Love is Complicated
The theme of love being complicated or difficult can be seen throughout A Midsummer Night's Dream, and it can be argued that this is the main theme of the play. This theme is seen mostly within the lovers' plot, but it can be seen in the fairy plot as well. The theme of love being complicated or difficult is supported by the motifs of magic, dreams, contrast and women's social standing.
"The course of true love never did run smooth."
In this quote I see the reiteration of the theme by a character. In this case the character is Lysander, and he is talking to Hermia about the challenges between them and love. But the important thing here is that he is not giving up on love. Throughout the play we see characters overcoming the theme of love being complicated or difficult, and I think that Shakespeare wanted us to see this just as mush as the actual theme.
"The course of true love never did run smooth."
In this quote I see the reiteration of the theme by a character. In this case the character is Lysander, and he is talking to Hermia about the challenges between them and love. But the important thing here is that he is not giving up on love. Throughout the play we see characters overcoming the theme of love being complicated or difficult, and I think that Shakespeare wanted us to see this just as mush as the actual theme.
Things Are Not Always as They Seem
The theme of things not always being as they seem is a theme that is tied closely with the fairies. The fairies manipulate reality which makes it difficult for mortals to know what is real and what is fake. This theme can be seen within the lovers' plot as well as the workmen's plot and is supported by the motifs of magic, dreams and contrast.
"No he (Bottom) hath simply the best wit of any handicraft man in Athens."
Just from looking at this quote, you would think that Bottom is pretty smart, but that is not the case. Bottom is actually not very smart at all, but just from looking at this quote you wouldn't know that. It's all about the point of view, the workmen believe that Bottom is intelligent because he is compared to them. But if you asked Lysander or Demetrius what they thought of Bottom, they would say the opposite, that Bottom is unintelligent. Things are not always as they seem because everybody has a different outlook on things.
"No he (Bottom) hath simply the best wit of any handicraft man in Athens."
Just from looking at this quote, you would think that Bottom is pretty smart, but that is not the case. Bottom is actually not very smart at all, but just from looking at this quote you wouldn't know that. It's all about the point of view, the workmen believe that Bottom is intelligent because he is compared to them. But if you asked Lysander or Demetrius what they thought of Bottom, they would say the opposite, that Bottom is unintelligent. Things are not always as they seem because everybody has a different outlook on things.
Nothing Goes as Planned
The theme of nothing going as planned seems to be very common in A Midsummer Night's Dream as things that are planned rarely go as anticipated. This theme can be seen throughout many plots in the play such as the lovers' plot, the fairy plot, and the workmen plot. The theme of nothing going as planned is supported by the motifs of magic and women's social standing.
"With a disdainful youth anoint his eyes, but do it so the next thing he espies may be the lady"
The quote above shows a plan being made, a plan that did not work out the way it was supposed to. Oberon is directing Puck to make Demetrius love Helena. Although said with good intentions, nothing came out of it but more complications. Puck makes Lysander love Helena and then the lovers are thrown into turmoil. Despite the fact that things did not go as planned, the situation is eventually rectified and everything turns out how it should be.
"With a disdainful youth anoint his eyes, but do it so the next thing he espies may be the lady"
The quote above shows a plan being made, a plan that did not work out the way it was supposed to. Oberon is directing Puck to make Demetrius love Helena. Although said with good intentions, nothing came out of it but more complications. Puck makes Lysander love Helena and then the lovers are thrown into turmoil. Despite the fact that things did not go as planned, the situation is eventually rectified and everything turns out how it should be.
True Love Always Prevails
The theme of true love always prevailing is a classic theme, shared by many stories throughout the ages, and can be seen in A Midsummer Night's Dream as well. This theme is mostly seen towards the end of the lovers' plot but can also be seen at the end of the fairy plot. The theme of true love always prevailing is supported by the motifs of magic and contrast.
"These couples shall eternity be knit."
True love always prevails is a popular theme in stories and Shakespeare decided to use it in his play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Through all the obstacles, love triangles and magic involved, the four lovers survive with their love intact. The Hermia and Lysander marry along with Helena and Demetrius, and they live happily ever after.
"These couples shall eternity be knit."
True love always prevails is a popular theme in stories and Shakespeare decided to use it in his play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Through all the obstacles, love triangles and magic involved, the four lovers survive with their love intact. The Hermia and Lysander marry along with Helena and Demetrius, and they live happily ever after.