Diese Hausarbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem Vergleich von Theseus in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' und in der griechischen Mythologie.
Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION
THEME
MYTHOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
II. A COMPARISON OF THESEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
THESEUS, PRINCE OF ATHENS
THESEUS, KING OF ATHENS
THESEUS, DUKE OF ATHENS
THESEUS AND HIPPOLYTA IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
THE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN THE MYTH AND THE PLAY
III. CONCLUSION
IV. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines the role of the mythological figure Theseus in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" by comparing his portrayal in the comedy to his foundational roots in Greek mythology. The central research question explores how Shakespeare adapted the classical myth to serve his narrative and whether the character of the "Duke of Athens" retains the complex, often sinister traits of the mythological hero within the context of a Renaissance comedy.
- Analysis of the mythological origins of Theseus and Hippolyta.
- Exploration of the "Duke of Athens" as a Tudor-style nobleman.
- Investigation into the power dynamics between men and women in the play.
- Comparison of the labyrinthine structures in myth versus the forest in the comedy.
- Evaluation of Shakespeare’s use of myth to explore themes of social control and marriage.
Excerpt from the Book
Theseus, Duke of Athens
One of the main settings in A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Athens and the Duke is also an Athenian, but Theseus is more like a Tudor nobleman than an Athenian ‘duke’. He is a brave soldier who has won his bride with his “sword”. He likes hunting, drama and music as is shown in the play. Though he only appears in the beginning and in the end of the play, he is a very important character. The other main setting in the play is the forest and the monarch is Oberon, king of the fairies. Like Oberon, Theseus is the head of his land and everybody has to obey him. Although it is Egeus’ wish that Hermia should marry Demetrius, he comes to Theseus and wishes for his order to decide the marriage and to persuade Hermia to marry Demetrius. Thus it is clear that the men in the play rule their women as can be seen in this scene of the comedy:
What say you, Hermia? Be advised, fair maid
To you your father should be as a god,
One that composed your beauties; yea, and one
To whom you are but as a form in wax
By him imprinted, and within his power
To leave the figure, or disfigure it.
Demetrius is a worthy gentleman.
Summary of Chapters
I. INTRODUCTION: This section establishes the foundational connection between Shakespeare's work and its mythic sources, emphasizing the relevance of the Theseus figure to the Elizabethan audience.
II. A COMPARISON OF THESEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: This main part contrasts the mythological life of Theseus as a hero and king with his role in the play, analyzing specific character traits and relationship dynamics.
III. CONCLUSION: The final chapter synthesizes the arguments, noting that while Theseus remains a powerful, authoritative figure, his portrayal reflects the Renaissance struggle between patriarchal authority and the subversion of social norms.
IV. BIBLIOGRAPHY: This section provides a comprehensive list of primary and secondary sources used to support the literary analysis.
Keywords
Theseus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Greek Mythology, William Shakespeare, Hippolyta, Patriarchy, Labyrinth, Renaissance, Minotaur, Literary Analysis, Elizabethan Literature, Marriage, Power Dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper explores the character of Theseus in Shakespeare's comedy "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and investigates how his classical mythological background influences his function and portrayal in the play.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
Key themes include the adaptation of ancient myths in Renaissance drama, the representation of patriarchal power over women in marriage, and the structural parallels between mythical settings and the play's forest.
What is the central research question?
The study aims to determine how the "mythic" version of Theseus is integrated into the play and whether his character undergoes significant changes when transitioning from an ancient hero to a Duke in a comedy.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a comparative literary analysis, contrasting classical mythological accounts with textual evidence from Shakespeare’s play, supported by academic interpretations and historical context.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body breaks down the biography of Theseus from prince to king, his relationship with Hippolyta, and a comparative analysis of his conduct in the play versus mythological legends.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The most important keywords include Theseus, Shakespeare, Greek Mythology, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Patriarchy, and Literary Analysis.
How does the author interpret the role of the labyrinth?
The author argues that the labyrinth in the Theseus myth mirrors the forest setting in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," serving as a space where characters become lost and confront their desires and fates.
Does the paper conclude that Theseus remains a "hero" in the play?
The author concludes that while Theseus retains his authority and status as a ruler, he is portrayed as a more human yet still fallible character who exists outside the main "love-action" of the other characters.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2010, A Comparison of Theseus in Greek mythology and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/173367
