Essay MSND Themes

In this essay, we will explore the theme of conflict in “A midsummer night’s dream” written by
William Shakespeare. Within the play’s whimsical setting, Shakespeare creates two types of
conflicts: serious conflicts and comical conflicts. These conflicts not only serve to entertain
the audience but also offer profound insights into the complexities of human nature and the
power of love.
One of the main and central serious conflicts in “ A midsummer night’s dream” arises from
the forbidden love between Hermia and Lysander. Hermia is betrothed to Demetrius, a
young man she doesn’t love, and instead, she falls deeply in love with Lsyander. Hermia’s
refusal to marry Demetrius leads to her father’s anger.
“ Egeus: As she is mine, I may dispose of her,
Which shall be either to his gentleman
Or to her death, according to our law.
Hermia: I would my father looked but with my eyes.” ( Act 1 Scene 1)
This dialogue emphasizes the strict societal norms and parental control prevalent in
Shakespeare’s time. It portrays the dilemma faced by Hermia as she defies her father’s
wishes to pursue her love. The seriousness of the conflict is further amplified when Hermia
faces severe consequences, such as death or a life of chastity, for refusing to obey her
father’s commands.
Another serious conflict in the play revolves around the complicated relationship between
Titania, the Queen of the fairies, and Oberon, the fairy King. Their conflict arises from a
dispute over an Indian boy in Titania’s custody. Oberon seeks to obtain the boy as his
servant but Titania vehemently refuses. This disagreement gradually turns into a bitter
quarrel between the fairy couple. Their feud is highlighted in these lines of Titania speaking.
“Titania: Set your heart at rest.
The fairyland buys not the child of me.
His mother was vot’ress of my order,
And in the spiced Indian air by night
Full often hath she gossiped by my side
And sat with me on Neptune’s yellow sands,
Marking the embarked traders on the flood,
When we have laughed to see the sails conceive
And grow big-bellied with the wanton wind;
Which she with pretty and with swimming gait
Following – her womb then rich with my young squire–
Would imitate, and sail upon the land
To fetch me trifles and return again,
As from a voyage, rich with merchandise.
But she, being mortal, of that boy did die,
And for her sake do I rear up her boy;
And for her sake I will not part with him.”
(Act 2, Scene 1
While serious conflicts highlight the depth and gravity of human emotions, comical conflicts
in A Midsummer Night's Dream serve to provide moments of laughter and amusement. The
most prominent comical conflict in the play revolves around the misadventures of the
amateur acting troupe led by Bottom. Their rehearsal scenes abound with comic moments,
as seen in this dialogue between Flute and Quince.
“Quince: Flute, you must take Thisbe on you.
Flute: What is Thisbe? A wandering knight?”
(Act 1, Scene 2)
This exchange highlights the humorous confusion among the actors as they struggle to
understand and portray their roles. The ineptitude and exaggerated performances of the
troupe add lightheartedness to the play and allow the audience to find joy in their comedic
mishaps.
Additionally, the mischievous actions of Puck, Oberon’s servant, create a series of comical
conflicts. Through the use of a love potion, Puck causes chaos and mistaken identities
among the characters. This comical conflict is exemplified in Puck’s description of the effects
of the potion:
“Puck: On the ground
Sleep sound:
I'll apply
To your eye,
Gentle lover, remedy.
[Squeezing the flower on Lysander's eyes]
When thou wak'st,
Thou tak'st
True delight
In the sight
Of thy former lady's eye.
And the country proverb known,
That every man should take his own,
In your waking shall be shown.
Jack shall have Jill;
Nought shall go ill;
The man shall have his mare again,
and all shall be well."
(Act 3, Scene 3)
The comical conflicts resulting from Puck's mischievous acts not only provide laughter but
also highlight the irrational and unpredictable nature of love.
In conclusion, A Midsummer Night's Dream skillfully combines serious conflicts and comical
conflicts to create a captivating and entertaining play. Through serious conflicts,
Shakespeare explores themes of love, societal norms, and power dynamics, while the
comical conflicts provide moments of laughter and absurdity. By intertwining these two types
of conflicts, Shakespeare offers a nuanced portrayal of human nature and the complexities
of love, making A Midsummer Night's Dream a timeless masterpiece.

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In this essay, we will explore the theme of conflict in “A midsummer night’s dream” written by

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