Midsummer nights dream play by William Shakespear

Rivalry Between Friends

In the play , A Midsummer Night 's Dream by William Shakespeare , the theme of opposites plays a prominent role . Shakespeare explores several relationships in this play , but the most intriguing is the relationship between Hermia and Helena . Specifically , Shakespeare calls the reader 's attention to the relationship between Hermia and Helena and their distinct differences . It is because of these differences that Hermia and Helena develop a mutual respect and admiration for one another , though in the beginning of the play , the girls have a much rockier relationship

. At first glance , these two girls do not seem to be all that different , but as the play progresses , the reader realizes that a relationship of rivalry and jealousy exists . Hermia and Helena are both portrayed as beautiful young women . Helena is in love with a man named Demetrius , who happens to be her ex-boyfriend . Demetrius , however , does not return Helena 's affections , but attempts to woo Hermia . Hermia is not interested in Demetrius ' attempts to win her heart , as she is deeply in love with Lysander . It is within this love triangle that Hermia and Helena 's relationship exists in the form of a rivalry . By the end of the play , a noticeable change in Helena has occurred , and it is obvious that she

As the play begins , the reader is thrust into this love affair between Hermia , Demetrius , Helena , and Lysander . Hermia 's father , Egeus , has forbidden her relationship with Lysander , forcing the two lovers to concoct a plan to elope together . In this scene , the reader senses through her actions that Hermia is sure of both herself and her impeding elopement to Lysander . Hermia appears to be completely content with the man who loves her , and very secure in her own skin . Hermia confesses her plans to elope to her friend , Helena , who tells Demetrius of the plan in to gain favor in his eyes . Helena , too , appears to be confident in her appearance and intelligence . Although she is confused by Demetrius obvious disinterest in her , Helena make is very clear to the reader that she thinks very highly of herself . This attitude is apparent when Helena says , Through Athens I am thought as fair as she (Act 1 , Scene 1 Line 227

Although Helena appears to be overconfident in herself , she also has a side of her that is very insecure with herself , and envious of Hermia and the attention that Demetrius showers on her . Although Helena has made it clear that she is just a beautiful as Hermia , Helena believes that Demetrius is only in love with Hermia because of her beauty . It is apparent that Helena believes that she has more than just beauty to offer Demetrius when she says , Love looks not with the eyes , but with the mind (Act 1 , Scene 2 , Line 134 . A short while later , Puck , the right hand to the Fairy King , Oberon , attempts to give Helena her precious Demetrius . The plan , however , backfires , and it...