The Play: "A Midsummer Night's Dream", by William Shakespeare offers a
wonderful contrast in human mentality. Shakespeare provides insight into man's conflict
with the rational versus the emotional characteristics of our behavior through his settings.
The rational, logical side is represented by Athens, with its flourishing government and
society. The wilder emotional side is represented by the fairy woods. Here things do not
make sense, and mystical magic takes the place of human logic. Every impulse may be
acted upon without and forethought to there outcome.
The city of Athens represents the epitome of civilized man. Ruled by the laws of
man and kept in check by society's own norms. The human struggle to suppress its
unrestrained and irrational tendencies, still being undertaken today, discourages the
'civilized' man from making rash and foolish actions. Thus every action should have a
sound and logical purpose, based on the social norms.
English: "Midsummer Nights Dream Act IV Scene I--A...
William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream (Fi...
Oberon, Titania and Puck with Fairies Dancing. Fro...In the play, Egeus, the father of Hermia, has thoughtfully chosen what he considers
an acceptable mate to wed his daughter. Egeus most likely based his decision on
economic, political, and social factors in his choosing of Demetrius. He is making a
reasonable decision based on Hermia's future in their society. Unfortunately Hermia is
smitten by Lysander and vice versa. Although her father may have made his decision with
every good intension, keeping with the traditional customs of his day, and even perhaps
taking into consideration such things as attractiveness, he failed to foresee the desires of
his daughter. The young Lysander, who like most young men, cares little for the rules of
society, is willing to break tradition and flee Athens to obtain Hermia. Therefore they
must leave the rational Athens to enjoy their irrational love.
Theseus, the king of Athens, is the highest symbol...