Midsummer Night's Dream: an In-depth Analysis of The Character of Theseus

William Shakespeare's plays are known for their layered characters, complex plotlines, and timeless themes. One such play is A Midsummer Night's Dream, a comedy that showcases Shakespeare's talents as a playwright. While the play revolves around the intertwining stories of several characters, one character that particularly stands out is Theseus, the Duke of Athens. In this essay, I will delve into the character of Theseus and analyze his role in the play.

Theseus: A Dynamic Character

Theseus is a dynamic character in A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is first introduced in Act 1, Scene 1, where he is portrayed as a stern and authoritative ruler. He is preparing for his imminent wedding to Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons. This opening scene sets the tone for Theseus' character, as he is shown to be a no-nonsense leader who values order and respect for authority. However, as the play progresses, Theseus' character undergoes a transformation, and we see a softer and more vulnerable side to him.

The Appropriation of Power

One of the most striking aspects of Theseus' character is his appropriation of power. Theseus is a man of high status, given that he is the Duke of Athens. He is used to being in charge and making decisions that affect the lives of those around him. This is evident in the way he handles the situations that arise in A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is firm and decisive, but he also knows how to maintain control without coming across as overbearing. These traits are exemplified in Act 1, Scene 1, where he deals with Egeus, a father who wants Theseus to force his daughter Hermia to marry the man of his choice or face death. Theseus hears both sides of the story and makes a fair decision, showing his sense of justice and authority. Throughout the play, Theseus demonstrates his ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy, thereby implying his leadership qualities.

The way Theseus interacts with other characters in the play is also telling of his character. He maintains a cordial relationship with almost everyone, except for the Rustics, a group of amateur actors who perform a play within the larger play. Theseus finds their play to be crude and unsophisticated, and he does not hesitate to ridicule it. This attitude towards the Rustics reflects Theseus' disdain for the lower classes and his belief in his own superiority. However, he does show compassion towards Nick Bottom, one of the Rustics, when he is transformed into a donkey by the fairy Puck. Theseus quickly realizes that something supernatural is at play and orders Puck to remedy the situation.

A Multifaceted Character

Despite Theseus' commanding presence, he is also a complex and multifaceted character. As the play progresses, we see a more vulnerable side to him. In Act 4, Scene 1, Theseus is faced with a new problem: Egeus' daughter Hermia has run away with her lover Lysander, and she is nowhere to be found. Theseus is initially angry and threatens to punish Lysander, but he quickly softens, showing his compassionate side. He tells Hermia that he will not force her to marry against her will and offers her the choice to marry Lysander or live her life as a nun. This act of leniency and empathy is a stark contrast to Theseus' earlier inflexibility.

Furthermore, Theseus' relationship with Hippolyta is another significant aspect of his character. Hippolyta was once a prisoner of war, and Theseus won her hand in marriage. While Theseus and Hippolyta's relationship is not central to the plot, their dynamic does shed light on Theseus' character. Theseus, who is portrayed as a strong and authoritative figure, is brought down to earth by Hippolyta's strong will and independence. This is evident when Hippolyta challenges Theseus' view of the Rustics' play, and Theseus is forced to reassess his position. Hippolyta's presence also affects Theseus' demeanor, making him more empathetic and less rigid - especially in Act 5, where he is willing to bend the rules to accommodate the Rustics' preferences for the play to be performed.

In conclusion, Theseus is a complex and multifaceted character in A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is a man of high status, who values authority and respect, but he also shows compassion and vulnerability. Theseus' character highlights the themes of power, love, and transformation that run throughout the play. Furthermore, Theseus' relationship with Hippolyta and his interaction with the Rustics provide insight into his character and allow us to see different facets of his personality. Shakespeare masterfully created a character that is both a commanding leader and a compassionate human being and uses him to impart subtle messages to the audience.