The couple had previously been at war and were married following Hippolyta’s
defeat. There is a suggestion that the marriage was forced which in turn creates a
sense of disunity between the pair. There is evidence to suggest that Hippolyta
disagrees with her husbands actions through out the play appearing open minded and
concerned about Hermia’s treatment at the beginning of the play. It is also apparent
how she appears concerned at the embarrassment of the craftsmen during their play in
the final scenes.“ I love not to see wretchedness o’ercharged; and duty in his service
perishing.” (Hippolyta 5.1) This again provides evidence that the relationship is
perhaps not as genuine as it may seem.
Discord and disorder is seen particularly in the relationship between Oberon and
Titania, which through out the play affects the atmosphere and the lives of those
around them. There is of course a great sense of disunity between the married couple
who are King and Queen of the Fairies. When we first see the characters they are
involved in a hostile argument about a young boy. “Give me that boy and I will go
with thee”, “Not for thy kingdom, fairies away: we shall chide down right, if I longer
stay.” (Oberon and Titania 2.1). This appears towards the end of the first scene in
which we see them; the fact that Titania feels the need to leave lest the argument
continues signifies an intense sense of discord and disunity between them. This is also
apparent through Oberon’s need to control Titania and the lengths at which he is
willing to go to gain this control. “I’ll make her render up her page to me.” (Oberon
2.1.) The couples disagreement however serves as far more than a simple argument
between lovers. The entire fairy world is disrupted by their behaviour and the dark
and electric weather it creates sets the scene for the majority of the play.
The weather in itself creates disorder amongst the characters in particular the lovers.
Much of there time in the wood is spent searching for one another and in utter
confusion. Much of this is added to through the weather, that creates an almost
electric, mystical feel to the wood and general atmosphere of the play. Towards the
end as the couples go too sleep in the wood they are surrounded by darkness which
adds to there anger and confusion. This creation of disorder and discord amongst the
characters serves to create an even happier ending on the couples reuniting.
Amongst the couple’s relationships discord is also apparent. There is from the very
beginning an obvious disunity between Lysander and Demetrius as they both seek the
same girls affections. “You have her fathers love Demetrius, let me have Hermia”
(Lysander 1.1) this obvious sharp remark is representative of their relationship as a
whole “Hang off thou cat, thou burr; vile thing let loose, or I shall shake thee from me
like a serpent.” (Lysander to Demetrius 3.2.) This relationship in turn reflects on the
conflict between Hermia and Demetrius. When Hermia awakes in the wood and finds
Lysander missing she immediately accuses Demetrius of murder and is infuriated by
his constant seemingly undying affections for her.
We also see discord between Helena and the other characters. We see the first signs of
real conflict after Helena has informed Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander’s plans to
elope. Helena who is infatuated with Demetrius attempts to pursue him through out
the play as he searches for the eloping couple. “I charge thee hence and do not haunt
me thus” (Demetrius 2.2) Helena’s obvious dismay at his reaction to her advances
proves integral to her relationship with other characters. For example her
instantaneous change in manner towards Hermia when they argue and her reaction to
Lysander’s affections.
This appears in particular after Lysander awakes having been put under a spell. His
enthusiastic and melodramatic declaration of love for Helena proves completely
ineffectual, as she perceives it as a joke. This causes her to become quite irate and
distressed, “Wherefore was I to this keen mockery born? When at your hands did I
deserve such scorn?” (2.2)
The sense of discord and disunity appears between Helena and Hermia only after the
group are under the influence of the spell. Although it is important to mention that
Helena is the only character amongst the four who was not put under the spell and so
whose reactions are in part those of honesty, though on majority appear through anger
or unhappiness. The pair become mad with jealousy as each gains the affections of the
others lover. “O me, you juggler, you conker blossom, you thief of love.” (Hermia
3.2), “She was a vixen when she went to school…” (Helena 3.2). The discord between
Helena and Hermia in particular creates a sense of disorder as it causes the group to
split up and travel through the now dark and frightening wood alone.
The creation of disorder with in the play is helped largely by the intervention of
Oberon and Puck. Their involvement in the couple’s relationships is a crucial part to
the main sense of disorder and confusion in the play. However where as the character
of Oberon seems to represent a need for control, the character of Puck seems to
represent disorder in itself. Not only is he responsible for the couples confusion
throughout their time in the woods he is also responsible for transforming Bottom.
Bottom’s transformation creates disorder amongst the Craftsmen and the fairy world
that is of course confused by Titania’s love for such a creature. “Oh Bottom thou art
changed; what do I see on thee?” “ You see an ass head of your own, do you? (Snout
and Bottom 3.2). His interference in the couple’s relationships creates immediate
discord between the characters and an overwhelming sense of confusion. “What hast
thou done? Thou hast mistaken quite and laid the love juice on some true loves sight.”
(Oberon about Puck 3.2). He takes on the voices of both Lysander and Demetrius
towards the end of the play causing immense conflict between the pair. The character
of Puck remains utterly important to the sequence of the play, as without him almost
half the events would not have taken place.
The relationship between the Craftsmen also displays a sense of discord; this is seen
mainly in Act 3 Scene 1 but also earlier on in the play. The craftsmen plan to put on a
play written by peter Quince. The play itself is badly written but the actors within the
company serve as a means to create much disruption and disorder. Bottom arrives at
the rehearsal late. A tendency to be late seems to be one of Bottoms main qualities as
he had held up the proceedings in there meeting earlier on in the play. This seems to
disgruntle the other members especially following his objection to the script at the
beginning of the meeting. “ There are things in this comedy of Pyramus and Thisbe
that will never please!” (Bottom 3.1). His pompous and melodramatic attitude
provides cause for much disorder and discord, as this is what tempts Puck to embark
on transforming him. “What hempen home-spuns have we swaggering here, so near to
the cradle of the fairy queen? What, a play toward? I’ll be an auditor, an actor to
perhaps, if I see cause!” (Puck 3.2.) After his transformation his character seems to
change some what as he basks in the affection that Titania bestows upon him. But
merely his presence within the fairy world causes disruption. This is seen especially
after Titania has been released from the spell and at last can see Bottom for who he
really is, at this point half man half ass. “My Oberon, what visions have I seen! Me
thought I was enamour’d of an ass.” (Titania 4.1)
The play as a whole is filled with discord and disorder. Much of this is caused through
the interaction of characters and their inner feelings, for example Helena’s desperate
love for Demetrius and how this affects her relationships with others. However, much
of this interaction would not have occurred if it were not for the interference of the
fairy world in that of reality. Puck and of course Oberon cause much of the disorder
among the lovers although it is worth noting that there reactions are at times based on
real feelings. Bottom’s intrusion into the fairy world again causes much disorder as
the bridge between reality and dream is drawn considerably closer. The relationship
between Oberon and Titania also plays a large part in the creation of disorder not only
in the fairy world but also in the weather and inhabitants of reality. It is safe to say the
there are many ways in which the play can be described as a play of discord and
disorder.
