Lysander: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Year 7 PDF Download

Introduction

• Lysander, a central figure in A Midsummer Night's Dream, a comedic play by the renowned English writer William Shakespeare, is deeply in love with Hermia.
• Hermia's father, Egeus, opposes their union as he prefers Hermia to wed Demetrius. Meanwhile, Demetrius spurns Helena, who harbors strong affections for him.
• Despite these obstacles, Lysander and Hermia decide to elope clandestinely to solemnize their love. Unfortunately, their scheme is thwarted due to a mischievous fairy named Puck mistakenly administering a love potion to the wrong individual.

Plot Summary

Lysander's Key Moments

• Hermia and Lysander's Elopement: Hermia and Lysander decide to elope due to Hermia's father's disapproval of their union. 
  
• Love Potion Confusion: Puck's mischief leads to Lysander and Demetrius both falling in love with Helena, sparking tension and conflict. 
  
• Resolution by Oberon and Puck: Oberon and Puck restore harmony by undoing the love potion's effects, leading to a happy resolution for the lovers. 
  
• Lysander marries Hermia alongside Helena and Demetrius and Theseus and Hippolyta.

Character Traits

• Lysander, a young man from Athens, is deeply in love with Hermia, reciprocating her affections wholeheartedly. Despite the opposition from Hermia's father, Egeus, who prefers Demetrius as a suitor for his daughter, Lysander remains steadfast in his commitment to Hermia.
• He displays romantic tendencies by expressing his love through poetry, gifts, and music, wooing Hermia with his affectionate gestures.
• Lysander's intelligence shines through in his exchanges with Theseus and Egeus, where he cleverly argues for his suitability as Hermia's partner, rivaling Demetrius. He is also quick to devise a plan for him and Hermia to elope from Athens to marry, showcasing his resourcefulness.
• Throughout the play, Lysander exhibits unwavering loyalty to Hermia, determined to defy societal expectations and obstacles to be with her. It's important to note that his temporary rejection of Hermia while under the influence of Puck's love potion does not reflect his true character, as the potion distorts his behavior.

Relationships

• Lysander and Hermia are deeply in love and desire to marry. Hermia is ready to defy her father to be with Lysander.
• Despite her love for him, Hermia refuses to allow Lysander to sleep near her in the woods.
• Egeus, Hermia's father, believes Lysander has enchanted his daughter and turned her against him. The reason for Egeus's disapproval remains undisclosed to the audience.
• Demetrius is in love with Hermia and is resentful that Lysander obstructs his path. Lysander and Demetrius clash over their affections for Helena while influenced by Puck's love potion.

Changes in Character

• At the beginning of the play, Lysander's affection is for Hermia. However, a misapplied love potion by Puck alters his emotions, leading him to fall in love with Helena.
• Initially loving Hermia, Lysander's sudden change to adoring Helena distresses Hermia deeply. He not only renounces his love for Hermia but also ridicules her stature. The audience understands this behavior as a result of the love potion's influence.
• As the play progresses, the effects of the love potion wear off, and Lysander's love for Hermia is rekindled. Ultimately, Lysander and Hermia unite in marriage, alongside Demetrius and Helena.