A Midsummer Nights Dream Analysis
In this comparative essay the intent is to parallel the similarities and differences of Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream when compared with the film adaptation as presented by Michael Hoffman. To be more specific the events of Act I, Scene I will be examined.
The opening scene of the play as well as the movie occur at Theseus' palace. Theseus is the Duke of Athens and in four days is set to wed an Amazon Queen Hippolyta under a new moon. Impatient for the event and in a celebratory mood, Theseus orders Philostrate, his Master of the Revels, to "stir up the Athenian youth to merriments" and come up with entertainment to help the couple pass the time until their wedding (I.i.12). Philostrate goes forth, and Theseus promises Hippolyta that though he won her over with his sword, he will wed her "with pomp, with triumph, and with revelling"with a grand celebration to begin at once and last until the wedding (I.i.19). Following this Egeus enters the room. He is a citizen of Athens and wishes to have Theseus mediate a situation in which his daughter is supposed to marry Demetrius. But she has fallen in love with another man by the name of Lysander. Egeus seeks Theseus in hopes that he can punish his daughter for him. Egeus then demands that the law punish Hermia if she fails to comply with his demands. Theseus speaks to Hermia sharply, telling her to expect to be sent to a nunnery or put to death. Lysander interrupts, accusing Demetrius of being fickle in love, saying that he was once engaged to Hermia's friend Helena but abandoned her after he met Hermia. Theseus admits that he has heard this story, and he takes Egeus and Demetrius aside to discuss it. Before they go, he orders Hermia to take the time remaining before his marriage to Hippolyta to make up her mind.
The scene continues on with Hermia and Lysander alone to talk. During this time Hermia and Lysander discuss the trials that must be faced by those who are in love: "The course...
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