Hermia has three choices: 1) marry Demetrius, 2) be put to death, or 3) become a nun.
At the beginning they are: Lysander and Hermia Hippolyta and Theseus A one sided love between Helena and Demetrius. (On Helena's part) At the end they are: Lysander and Hermia Hippolyta and Theseus Helena and Demetrius
Hermia has three choices: 1) marry Demetrius, 2) be put to death, or 3) become a nun.
The irony in the deadline set by Theseus for Hermia to decide between marrying Demetrius, becoming a nun, or facing death is that it mirrors the lack of control and freedom Hermia experiences in the play. Despite the fantastical elements and chaotic events that unfold in the forest, the strict and unforgiving deadline imposed by Theseus highlights the oppressive societal expectations placed on Hermia as a woman in Athenian society.
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Egeus brings a complaint to Theseus regarding his daughter, Hermia, who refuses to marry Demetrius, the suitor he has chosen for her. Instead, Hermia is in love with Lysander, which Egeus opposes. He seeks the Duke's intervention to enforce Athenian law, which allows him to decide Hermia's fate, potentially punishing her for defying his wishes. Egeus demands that Hermia either comply with the marriage arrangement or face severe consequences.
Theseus's decision to allow Hermia to marry Lysander at the end of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" contradicts his earlier order for Hermia to marry Demetrius or face consequences. This change in decision shows a shift towards mercy and understanding, reflecting a softer and more compassionate side to his character.
It's a director's call. I have seen it played where Theseus agrees wholeheartedly with the law, where Theseus appears to agree with it but is acutely aware that Hippolyta does not, where Theseus does not agree with it but has his hands tied, where Theseus appears to have no particular feeling about it, but seems to be encouraging Hermia to find an answer outside the law. All of these performances were by actors saying exactly the same words, just saying them differently.
A Midsummer Nights Dream takes place in the city of Athens, where king Theseus is getting ready to marry Hippolyta - the queen of the Amazons - who is a prisoner of war. Theseus is clearly very excited about the marriage. We never really find out how Hippolyta feels about it.
He gives her until his own wedding, in four days. He wants everything settled so he can enjoy his nuptuals.
Theseus is surprised to find the two lovers, Lysander and Hermia, together because he believes they are supposed to be in conflict over their affections. He is unaware of the magical interference from Puck, which has caused the lovers' emotions to shift unexpectedly. Theseus expected to see Hermia with Demetrius, who is in pursuit of her, not with Lysander, leading to his confusion about the situation. This unexpected reunion highlights the theme of love's unpredictability in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Theseus is a Duke in a midsummer nights dream. He wants to marry Hippolyta, and when he hears that Egeus and his daughter Hermia are having difficulties, he gives Hermia three options: To become a nun, to marry Demetrius or to die.
Egeus has come before Theseus to seek his help in resolving a dispute regarding his daughter, Hermia. She refuses to marry Demetrius, the suitor her father has chosen for her, and instead wishes to be with Lysander. Egeus is invoking Athenian law, which gives him the right to dictate Hermia's marriage, and he hopes Theseus will enforce his wishes. This situation sets the stage for the unfolding events in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."