Realism and Romanticism in A Midsummer Night's Dream

A detailed Summary of Realism and Romanticism in A Midsummer Night's Dream


Realism and Romanticism in A Midsummer Night's Dream

In A Midsummer Night's Dream, by William Shakespeare, love is viewed in different ways. While the four main characters believe in romanticism, Theseus is a strong supporter of realism. Bottom proves to be quite accurate characterizing the four main lovers when he states, "O what fools these mortals be.".

Demetrius and Lysander both speak in figurative language and both are very handsome. Their love for Helena and Hermia deal mainly with physical attraction and flirtatious acts than love that captures body, mind, and soul. If any of the four characters posses anything of realistic love, it would be Hermia. She was willing to risk death in order to be with Lysander. This act of love goes beyond any other in this play, and demonstrates Hermia's devotion to Lysander. "My good Lysander, I swear to thee by Cupid's strongest bow- Tomorrow truly will I meet with thee"


Theseus compares the four characters feelings for each other to poets and lunatics. Each, he says, see their fantasies more clearly than they see what's actually there. This has proven to be so in the minds of the four lovers. Their devotion to each other is far more romanticized and figurative than the more realistic, mature love that Theseus shares with Hippolyta.

The lunatic, the lover, and the poet,

Are of imagination all compact. (Act 5, Scene 1)

Lovers and madmen have such seething brains,

Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend



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Approximate Word count = 623
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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