How Does Shakespeare Present Helena In A Midsummer Night's Dream

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Shakespeare reveals Helena’s longing to dote upon Demetrius while Demetrius continues to declare her unworthy. Demetrius finds himself with Helena, in the forest, after she reported Lysander and Hermia’s whereabouts. Demetrius goes in search of these two to “slay” Lysander and retrieve Hermia, “the one that slayeth” (II.i. 190) him. Later, Demetrius casts Helena from his sight because he realizes he “cannot meet” (II.i. 193) his Hermia. Helena determines Demetrius attracts her, so it is his own fault she cannot leave. Demetrius assures Helena that he didn’t request for a follower and finds her to be a hindrance in retaining his true love. In her response, Shakespeare presents Helena as a lady desperate for a fiery love that can never be
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