stands as an edict indestiny. Then let us teach or trial patience, Because it is acustomary cross, As due to love, as thoughts and dreams andsighs, Wishes and tears, poor fancy’s followers.” Lysander has analternative idea. (I i,line 157-159) Lysander says, “I have awidow aunt, a dowager Of great revenue, and she hath no child;>From Athens is her house remote seven leagues.” (I i,line 164-165) “Steal forth thy father’s house tomorrow night, And in thewood, a league without the town.” Lysander is a fool because heconvinces Hermia to risk death and run away with him. Hermia is a fool because she risks death for love. Hermia isto marry Demetrius, or be put to death. (I i,line 95-98) Egeussays, “Scornful Lysander, true, he hath my love, And what is minemy love shall render him. And she is mine, and all my right ofher I do estate unto Demetrius.” Lysander suggests an idea. (Ii,line 157-159) Lysander says, “A good persuasion. Therefore herme, Hermia. I have a aunt, a dowager Of great revenue, and shehath no child;” Hermia agrees with the idea. (I i,line 168-169)Hermia says, “My good Lysander, I swear to thee by Cupid’sstrongest bow,” (I i,line 178) “Tomorrow truly will I meet thee.”Hermia is a fool because she is risking death for the love ofLysander. Therefore this proves, the four teenage lovers are fools. (VI i, Theseus states) “Lovers and madmen have such seethingbrains, Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend More than coolreason ever comprehends.” William Shakespeare’s A MidsummersNight’s Dream shows how childishly foolish lovers can be.