Theseus, the Duke of Athens who was the in control of the Athenian law who was preparing the city for a large festival to mark his marriage to Hippolyta. I assume Theseus is an older looking man, who is very wealthy since he is the Duke of Athens.
Theseus in the play seems like a well respected person who has the power to control the Athenian people and law. An example of this, Egeus the father of Hermia had encountered some problems. Hermia loves a man named Lysander but Egeus, Hermia's father wants Hermia to marry Demetrius. Egeus becomes very upset and asks Theseus to use the Athenian right to either make his daughter marry Demetrius or have the power to kill her. Theseus offers Hermia only two options: she must marry Demetrius or join a nunnery. Theseus states this at Act 1 Scene 1 line 85. Theseus shows in this statement that he is a firm man and makes sure that the Athenian law is always followed through.
Washington Allston's 1818 painting Hermia and Hele...
Theseus with the Head of Minotaur
TheseusAlthough, Theseus is the Duke Of Athens and he has the power and respect of the Athenians, He is Deeply in love with Hippolyta Queen of the Amazons. He displays this in Act 1, Scene 1 line 5. He Quotes "Now, Fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour draws apace, as she lingers my desire". In This Statement he states that he is madly in love with Hippolyta and wants to seal the love in marriage so it can be everlasting. He also is very anxious and cant wait until they get married. Theseus in the play from my analysis seems older and is a man of knowledge. I feel he understands what the meaning of true love is , I sense this because he won Hippolyta's love in a battle for her as it states in Act 1,Scene 1 line 15; "Hippolyta, I woo'd thee with my sword, And won thy love, doing these injuries.
The Expulsion of the Duke of Athens
English: William Duke of Athens' tomb
Theseus, the king of Athenians.