Controlling Others And Its Consequences

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Everyone, whether inadvertently or not, has an influence on others. However, when one’s guidance surpasses suggestive recommendation and enters a realm of ________, many problems can arise. This mistake is evident in several instances throughout Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. To control others is to “exercise restraint or direction over; to dominate or exile” (DICTIONARY). This type of behavior is visible in the play in three different forms: sexism, possessive ownership, and magical influence. This essay will highlight the ways in which Theseus, Egeus, and Oberon, respectively, portray these forms of controlling tone through their actions, as well as the consequences that come to light as a result of their conduct. Sexism and “male dominance” are recurring themes throughout the play that cause resentment and conflict between characters. Some characters believe that trivial factors such as gender are reason for others to be oppressed. A prime example of this type of discrimination is the forced relationship between Theseus and Hippolyta. It is clear from the beginning of the play that Hippolyta is neither enthusiastic nor excited about her upcoming wedding with Theseus, despite the latter’s obvious anticipation. Theseus is absolutely ignorant of his future wife’s feelings, and even goes as far as to insensitively remark, “Hippolyta, I woo’d thee with my sword, / And won thy love doing thee injuries” (I. i. 16-17). This shows that he hardly regards her as a person, and more as a conquest from one of his exploits. To him, their marriage is nothing but a victory and reward earned by violently forcing an innocent woman to be his wife. The fact that he would use such means to make Hippolyta marry him proves that he has littl... ... middle of paper ... ...nian lady is in love / With a disdainful youth; anoint his eyes, / But do it when the next thing he espies / May be the lady” (II. ii. 260-263). This quotation shows that Oberon has intentions of benevolence, and that he wants be of service to others. However, his plan goes miserably wrong when Puck mistakes Lysander for Demetrius, and a fair amount of antagonism is shared between the two noblemen during the events of the play. It is further proof that, even when one means well, they can devastate a relationship if they attempt to control others. While the flower juice could have been used from the beginning of the play to rectify occurrences of unrequited love, the plan did not play out as smoothly as expected, which Shakespeare ingeniously uses to show that many complications can arise when a person tries to control others by means beyond their victims’ knowledge.

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