Explore the significance of transformation and discuss its significance as a theme in the play

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Abdullah Jafar Chowdhury                English Literature (Noel Hall)

28/11/2007                CHO07066533

Explore the presentation of transformation and discuss its

significance as a theme in the play

Having studied William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, it is evident that a significant theme within this comedy is that of transformation. Being a key theme, transformation is mentioned right away in the beginning of the play with references to the moon. The moon is an ideal example of transformation due to its constantly changing nature. It goes through phases, in which it is seen in a different form and also controls the fluctuations of the tide. Both these things change or transform. Other examples of transformation would be the transformation of Bottom’s head into an ass’s head and Titania’s maternal love of the Indian boy into the lust for Bottom. There are many forms of transformation but I will be focusing on the transforming power of love

Transformation can instantly be noted in Act 1, Scene 1, where Shakespeare uses Theseus and Hippolyta to start the play. Their relationship has transformed the most, although it does not happen during the actual play. Before they became lovers, Theseus and Hippolyta, leaders of the Athenians and the Amazons respectively, were bitter enemies. However, Theseus “wooed” her with his sword and “won” her love with the injuries he inflicted on her. Having beaten her in battle, Theseus has fallen deeply in love with Hipployta, and the feeling is reciprocated. The play begins with them in the midst of conversing about their feelings regarding the forthcoming wedding. The fact that Theseus fought Hippolyta and now, without explanation he loves her introduces the idea that love is an irrational force and can quickly change one’s attitudes. It also foreshadows the movement of the story from antagonism to harmony.

Egeus, whose intervention introduces the plot of the young lovers, is a typical figure of comedy. He is the angry father who obstructs the course of true love and it is his entrance that changes the relaxed and calm atmosphere into one that is tension filled. Egeus’s reason for entering the stage so abruptly is his “vexation” against his daughter Hermia. Hermia has been “bewitched” from a loyal and obedient daughter into “stubborn harshness”. This is due to her love for Lysander, rather than Demetrius, to whom Egeus wants her to marry.

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The transformation of Hermia from a demure and loyal daughter into an outspoken bold young woman, who stands up to the Duke, is an example of the power of Love. In such a patriarchal society, such disobedience by women would lead to exile or death. However, the Duke is fully aware of the irrational and transforming power of love and overlooks such behaviour. Although Theseus is obliged to support Egeus's rights as a father, he speaks gently to Hermia, addressing her as “fair maid”. Hermia’s abrupt refutation to his observation that Demetrius is a “worthy gentleman” is not reprimanded ...

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