IndexIntroductionPlot summaryAnalysis of themesA. Love and DesireB. Appearance versus realityC. Illusion and fantasyCharacter analysisA. Hermia and Lysander B. Helena and Demetrius C. Oberon and TitaniaConclusionReferences:IntroductionWilliam Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a comedy that explores the themes of love, illusion and appearance versus reality . In this essay we will analyze the main themes of the play and reveal the meanings behind the characters' actions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The central thesis of this essay is that "A Midsummer Night's Dream" portrays the many types of love and the power of illusion and fantasy to shape our perceptions of reality. Plot Summary The show is set in Athens during the time of the mythical Greek gods. The plot revolves around two couples: Hermia and Lysander, and Helena and Demetrius. Hermia is in love with Lysander, but her father wants her to marry Demetrius. When Hermia and Lysander flee into the forest to escape the law, Helena follows them and confesses her love for Demetrius. However, Demetrius is infatuated with Hermia and rejects Helena's advances. In the forest, the couples become entangled in the fairy kingdom, led by Oberon and Titania. When Puck mistakenly gives the love potion to the wrong man, chaos ensues as the lovers' affections are altered. In the end, the couples find their way again and everything is resolved. Analysis of Themes A. Love and Desire Love is perhaps the most important theme of the work and is explored through different types of relationships. The romantic love between the four main characters is complicated by unrequited love, parental love and conflicting desires. Lysander and Demetrius both claim to love Hermia, but their motives are questionable. Likewise, Helena is in love with Demetrius who does not reciprocate her feelings. The power of desire is also an important theme in the play. Characters are driven by their desires, whether it's to be with the person they love, to gain power, or to assert their dominance. Hermia and Lysander's decision to run away is motivated by their desire to be together, despite the obstacles in their path.B. Appearance vs. RealityAppearance vs. Reality is another recurring theme in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Over the course of the show, the characters' perceptions of each other are challenged or changed. This is especially evident in the forest scenes, where the characters are under the influence of the love potion and cannot distinguish between what is real and what is an illusion. The theme of appearance versus reality is also present at the beginning of the play, where Hermia is judged based on her appearance and is seen as inferior to Helena due to her height. Illusion and fantasy The theme of illusion and fantasy is central to the work, particularly in relation to the world of fairies. Fairies are depicted as powerful beings with the ability to create illusions and manipulate reality. This is seen in the love potion, which makes characters feel false emotions. The theme of illusion and fantasy is also linked to the power of imagination and dreams in shaping the characters' experiences. Character AnalysisA. Hermia and Lysander Hermia and Lysander are two of the most important characters in the play and their relationship is tested throughout the play. They are in love with each other, but their love is threatened by Hermia's father and the laws of Athens. However, they are determined to stay together and escape into the forest. Their love is further tested when they are affected by the potion.