Midsummers Night Dream Essay, Research Paper

A Midsummer Night’s Dream In Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” the mortal teenage characters fall in lovefoolishly, and the character Bottom states, “O what fools these mortals be”. They are foolishbecause they act like children. Although Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius, and Helena appeargrown-up, when they are in love they act foolishly. The four teenage lovers are fools. Demetrius is a fool because he is unaware that his love changes through out the play. At thestart of the play Demetrius does not love Helena. (II ii,line 188) Demetrius says, “I love theenot, therefore pursue me not.” (II ii,line 194) “Hence, get thee gone, and follow me no more.”In III ii, Demetrius after being juiced begins to love Helena. (III ii,line 169-173) Demetriussays, “Lysander, keep thy Hermia; I will none. If e’er I loved her, all that love is gone. Myheart 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 his changing love for Helena. Helena is a fool because Demetrius does not love her but she still persists in chasing him.Demetrius shows no love for Helena. (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 wild beasts.” (II i,line 199-201) “DoI entice you? Do I speak you fair? Or rather do I not in plainest truth Tell you I do not, norI cannot love you?” Demetrius clearly illustrates to Helena that he has no interest, but Helenapersists. (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 on you.” (II i,line 220-222) “Yourvirtue is my privilege. For that It is not night when I do see your face, Therefore I think Iam not in the night;” This proves that Helena is a fool because Demetrius 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 she will be put to death. (I i,line 83-88) Theseus says, “Take time topause, and, by the next new moon- The sealing-day betwixt my love and me, For everlasting bondfellowship- Upon that day either prepare to die For disobedience to your father’s will, Or elseto wed Demetrius, as he would,” Hermia does not love Demetrius. (I i,line 140) Hermia says, “Ohell! To choose love by another’s eyes.” Hermia loves Lysander. (I i,line 150-155) “If thentrue lovers have been ever crossed, It stands as an edict in destiny. Then let us teach ortrial patience, Because it is a customary cross, As due to love, as thoughts and dreams andsighs, Wishes and tears, poor fancy’s followers.” Lysander has an alternative idea. (I i,line157-159) Lysander says, “I have a widow aunt, a dowager Of great revenue, and she hath nochild; >From Athens is her house remote seven leagues.” (I i,line 164- 165) “Steal forth thyfather’s house tomorrow night, And in the wood, a league without the town.” Lysander is a foolbecause he convinces Hermia to risk death and run away with him. Hermia is a fool because she risks death for love. Hermia is to marry Demetrius, or be put todeath. (I i,line 95-98) Egeus says, “Scornful Lysander, true, he hath my love, And what is minemy love shall render him. And she is mine, and all my right of her I do estate unto Demetrius.”Lysander suggests an idea. (I i,line 157-159) Lysander says, “A good persuasion. Therefore herme, Hermia. I have a aunt, a dowager Of great revenue, and she hath no child;” Hermia agreeswith 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 sheis risking death for the love of Lysander. Therefore this proves, the four teenage lovers are fools. (VI i, Theseus states) “Lovers andmadmen have such seething brains, Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend More than cool reasonever comprehends.” William Shakespeare’s A Midsummers Night’s Dream shows how childishlyfoolish lovers can be.