Topic > The ecofeminist layer of A Midsummer Night's Dream

According to Simon Estok, ecofeminism is defined as the paternalistic society that drives a wedge between society and culture. Furthermore, it consists of the connection between the domination of nature and the exploitation of women. Estok, as well as many others, have taken the time to look at Shakespeare's work through an eco-critical lens in order to create new perspectives on the works. Although Shakespeare is considered one of the most progressive and pro-feminist writers of his time, his approach to representation is not always obvious and direct. Readers often find Shakespeare using irony, sarcasm, comedy, and satire on patriarchal society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In his play A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare goes out of his way to show how ridiculous men in society often behave towards women and how it is right and just for a woman to rebel. In 1.1, Theseus and Hermia go through an exchange that, while comical, points heavily towards issues of the period regarding patriarchal society. The scene begins with Hermia's father, Aegeus, going to Theseus, the Duke of Athens, with complaints about his daughter's rebellion regarding her marriage. Theseus begins his speech with a couple of threats: 65) Either to die or to ward off the society of men forever. Therefore, beautiful Hermia, question your desires. Know your youth. Examine your blood well-If, if you do not yield to your father's choice,70) you can bear the livery of a nun... Although it is important to remember that Shakespeare's plays were performed in their time and were not intended for reading , the first three lines of Theseus' grave threat on Hermia's life give the reader a detailed picture of Theseus speaking to her as if she were inferior. The audience gets the sense that Hermia is nothing more than a tool subject only to her father's use. Her two options are to be executed or never see a man again in her life. The audience gets this image of Theseus approaching Hermia closely as he says, “So, fair Hermia…” to show his dominance. The adulation of women by male authority figures is often not even for the purpose of flattery. Rather, in calling her “beautiful Hermia,” Theseus makes no attempt to be endearing. These two words are what ultimately transforms these lines from a gentle warning from a thoughtful duke to the threat of a powerful tyrant. The audience grasps this image of the Duke, touching Hermia's face as if she were his hostage, while he softens his voice to call her beautiful. It is through the objectification of women that men in Shakespeare's plays gain power and dominance over women. If women are convinced that they are nothing more than objects, then that is exactly how they will react in situations like these. Another key word to focus on in this speech is the word “desires”. Whereas in today's English, wishes might lead one to believe that there is reference to a decision of some kind. Yet, in this case, Theseus is simply asking Hermia to change her feelings towards Demetrius, the man her father wants her to marry. Next, as if taunting her with words of objectivity wasn't enough for Theseus, he proceeds to remind her of his age. Reminding Hermia of her youth shows the reader that Theseus and the other men in this society only see an adult European male with authority, worthy of respect. However, Shakespeare's intention in these lines is to create a feeling of power for women. While essentially staring death in the face to a certain extent, Hermia, as she discoversthe audience during the show, calls the bluff of his father and Theseus and follows his heart. However, according to Theseus if Hermia does not listen to him and her father, it will hardly be a life worth living. Theseus exposes Hermia's future if she is rebellious by saying: 70) You can endure the livery of a nun, to be always locked in a shady cloister, to live a barren sister all your life, singing faint hymns to the cold and fruitless moon. Thrice blessed are those who thus master their blood... The first word to focus on is "endure". Shakespeare is someone who is always intentional in his choice of words. Here, Theseus describes the life of a nun as simply one to be endured, rather than enjoyed. Rather than focus on how a nun might view spending her time in solitude and faith in their Lord, Theseus paints a picture of a cold, desolate, closet-like meditation prison that Hermia must endure, with only pain of the other nuns to accompany. his. However, it is clear that Theseus respects this decision at least somewhat in verse 74 when he points out that a nun is “thrice blessed” for mastering her flesh. In the Shakespearean language, this word means "thrice or extremely". (OED). In context, Theseus means that Hermia will be blessed three times in heaven as she is on earth for abstaining from sexual intercourse with a male suitor. Although he recognizes that this kind of life is very respectable, he quickly flees from words of respect to words of ridicule. It essentially calls the life of a nun ridiculous and depressing. By using adjectives like cold and fruitless, Theseus is really describing his barren womb rather than the actual moon. After Theseus scoffs at the idea of ​​remaining a virgin forever, readers and audiences see a direct confrontation between Hermia and nature.76) But happier on earth is the distilled rose than that which, withering on the virgin thorn, it grows, lives and dies in one bliss. .When reading this passage, it is important to consider the lines through an ecocritical lens. According to the Open Source Shakespeare Concordance, Shakespeare compares women to a rose in 26 of his plays, including three more times in A Midsummer Night's Dream. While comparing women to nature can be used to describe their beauty, it is here that Theseus further objectifies Hermia, in order to establish his male dominance. In this sense, Theseus uses a seemingly romantic choice of words as a direct insult and threat to Hermia. Although Theseus is blatantly ignoring Hermia's humanity, he does not see it in himself. As a man, he is simply doing his duty as the Duke of Athens to remind this woman that her love means nothing when it thwarts her father's will. In fact, in verse 76, Theseus tells Hermia that she will only be able to have value if she loses her virginity to the man her father wants for her. If Hermia does not listen to him, he will be nothing more than an unused flower who was born, lived briefly without purpose, and died for nothing. Yet, according to Theseus, if she listens, she tells Hermia that she may have a purpose in her life. If she chooses the wish of her father, Demetrius, then it will be a beautiful rose that will be plucked and used as a wonderful fragrance, which will ultimately be used by her to appease men. It is also possible that Shakespeare compares the womb itself, vital and used, to a rose, while the virgin to a thorn. While comparing women to nature can be seen as a form of flattery, the ecofeminist perspective highlights that it is simply another way for men to assert their dominance over women through objectivity. Please note: this is just an example.,.