Character Analysis of Hermia and Helena
Hermia
- Hermia has a dark complexion, in contrast with Helena’s blondness. When Lysander was under the influence of Puck’s potion, he had said “Away, you Ethiope!” and “ Thy love? Out, tawny Tartar, out!” Act Three, Scene 2, Line 266. An Ethiope is a dark-skinned person, here is it clearly intended as an insult. Tawny Tartar is another insulting reference to Hermia’s dark complexion. Tawny is a light brown to brownish orange colour. A Tartar is a member of any of the Turkic and Mongolian peoples of central Asia who invaded western Asia and eastern Europe in the Middle Ages and also a person regarded as ferocious or violent.
- Hermia is short, compared to elegant Helena’s tallness and slenderness. Self-conscious about her short stature, Hermia suspects that Helena has wooed the men (esp. Lysander) with her height. She says “Her height, forsooth, she hath prevailed him. And are you grown so high in his esteem Because I am so dwarfish and so low?” Act Three, Scene 2, Lines 296 to 298.
- Hermia has a fiery temper. Helena had remarked “O, when she’s angry, she is keen and shrewd. She was a vixen when she went to school; And though she be but little she is fierce.” Act Three, Scene 2, Lines 328 to 330. Helena was scared that Hermia might do her some bodily injury for Hermia claimed that even if she is low, she is tall enough to claw into Helena’s eyes. (Act Three, Scene 2, Lines 300 and 301.)
- Hermia believes strongly in loyalty, faith and especially chastity. In the forest, she insists that Lysander sleeps further away from her for ‘human modesty’. “Such separation as may well be said, Becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid.” Act Two, Scene 2, Lines 65 and 66.
- Hermia is brave, opposing her father's choice of her husband and refusing to marry Demetrius, even if it meant death of a lifetime in the nunnery. “So will I grow, so live, so die, my lord, Ere I will yield my virgin patent up, Unto his lordship whose unwished yoke, My soul consents not to give sovereignty.” Act One, Scene 1, Lines 79 to 82.
