Comparison In A Midsummer Night's Dream By William Shakespeare

On the Historical and Philosophical Implications of the Leadership Differences of Theseus and Oberon in William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
When choosing or analyzing leaders, most modern citizens of the world are prone to contrast the candidates, as if juxtaposing them will result in a damning list of differences for one party or the other. However, it is often just as important to understand the similarities amongst the candidates, as it is all too easy to completely disregard these important facts. In William Shakespeare’s renowned 1595 play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” two lovers, Hermia and Lysander, end up in trouble in the forest when escaping from the ruler Theseus’s unjust traditional Athenian law that allowed for
Each Shakespearean comedy must have a happy ending, and each leader was crucial in bringing it about. Oberon brought Demetrius and Helena together after witnessing their caustic argument in the forest. “Fare thee well, nymph. Ere he do leave this grove, Thou shalt fly him and he shall seek thy love” (2.1.621-623). Although it took many tries and a negatable amount of strife, Oberon sacrificed half of an incredibly rare flower to bring two strangers together. While the morality of this love potion is controversial, the compassionate gesture is noted. Theseus finally brought Lysander and Hermia together when he overruled the cruel will of Hermia’s father, Egeus, and allowed the four lovers to be wed alongside himself and Hippolyta. “Fair lovers, you are fortunately met. Of this discourse we more will hear anon.—Egeus, I will overbear your will. For in the temple by and by with us These couples shall eternally be knit” (4.1.1735-1739). Theseus disregarded the traditional law of Athens simply because it made the lovers happy, a true display of Charity—argued to be the most important of the Seven Heavenly Virtues, as well as the greatest of the three main theological virtues in general. After a Schadenfreude bonding experience between the three newlywed couples during the play, Oberon and Titania come together to bless the sanctity of their marriages with a song. “Now until the break of day, Through this house each fairy stray. To the best bride bed will we, Which by us shall blessèd be. And the issue there create Ever shall be fortunate. So shall all the couples three Ever true in loving be… With this field dew consecrate, Every fairy take his gait. And each several chamber bless Through this palace with sweet peace. And the owner of it blessed Ever shall in safety rest” (5.1.2251-2269). “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” comes to its