Each character have different roles which are very important in A Midsummer Night's Dream, but they have similar relationships. I will compare and contrast the relationship between Puck and Oberon against the relationship between Nick Bottom and Peter Quince. Afterwards, consider the different roles each character is given; then discuss how they do and do not live up to those roles, and why. Moreover, discuss how are these roles useful and how are they dangerous.
Oberon, the king of fairies, has a problem getting the love of Titania back caused by an Indian Boy. He feels jealousy and try to convince her by talking his way in, but Titania refuses. "Why should Titania cross her Oberon?" (2.1.122). Looking for an answer, he commands Puck, his servant and loyal friend, to apply a magic flower, which will put her under a spell and fall in love with somebody else instead of the Indian boy, to apply to her eyes." Fetch me that flower Fetch me that flower-" (2.1.175,179). Puck is almost the right hand of Oberon and obeys his commands with no doubt. "Fear not my lord. Your servant shall do so" (2.1.276). Oberon, at the same time, tries to help an Athenian men in love trouble. He tries to be helpful , which is one of the sensitive sides of Oberon because he is a ruler. He orders Puck to apply the nectar to Demetrius , but Puck accidentally applies the nectar to Lysander causing him to fall in love with Helena. All of this starts a whole new trouble for the four lovers.
Puck enjoying all of this mess is sure living up to his role as a mischief-loving:.
Then will two at once woo one.
That must needs be sport alone.
And those things do best please me.
That befall preposterously. (3.2.120-123).
Obviously Oberon isn't very happy about this and immediately orders Puck to fix this problem as soon as possible. Despite all of this problems, Oberon finally gets what he wanted. Everything comes to normal were Oberon and Titania are together again and the lovers are in their places.
