Dreams and Nightmares

Midsummer Nights Dream

Throughout the book "MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM" by Willliam Shakespeare, one of the themes of the play is male dominance and the objectifying of women. Women feel as if they are forced and obligated to do as men say. The book makes fun of the ever-changing relationship between a man and a woman. The love and trust between them is not real or fulfilling. Instead the love is fake and wishy washy, meaning short termed and more of a in the moment type of feeling.

In MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, male dominance not only exists between couples, but also between father and daughter. "As she is mine, I may dispose of her: Which shall be either to this gentleman Or to her death, according to our law " (ActI.SceneI) A woman's entire life, and her choice in her sexual and emotional life, is controlled by a powerful male figure, as shown by Egeus's controlling attitude toward his daughter Hermia. The men are often seen treating women like objects. "To you your father should be as a god," (ActI.SceneI)

Theseus who also agrees with Hermia's father, is content with the Athenian law of male dominance. Theseus shows pride in winning his bride in the battle with the Amazons. By concurring the female warrior and marrying her, he fulfills his ego. Helena chases after Demetrius, ignoring his cruel treatment towards he. She states that men are meant to bash on women, not women to men. And yet, she continues to try and woo him. She doesn't seem to care that Demetrius left her; instead she blames herself for not being attractive enough. When Lysander and Demetrius turn their love towards Helena, she begins to think they are mocking her. This is because of her lack of self-esteem. "And will you rent our ancient love asunder, To join with men in scorning your poor friend? It is not friendly, 'tis not maidenly: Our sex, as well as I, may chide you for it, Though I alone do feel the injury". Helena also states that women should stick together and not take part in men's foolish jokes against them. Hermia

and Helena are best friends and they explain their relationship as being two bodies but sharing one heart. But they let their men and jealousy come in between their friendship. Helena betrays their friendship, and Hermia accuses Helena of stealing her love. These two women do not even realize that the men that have destroyed their trust in each other