Fantasy in Shakespeare's Plays

In A Midsummer Night's Dream, one reason for the fantasy element is to create a dramatic stage on which to test human constancy and human worth. Lysander states that "the course of true love never did run smooth" (I.i.134), and this represents a theme that runs through many of Shakespeare's plays and indeed through much of world literature. The statement itself embodies several ideas. First, it assumes that there is such a thing as true love and that it is a conception based on the idea that two people are literally meant for each other. Second, it states that these two people, though meant for each other, may have to endure a good deal before they can actually achieve the love that is their destiny. In terms

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m fickle. Puck bewitches him and causes him to shift his love from Hermia to Helena, in effect making him into the fickle person others have assumed him to be. Demetrius is meant to contrast with Lysander, and it is ironic that Egeus prefers Demetrius to Lysander given that Demetrius is much more like what Egeus thinks Lysander is like. Shakespeare complicate the matter by causing Lysander to become more like Demetrius once Puck has worked his magic. The way Lysander really feels is evident as he and Hermia make their way into the wood: Love takes the meaning in love's conference. I mean that my heart unto yours is knit, So that but one heart we can make of it; Two bosoms interchained with an oath (II.ii.52-55). The two fall asleep, but when Lysander awakens and sees Helena, he falls in love all over again because of the enchantment placed on him by Puck: And run through fire I will for thy sweet sake. Transparent Helena! Nature shows art, That through thy bosom makes me see thy heart (II.ii.109-111). Helena is amazed at the change in Lysander, for he has until now been in love with Hermia. He denies this: Content with Hermia? No, I do repent The tedious minutes I with her have spent. Not Hermia, but Hele
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Approximate Word count = 2678
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)

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