A Midsummer Night's Dream - Message to Queen Elizabeth

The play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” provides many outstanding examples of the way dominion was viewed in Shakespeare’s day; at the same time showing ways in which natural laws took precedence over these views.  In Scene One, the first relationship that is introduced is that of Theseus and Hippolyta.  Hippolyta is Queen of the Amazons, a race of women known for their opposition to men.  She was captured as Theseus’s prisoner when their armies battled.  She has now agreed to marry Theseus.  “Hippolyta, I woo’d thee with my sword, and won thy love doing thee injuries; But I will wed thee in another key, With pomp, with triumph and reveling.” (Baker, et al. 256)  These two, about to unite themselves in marriage, provide an example of a relationship that runs parallel with that of the politics within their kingdom.  The dominion they each hold over their kingdoms will now be shared to provide an ultimate solution.  Their union is the physical treaty ending their war; and, peace within their relationship creates peace among their people. 

The union between Hippolyta and Theseus may be thought to exemplify men holding greater power and privilege over women; instead, it places them on an equal playing field.  Hippolyta, though her kingdom was defeated in battle, was nevertheless viewed as a worthy opponent to be conquered.  Though she has now changed her political strategy to unite the two kingdoms through her own marital union to Theseus, she had been provided with a fair chance to win the battle.  The marriage is yet another political tactic that Hippolyta agrees to with the knowledge that this step will provide peace for her people. 

As the ruling couple of the kingdom, Hippolyta and Theseus hold the most sway over the scene that follows.  Because the concerns that are announced come from a man of Athens, Theseus, still holds a slight authoritative advantage.  The next characters introduced are Egeus, his daughter Hermia, the man that Egeus wants his daughter to marry, Demetrius, and the man that Hermia is in love with, Lysander.  Egeus is appealing to Theseus to allow him to enforce ancient Athenian law upon his daughter if she continues to refuse to marry Demetrius. “I beg the ancient privilege of Athens: As she is mine, I may dispose of her; Which shall be either to this gentleman, Or to her death, according to our law Immediately provided in that case.”  (Baker, et al. 257)  Egeus is adamant in this meeting that he holds complete dominion over his daughter and should be able to decide any and all matters concerning her.  “…her obedience (which is due to me)...” (Baker, et al. 257) “And she is mine, and all my right of her I do estate unto Demetrius.” (Baker, et al. 257)

Theseus very obviously agrees that Hermia owes her father her full obedience, “To you your father should be as a god…To whom you are but as a form in wax, By him imprinted…” (Baker, et al. 257)  Theseus grants this appeal for Athenian law to be enforced to bend Hermia’s will to Egeus’s wishes.

Theseus stresses that if she were to disobey she would “abjure for ever the society of men.” (Baker, et al. 257)  Though it is not yet obvious in this scene, the entirety of the play eventually proves that this “society of men” is in fact already unraveled and no longer adhered (thus proven in the outcome of the play when both men agree to consent to Hermia’s wishes).  This scene recognizes an attempt to claim dominion and enforce political laws on natural instincts and emotions, in this case, love.  Love is an instinct that falls under natural law, ones most basic, uncontrollable human rights.  Scene one takes place in the city where Hippolyta and Theseus still provide solid political rule however it is proven in the end that love is not governed by the human world, but by the natural and fairy world.  Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the Fairies, are comparative to Hippolyta and Theseus in that they hold dominion over the natural laws, and the magical laws within the forest while the humans preside over the dominative laws of the city.  Through a long night of magic and mischief in the woods, the couples in the play are taught that natural laws are proven to uphold their power in the face of any adversary. 

Message to Queen Elizabeth

It seems that Shakespeare is trying to point out in the situation between Egeus and Hermia that the extent of a Queen’s power is comparative to the power of a father over his daughter.  A father may hold dominion over all of the laws governing his daughter’s life in a social and political realm; however, he holds no dominion over the rights granted his daughter through natural law, just as a Queen holds no power over the natural, inherent rights of her people.

Shakespeare also incorporates a compliment and an example of encouragement to Queen Elizabeth in the dialogue.  When Theseus says, “But earthlier happy is the rose distilled, Than that which withering on the virgin thorn grows, lives, dies in single blessedness.” Hermia replies, “So I will grow, so live, so die, my lord.”  (Baker, et al. 257) Encoded in this text is a parallel to the way in which Elizabeth has established herself as the “Virgin Queen”.  Like Hippolyta, Elizabeth uses her personal relationship as a political game-piece.  And like Hermia, Elizabeth has strongly upheld her decision to abstain, and to hold sole dominion over her country, in light of the best interests of her people.  Shakespeare is complimenting the Queen for her strength and is urging her to stand fast to her decision. 

Overall, Shakespeare is stressing to the Queen through this play that with the great power she holds, comes a great responsibility.  He notes that, though it is honorable, noble, and necessary to give up some of her own rights and freedoms in observance of these powers, she should not expect her subjects to do the same.  Shakespeare is complimentary of the natural rights that she has forfeited but insists that she holds dominion over every aspect of her subjects, excluding these natural laws.  Just as a father to a daughter, a Queen must make the same sacrifices, provide the same guidance, and judge and rule the same political and social aspects of dominion.  Finally, a Queen, just as a father, must allow certain freedoms to create unrestrained natural laws by which to “grow, live and die.”   

Citations

Shakespeare, William. "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." The Riverside Shakespeare. Ed. Herschal Baker. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co, 1997. 1847.