Gender Roles In A Midsummer Night's Dream

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Comedy, unlike tragedy, is not known for being a type of drama which translates well over time, due to the correlation between what is considered humorous and the norms and mores of the time in which a play was written (“Course notes”). One of the exceptions to this general trend in drama is Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Though written in the 16th century (SHOULD I CITE THE PLAY?) and taking place in Ancient Greece, this romantic comedy still includes universal issues that derive from the main theme of love and that are at the core of the complex relationships between the various couples. Even if the play is a light comedy, the importance of the issues presented in the play is not to be neglected and remain sources of conflict in modern societies, with which a present-day audience can identify. Through his female characters, Shakespeare explores the contemporary issues of gender …show more content…
Theseus and Hippolyta
Modern world

Helena,a young Athenian lover, demonstrates how love and relationships can provoke insecurity among young women. The young woman evinces a loss of confidence and self-esteem from the beginning of the play. Indeed, from the very first act, Helena manifests a dissatisfaction with her physical appearance and expresses her jealousy towards Hermia’s beauty . For instance, when Helena makes her first appearance in the play, Hermia declares, “God speed fair Helena! Whiter away?” (Shakespeare 6), to whom Helena replies:
Call you me fair? The fair again unsay
Demetrius loves you fair: O happy fair!
Your eyes are lode-stars; and your tongue’s sweet air
……………………………………………...
O, teach me how you look, and with what art
You sway the motion of Demetrius’ heart!
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