Theme Of Duality In A Midsummer Night's Dream

In literature, the recurring theme of duality of man allows a certain paradoxical characterization to be presented to the reader. In this scenario, usually two or more contradictory characterizations are made regarding a specific character, both adding depth to the character as well as furthering the narrative. One instance of this occurs in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This particular play presents multiple storylines, including a rebellious daughter, a love triangle of sorts, a laughable production, and a supernatural feud, all intertwining and introducing multiple characters. Many of these characters happen to be extremely simple and one-sided. The exception is the king of the fairies, Oberon. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream,

This ire is first mentioned by Oberon’s right hand man, Robin Goodfellow, who states that “Oberon is passing fell and wrath” (Act II, Scene i) when conversing with a fellow fairy. Later, Oberon’s spiteful nature is witnessed firsthand by the reader directly after a confrontation between the two fairy deities. In reference to Titania and his plan to earn revenge, Oberon exclaims that “Thou shalt not from this grove / Till I torment thee for this injury” (Act II, Scene i). Even though the reader does see Oberon come to fulfill his promise to earn revenge, he/she also witnesses a certain benevolent nature form in the wake of his acton. Overall, Oberon’s spiteful tendencies appear to highlight his intense emotions, but eventually, the reader will come to witness future actions by the fairy king that support traits of a contradictory

Many may believe that that is all there is to the character, and there is no more depth to be explored. One particular situation renders this stance on the matter invalid. In Act II, Scene i, Oberon witnesses the passing of two young people from Athens. Their names are Helena and Demetrius. These two youngsters’ relationship is one of the major plot points within the play. Oberon witnesses the plight in which these two find themselves in, that being that Helena is deeply in love with Demetrius, but Demetrius only has eyes for another and will have nothing to do with her. It is also apparent to both the reader and more importantly, to Oberon in this particular instance that in Demetrius’ rejection of Helena, he is not kind, in fact, he is often cruel and at one point even threatens to harm her. Seeing the situation play out, Oberon decides to take pity on Helena and reveal his more benevolent side. He exclaims to himself that by the time the youths leave the “grove”, Demetrius will “seek” Helena’s “love” (Act 2, Scene 1). Yet again, Oberon’s emotions get the better of him, and cause impulsive but nonetheless benevolent