“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: “I came with Hermia hither. Our intent Was to be gone from Athens.”
In William Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the line “I came with Hermia hither. Our intent Was to be gone from Athens” resonates with the longing for freedom and the quest for love amidst societal constraints. Spoken by Lysander in Act IV, Scene I, this declaration encapsulates the play’s central themes of desire, rebellion, and the transformative power of love. It reflects not only the tumultuous nature of romantic relationships but also the broader societal structures that govern them.
Contextual Meaning
In the context of the play, Lysander’s words express a desire to escape the oppressive laws of Athens, which dictate whom Hermia must marry. Egeus, her father, demands that she wed Demetrius, a suitor she does not love, or face severe consequences. The escape plan symbolizes a yearning for autonomy and the pursuit of true love, challenging the rigid expectations imposed by society. Lysander and Hermia’s flight to the forest represents a temporary sanctuary where the complexities of love can unfold free from societal judgment.
Literary Devices and Language
The language in Lysander’s statement is notable for its clarity and sincerity. The phrase “I came with Hermia hither” employs a straightforward declarative structure that establishes a sense of unity and purpose between the two lovers. The repetition of “our intent” serves to reinforce their shared goal, emphasizing their partnership in defiance of Athenian law. Shakespeare’s choice of the word “hither,” an archaic term for ‘here,’ adds a lyrical quality to the speech, grounding it in the poetic atmosphere of the enchanted woods—a stark contrast to the rigid formality of Athens.
Historical Context
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” written in the late 16th century, emerges from a period of significant social and political change in England. The era saw the rise of individualism and a questioning of traditional authority, particularly in matters of love and marriage. Shakespeare, through the lens of comedy, engages with these themes, giving voice to characters who challenge the conventions of their time. Lysander’s desire to flee Athens reflects the burgeoning sentiment of personal freedom that was beginning to take root during the Renaissance, making the play both a product and a critique of its historical moment.
Themes and Larger Work
The themes present in this quote resonate throughout the entirety of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Love is portrayed as both a source of joy and conflict, capable of transcending societal boundaries. The forest, as a symbol of freedom and transformation, becomes a space where love can flourish away from the constraints of the outside world. This theme of escapism is not unique to Shakespeare; it echoes in various literary works, suggesting a universal longing for a space where love can exist unfettered by societal expectations.
Modern Interpretations
In contemporary discourse, Lysander’s words can be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggles individuals face in pursuing personal happiness against external pressures. The quest for love, autonomy, and self-determination continues to resonate in modern society, where individuals often grapple with familial expectations, societal norms, and legal constraints. This quote encourages reflection on the nature of love: its resilience in the face of adversity and the lengths to which people will go to claim their happiness.
Relevance to Contemporary Life
The desire to escape to a place where one can truly be oneself is a theme that resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced, often judgmental world. Many people find themselves in situations where societal norms dictate their choices in love, career, and lifestyle. Lysander’s yearning for freedom speaks to a fundamental aspect of human nature—the pursuit of authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. This quest can inspire individuals to seek out their own “forest”—a personal space where they can explore their desires and aspirations unencumbered by the constraints of societal expectations.
Conclusion
In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Lysander’s declaration, “I came with Hermia hither. Our intent Was to be gone from Athens,” serves as a poignant reminder of love’s power to defy societal constraints. It encapsulates the timeless struggle for freedom, authenticity, and the courage to pursue one’s desires. Shakespeare invites audiences—past and present—to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make in the pursuit of love and happiness. Ultimately, the play becomes a celebration of the human spirit, revealing that even amidst chaos and confusion, the heart’s desires can lead to transformation and liberation.
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Selected Text Explanation
Passage Summary
This passage is from Act IV, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," a comedic play that explores themes of love, identity, and the tension between societal expectations and individual desires. The scene opens with Theseus, the Duke of Athens, commenting on the impressive qualities of his hunting dogs, which serves to establish his authority and dominance in the natural world. His appreciation for the dogs' attributes also reflects a broader theme of nature versus civilization, setting the stage for the wild, enchanted forest where much of the play's action unfolds.
Egeus, Hermia's father, enters with a sense of urgency and concern, revealing that his daughter is in the company of Lysander, whom he does not approve of, as she is meant to marry Demetrius. This moment highlights the conflict between parental authority and youthful passion, a central theme of the play. Theseus's inquiry about the young lovers suggests a curiosity about their motives, while Egeus's insistence on the law underscores the rigid social structures that govern relationships and marriage in Athenian society.
As the characters awaken, they are caught in a state of confusion, having been enchanted by the magical elements of the forest. Lysander's bewildered response illustrates the theme of the irrational nature of love, which can lead individuals to act contrary to their intentions or desires. The interplay of rivalry and affection among the characters raises questions about the nature of love itself and its capacity to transform enmity into harmony.
Overall, this passage encapsulates the play's exploration of love's complexities, the challenges posed by societal norms, and the transformative power of magic and nature. It serves as a pivotal moment that foreshadows the resolution of conflicts and the eventual harmonization of relationships, as the characters navigate their way through the tangled web of love and desire amidst the enchanting backdrop of the forest.
Original Passage
Select any part of the passage to receive an explanation:
My hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind,
So flew'd, so sanded; and their heads are hung
With ears that sweep away the morning dew;
Crook-knee'd and dewlap'd like Thessalian bulls;
Slow in pursuit, but match'd in mouth like bells,
Each under each. A cry more tuneable
Was never holla'd to, nor cheer'd with horn,
In Crete, in Sparta, nor in Thessaly.
Judge when you hear.—But, soft, what nymphs are these?
EGEUS.
My lord, this is my daughter here asleep,
And this Lysander; this Demetrius is;
This Helena, old Nedar's Helena:
I wonder of their being here together.
THESEUS.
No doubt they rose up early to observe
The rite of May; and, hearing our intent,
Came here in grace of our solemnity.
But speak, Egeus; is not this the day
That Hermia should give answer of her choice?
EGEUS.
It is, my lord.
THESEUS.
Go, bid the huntsmen wake them with their horns.
Horns, and shout within. Demetrius,
Lysander, Hermia. and Helena. wake and start up.
Good morrow, friends. Saint Valentine is past.
Begin these wood-birds but to couple now?
LYSANDER.
Pardon, my lord.
He and the rest kneel to Theseus. .
THESEUS.
I pray you all, stand up.
I know you two are rival enemies.
How comes this gentle concord in the world,
That hatred is so far from jealousy
To sleep by hate, and fear no enmity?
LYSANDER.
My lord, I shall reply amazedly,
Half sleep, half waking; but as yet, I swear,
I cannot truly say how I came here.
But, as I think (for truly would I speak)
And now I do bethink me, so it is:
I came with Hermia hither. Our intent
Was to be gone from Athens, where we might be
Without the peril of the Athenian law.
EGEUS.
Enough, enough, my lord; you have enough.
I beg the law, the law upon his head.
They would have stol'n away, they would, Demetrius,
Thereby to have defeated you and me:
You of your wife, and me of my consent,
Of my consent that she should be your wife.
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