Act IV Reflection

     Love is a prevalent theme in Shakespeare's works. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare demonstrates strong views towards love. For example, through Demetrius, Shakespeare comments on his society (Elizabethan) and its customary traditions with marriage. Typically a future husband would receive a dowry from his future wife's father. Shakespeare clearly doesn't believe that this is the way marriage should be. Demetrius only "loves" Hermia because Egeus has $$$. Demetrius' (and society's) approach to marriage is askew. Another love/marriage commentary by Shakespeare is displayed through Oberon and Titania's dysfunctional marriage. The two can't seem to settle their argument over the changeling child. It is as if each spouse is trying to overpower the other: Oberon is a man, and therefore assumes his wife to obey without hesitation while Titania gains an upper-hand on Oberon and utilizes it for her opportunity to show strength, independence, and power–resembling some feminist qualities considering Shakespeare's society hardly granted women any power or freedom. I also believe Shakespeare defines love in Act IV. I think he suggests that all love is fake; fake in terms of that love must be proven by a defining moment in a relationship. Shakespeare knew that it takes a particular event or occasion for one fully and truly understand that he or she is absolutely in love. For Oberon, seeing his wife in her true loving character made him feel unappreciated and desires it. He changes character in Act IV. Demetrius realizes "in his dream" his foolishness in chasing Hermia, why shut the door on true Love as what Demetrius did to Helena? It looks like Hermia and Lysander had it right all along, follow your heart, your instinct.