A Midsummer Night's Dream as a Shakespearean comedy?

Answer 1

Midsummer Nightâs Dream is a Shakespearian comedy, which centres around four lovers. It consists of many different love stories which frequently change and alter during the course of the play which makes its humorous and appealing.

Lysander is a loving and strong-minded character as he would do anything for Hermia, even risking the wrath of Egeus by fleeing with Hermia so the âAthenian law cannot pursueâ them both. This demonstrates not only the depth of his feeling for Hermia, but also his conviction to her. This is also very audacious because Egeus already disapproves of Lysander and by running off with Hermia, he will be loathed even more. Lysander is also an determined character as he pleads his own worth to Egeus when Hermiaâs given the choice of being a nun, marrying Demetrius or death; by first flattering him by saying âI am, my lordâ. He then goes on to say all of his good qualities as well, he is âas well derivedâ, âas well possess'dâ, âfortunes every way as fairly rank'dâ and his âlove is moreâ. Even though, it doesnât work.

On the other hand, Lysander also comes across as a scornful and sarcastic person as he says: âyou have her father's love, Demetrius; let me have Hermia's: do you marry him.â It is also a very disrespectful remark to say because in those times homosexual marriages and homosexuality itself was banned and literally unheard of in the society.

Furthermore, Lysander accuses Demetrius of having an affair, as Demetrius âMade love to Nedar's daughter, Helena, and won her soulâ. As well as describing Demetrius as a âinconstant manâ, in order to prove Demetrius's betrayal. This demonstrates Lysander will tarnish anyoneâs reputation to get what he wants even if it means exposing others. Lysander also wanted to show how faithful he is and has not ever wooed another woman while he has claimed to be in love with Hermia- unlike Demetrius.

Lysanderâs situation is he is truly in love with Hermia and they both feel the same way â but they have a problem. Hermiaâs father Egeus does not permit Lysander to marry his daughter and prefers Demetrius. Therefore, due to the Athenian law, Hermia is not allowed to marry Lysander or she will be killed. So, she and Lysander plan to elope into the forest and travel outside Athens in order to pursue marriage. Lysander is a very