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Examples Of Forbidden Love In A Midsummer Night's Dream

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The Theme of Love in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind. And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind. Though she be but little, she is fierce!” Love remains the dominant theme in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shakespeare utilizes the concepts of forbidden love and magic and throughout the play. An example of forbidden love occurs when Hermia disobeys her father and elopes with Lysander, going against Athenian Law. She deserts Demetrius, the man her father chose for her. Magic also presents itself throughout the story, when the characters travel in the fairies’ forest. Shakespeare utilizes various types of love in A Midsummer’s Night Dream to support the theme of love.
At the beginning of the play, the author showcases forced love between Hippolyta and Theseus, and Demetrius and Hermia (Pyros). Theseus says in Act I, “I wooed thee with my sword, to portray that he won her with his sword as in the battle to win her love,” implying that she marries him, only because he won a battle. Another example of forced love includes Hermia and Demetrius. According to Athenian law, a daughter must obey her father at all costs, or risk being killed. …show more content…

Egeus has a strict hold on his daughter and his family. He believes that he knows what benefits his daughter; therefore, he chooses Demetrius to marry her. Despite having all the qualifications that Demetrius has, Lysander holds no favor. He expresses this in Act I, “I am, my lord, as well derived as he, as well possessed. My love is more than his. My fortunes every way as fairly ranked, (If not with vantage) as Demetrius'.” He thinks that Lysander fakes his love for Hermia, sending her fictitious love letters, songs, and presents. All of the heartache and unnecessary drama Egeus causes, derives from his love for Hermia. He only wants the best for her, even if it means breaking her

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