Shakespeare in love
Compare and contrast the view of love in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream and the film A Midsummer Nights Dream by Michael Hoffman. Focus on either the mortal lovers or the fairies. 'I am amazed and know not what to say!' (Act III.2, line 344)This quote by one of the four mortal lovers in the play 'A Midsummer Nights dream' perfectly illustrates the confusing situation that arises due to the conflicting views of love evident not only in the play itself, but also in Michael Hoffman's interpretation of the storyline into a film. Examples of the varying views of loves evident include tragic love, romantic love, physical love, unrequited love, and the effect all of these types of love have on the mortal lovers when magic interferes. It is evident when comparing and contrasting in the play and the film sympathies lie with the female characters, as they are believer in true love whereas the males are easily swayed. However in contrast, the film takes on a much more emotional aspect, through the use of body language and expressions it conveys what characters are feeling. The opening act of the play, and the first scene of the film both depict a scene of romance and joy as preparations of the wedding of Theseus and Hippoly
This includes the idea of physical love, which involves a love based purely on the flesh and the physical body, and the adversity that unrequited love produces. 'O spite! O hell! I see you all are bentTo set against me for your merriment. 'We cannot fight for love, as men may do; We should be wooed, and were not made to woo. 'O Helen, goddess, nymph, perfect, divine-To what, my love shall I compare thine eyne?(Act II. Her disbelief at Lysander's words illustrates her convictions of the love she has for Lysander. Could ever hear by tale or history, The course of true love never did run smooth; (Act I. But what of that? Demetrius thinks not so. 1, line 140)Furthermore, similarly to Romeo and Juliet, is the poetic lament found in the novel but not the film, adding further to the tragedy of their love: 'I swear to thee on Cupid's strongest bow, . Lysander portrays a believe in the power of love: '. However in Hoffman's interpretation of this scene, by Lysander wanting to consummate the relationship he is depicting the sexual nature of his feelings for hermia, not concerning a love for the person but a love of the flesh. 2, lines145-150)When Demetrius awakes from sleep after having the love juice placed on his eyes also he falls in love with Helena also. For Hermia this is confusion and hurt, while for Helena she feels as though she is being mocked, perhaps due to the low self-esteem that she already possesses.
Common topics in this essay:
Act II2,
Act I1,
Theseus Hipployta,
Hermia Lysander,
Michael Hoffman's,
Athens Hermia,
Hoffman Shakespeare's,
Romeo Juliet,
Sympathies Helena,
Hermia's Lysander's,
true love,
act ii2,
love hermia,
act i1,
mortal lovers,
view love,
act ii2 lines,
ii2 lines,
play film,
body language,
views love,
views love evident,
love hermia lysander,
falls love helena,
juice lysander's eyes,
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Acceptance Essays
