Throughout A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hermia expresses her character and strong personality. In the beginning of the play, Hermia demonstrates her independence towards her father when she disobeys him. Hermia consistently refuses Egeus in an effort to wed Lysander, her chosen love. In addition to Hermia's independence, she also shows a stubborn, dogged side. When Lysander is under the spell of the flower and is madly in love with Helena, Hermia denies his change of heart. As stated, "You speak not as you think. It cannot be" (Hermia, 3.2. 196). After Hermia argues with Lysander, her anger soon directed to Helena and thus reveals her feisty side. Hermia uses an attitude with Helena, and points a number of insults towards her as well as physical threats. While arguing with Helena, the reader sees Hermia's confidence. When Helena serves some insults, Hermia confidently responds saying, "Lower? Hark again?" (3.2. 321). Throughout the play, Hermia demonstrates her unique personality Shakespeare gave her through an array of sassy lines, independence to her father, her dogged nature, and a confident stature.
In addition to an apparent personality, the way Hermia speaks shines a light on Hermia's upbringings. Hermia speaks in Iambic Pentameter, which entails that Hermia is of a well educated class. Hermia also changes the way she talks to cater toward the person to whom she is speaking. Hermia sweet talks Lysander but shows great sass and confidence when talking to Helena. This allows the audience to see the complex character of Hermia.
Joshua--there is no title on this post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis of Hermia. She is very much her own woman, as evidenced by her disobeying her father. I like that you represent her as slightly two-faced. She is sweet to the people she wants something from (Lysander) and somewhat rude to those who stand in her way (Helena).
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you guys and Zach. I really enjoyed reading about the double sided Hermia and how she changes based on what she desires. I also liked how you linked the pentameter to her being of a higher social class or education. Great job overall!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Zach and Q. You have described Hermia's personality rather accurately in my opinion. You have a really cohesive topic sentence and strong examples. Awesome paragraph!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was great how your paragraph flew seamlessly from point to point about Hermia's character. Your analysis was very good and it showed all sides of Hermia and explained them in depth.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, well put together paragraph. You guys really dug deep with this analysis and enjoyed reading a different point of view of Hermia (My group did Hermia as well). Thank you for a well though out and descriptive post.
ReplyDeleteGreat job guys! I really liked your verbs because they were strong action verbs instead of "to be" verbs. I agree that she has her kind, loving side and her cruel side. As many of Shakespeare's characters, Hermia has many components to her personality that all sum up to the captivating young lover.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your characterization of Hermia. But consider a different subtext of the line "You speak not as you think. It cannot be." Hermia might believe Lysander but be in such a great state of shock or disbelief that she is left speechless. Also, Hermia doesn't speak in verse to Helena only when she is very angry with Helena, not all the time.
ReplyDeleteI loved how your paragraph flowed well with your ideas. I enjoyed reading about Hermia and I totally agree with the character traits.
ReplyDeleteThe wording of the paragraph makes this so easy to understand and read! I also really liked how you spent time analyzing how Hermia was stubborn and how it tied into the play.
ReplyDeleteI love you post. Liked how you really put forth that Helena was a jealous maiden. She is also a desperate girl jus wishing for some love. The way you gave your examples about her it was enjoyable to read.
ReplyDelete