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Gender - Themes, A Midsummer Night's Dream | A Midsummer Night's Dream - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

Like many Shakespearean comedies (The Taming of the Shrew, for example), A Midsummer Night's Dream dramatizes gender tensions that arise from complicated familial and romantic relationships.  When the play opens, a young woman fights her father for the right to choose her own spouse, a duke is set to marry a woman he recently conquered in battle, and the King and Queen of Fairies are at war with each other, enacting a battle of the sexes so intense that it disrupts the natural world. And you thought MTV's Battle of the Sexes was intense.

Throughout the play, Shakespeare also questions some stereotypes about traditional gender roles when it comes to romance. For example, while men are usually expected to be aggressive, women are expected to remain passive and docile. Of course, A Midsummer Night's Dream shows us that this isn't necessarily always the case—especially when you get magical love juice involved. We think it's awesome that Shakespeare wasn't afraid topoke fun at the absurdity of gender roles so many centuries ago... he really was ahead of his time. 


Questions About Gender

  1. Why does Egeus want Duke Theseus to enforce the death penalty on Hermia?  What does this suggest about Egeus's attitude toward his daughter and women in general?
  2. "Your wrongs do set a scandal on my sex: / We cannot fight for love, as men may do; / We should be wooed and were not made to woo" (2.1.6).  What does Helena mean when she says this to Demetrius?  Do you think what she says rings true in the play?
  3. Oberon and Titania's fighting is often described as the ultimate "battle of the sexes."  Explain why the couple fights and discuss whether or not their brawls are a result of gender tensions.
  4. Is the tension between various men and women ever resolved in the play?  Why or why not?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

Titania, Hermia, and Helena defy traditional gender stereotypes by aggressively pursuing love.

Shakespeare makes a gendered argument in A Midsummer Night's Dream; while both Lysander's and Demetrius's madness can be explained by their enchantment, Hermia and Helena have no such excuse. Shakespeare argues that women are subject to a different view of reality when it comes to love.

The document Gender - Themes, A Midsummer Night's Dream | A Midsummer Night's Dream - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels is a part of the Novels Course A Midsummer Night's Dream - Summary, Themes & Characters.
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FAQs on Gender - Themes, A Midsummer Night's Dream - A Midsummer Night's Dream - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. What are the main themes in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Ans. The main themes in A Midsummer Night's Dream include love, dreams and reality, the power of imagination, and the role of the supernatural. The play explores the complexities of romantic relationships, the confusion between appearance and reality, and the transformative nature of dreams and fantasies. It also delves into the influence of the magical world on human affairs and the consequences of meddling with love.
2. How does gender play a role in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Ans. Gender is a significant aspect in A Midsummer Night's Dream as it shapes the characters' experiences and interactions. The play portrays different gender roles and expectations prevailing in Shakespearean society. It explores the themes of male dominance, female submissiveness, and the challenges faced by women in asserting their desires and autonomy. Additionally, the play features gender-bending characters like Oberon and Titania, highlighting the fluidity of gender roles and challenging societal norms.
3. What are the different ways in which love is depicted in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Ans. Love is depicted in various ways in A Midsummer Night's Dream. The play portrays passionate love, as seen in the intense emotions between Hermia and Lysander, as well as the tumultuous relationship of Titania and Oberon. It also presents comical and farcical love through the antics of the fairy king and queen. Furthermore, the play explores the concept of love at first sight, as shown in the infatuation of characters like Helena for Demetrius. Ultimately, love in the play is portrayed as unpredictable, irrational, and transformative.
4. How does Shakespeare use the theme of dreams and reality in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Ans. Shakespeare skillfully explores the theme of dreams and reality in A Midsummer Night's Dream. The play blurs the boundaries between the real world and the dream world, creating a sense of enchantment and confusion. Characters experience magical transformations and encounter fantastical creatures, all within the realm of dreams. This interplay between dreams and reality highlights the power of imagination and the potential for unexpected events to occur, demonstrating that reality is often subjective and influenced by perception.
5. What is the significance of the supernatural elements in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Ans. The supernatural elements in A Midsummer Night's Dream serve multiple purposes. They add an element of enchantment and mystery to the play, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The fairies and their magical interventions also symbolize the unpredictable and chaotic nature of love. Furthermore, the supernatural beings act as intermediaries, manipulating the human characters' lives and desires. These elements emphasize the influence of external forces on human relationships and highlight the role of fate and destiny in shaping one's romantic journey.
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