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Gender Roles in A Midsummer Night's Dream


            William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," is a story about the ways men and women interact with each other. In this process, gender roles become a key motif for discussing the relationships. This play is an excellent illustration of the idea that men play a dominating role in relationships, as well as the ways in which how women respond to this control. .
             In "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Shakespeare presents the idea how patriarchy influences women. In a father and daughter's relationship, the daughter ought to obey her father, which is supported by law. For example, Egeus says, .
             "As she is mine, I may dispose of her .
             which shall be either to this gentlemen.
             or to her death, according to our law.
             Immediately provided in this case" (1.1.43-6).
             This quote is set at very beginning of the play, when Hermia argues with Theseus about her marriage choice. This quote shows that, in a daughter's marriage, there was no freedom to make a personal choice. The husband will be chosen by the father. These customs have a strong law back-up and are also supported by a country's royals. In this act, Theseus who is the duke of Athens, is also important in the process. He tries to persuade Hermia to follow her father's will to marry Demetrius. In a husband and wife's relationship, the husband is still dominant; they manipulate women who have to obey where marriage is concerned. Oberon and Titania's conflict is another good example of male dominance. They argue over an Indian boy, Titania wants him to stay with her to do some easy works, However Oberon wants him to be his guard. Later, Oberon decides to punish Titania, and force her to give up the Indian boy. Oberon says, .
             "Having once this juice,.
             I'll watch Titania when she is asleep,.
             And drop the liquor of it in her eyes.
             The next thing then she waking looks upon,.
             (Be it on lion, bear, or wolf, or bull,.
             On meddling monkey, or on busy ape).
             She shall pursue it with the soul of love:.


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