A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of the most famous Shakespearean comedies is a play about egos obsession and love. Despite the fictionality of the play itself the events that occur are somewhat relatable. However, what was considered a textual phenomenon in 1590 does not hold the same value in modern day. It is hard for the average person to value the language and text that was so eloquently constructed by the Bard. Regardless, the foundation of MND, with a little tweaking, is timeless masterpiece that emphasizes cultural roles, rights and responsibilities. The story is one that showcases disempowered women navigating love while conveying the struggle of power, trust and love.
In the play almost every male character threatens their partner with violence. Theseus won Hippolyta’s courtship through military action rather than seduction or love. Later in the same scene Eugues threatens his own daughter’s life if she doesn’t marry Demetrius. He tells her “As she is mine, I may dispose of her, Which shall be either to this gentlemen of to her death.” (Shakespeare, 1.1, 43-46) This is a testament to the culture of the time period, highlighting the fact that a woman's life was dictated by men. Throughout the play the men reemphasize this theme and the cultural role they played as well as conveying the lack of rights women had and the struggle they had to deal with as a result.
Titania is left in love with a donkey after her husband Oberon creates a love juice in an attempt to control his wife who refuses to obey him. When Oberon finds out she had fallen for a donkey he is pleased. Oberon is so desperate for power that he is willing to let his wife be in love with a donkey just for him to have control. Similarly to Egeus who is willing to let his only daughter die so he can assert his power.
Shakespeare continues to emphasize culture roles throughout the play. He also challenges traditional gender stereotypes by having Hermia, Helena and Titania aggressively pursue love. In Act 2 scene 1, Hermia tries to talk to Demetrius and express her deep love for him. Demetrius response is simply to leave him alone. She responds with “We cannot fight for love as men may do. We should be wooed and were not made to woo.” (2.1, 248-249) Helena essentially points out the double standard of how men are supposed to fight for love and women are supposed to be passive and suppressed to the actions of men.
Hermia also challenges traditional gender stereotypes as she is deeply in love with Lysander, an arrangement her father forbids. After her father threatens the future of her love life she decides the course of action is to run away. The woman in the play are subjected to harsh realities at the hand of the men in their life and through this, all connected. Yet, their feelings don’t come across that transparent over text.
In modern society, some of the most impactful words and feelings have been evoked by musicians. Music is a vessel that can transport you anywhere you want to go, it can open eyes and bring you to tears. I believe it is through music that MND can be modernized to give the audience a new sense of engagement while also having a lyrical and emotional connection to viewers.