Themes, Motifs and Symbols in A Midsummer Night's Dream

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Throughout the play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written by William Shakespeare, are several themes, motifs, and symbols. Dreams are a reoccurring theme. Dreams are connected to the unexplainable and mysterious events, occurring in the woods. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” can be compared to “The Tempest”, also written by Shakespeare, because it contains the same theme of dreams- “That, if I then had waked after long sleep, / Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming” (3.2. 139- 140, Caliban) Contrast of appearances verses reality is a common motif throughout the play. It is leading the lovers into believing that the fantasies, which they are experiencing are real, even though they are extremely unrealistic. The love juice is blinding the lovers into visualizing what they want, and not the truth. Dance is a symbol in the play, used by Oberon and Titania, symbolizing peace and harmony. Therefore, the theme of dreams, motif of appearances verses reality, and symbol of dance, are significant throughout the play. First of all, dreams are a significant and constant theme, throughout the play. All events, occurring throughout act four, are considered as dreams. Oberon is excited to be Kulik 2 informing Puck, that with the help of the magical flower’s love juice, the lovers are falling in love, once again. According to Oberon, the lovers’ experiences are nothing more than dreams- “May all to Athens back again repair/And think no more of this night's accidents/ But as the fierce vexation of a dream.” (4.1. 54-56). Titani... ... middle of paper ... ... Kulik 4 distinguish dreams from realities. The motif of contrast between appearances verses reality, is making it impossible for lovers, under the spell, to control their intense feelings of infatuation. Titania is unable to control her blind love for Bottom, even though his head is transformed into a hideous donkey. The symbol, dance is indicating the ending and beginning of various disputes between lovers. Oberon is refusing to dance with Titania, when he is frustrated with her. When all is well again, the blithesome couple is reunited through dance. Therefore, the theme of dreams, motif of contrast of appearances verses reality, and symbol of dance, are present, and significant throughout the play.

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