Bethany Lee

Period 4

#19: Similarities and Differences Between Hermia and Helena

Girls, love, and drama. Somehow, these 3 words always have a way of finding
each other, causing major destruction. This time, these 3 words have found their
way into Shakespeares play, A Midsummers Night Dream. The play contains
two important characters; Hermia and Helena, who both have the same goal: to
find true love. However, their personalities are extremely different.

From the beginning of the play, it was evident that Helena lacked the
confidence Hermia carries with her. Hermia was very self-assertive, and
confident in herself. In the very first scene, Hermias boldness was shown, when
her father Egeus, stated that Demetrius was a very worthy gentleman. Hermia
replied, So is Lysander. (1.1.53-54) Afterwards, Hermia acknowledged her
boldness, and even apologized to Egeus, her father for it! Hermia was also
extremely bold in standing up for what she believed in. While wandering in the
woods, Lysander and Hermia became exhausted, and decided that they should
rest. Lysander expressed his willingness to sleep next to Hermia, but she
retorted, saying: Lie further off yet, do not lie so near. (2.2.45) Hermias
willingness to stand up for what she believed was right (not sleeping next to
Lysander) exhibited her boldness and self assertion. However, if Helena was in
the same situation, she probably would have been so desperate for love she would
threaten her virtue. In the play, Helena played a woman constantly being
rejected by the man she loves. If she were given the opportunity to get anywhere
near him, chances are she would take it.

Throughout the play, Helena showed desperation, and lacked self
confidence. Her acts of desperation were results of being continuously rejected
by the man she loved most, Demetrius. Her desperation was shown in the very
first scene of the play: Call me fair? that fair again unsay. Demetrius loves your
fair: O happy fair!... (1.1.189) Unlike Hermia, Helena was willing to go to
extreme lengths to get the attention of the man she loved, even stating that she
was his spaniel. In addition, Helenas actions showed how she believed that she
was unloveable by people When Demetrius and Lysander magically fell in love
with Helena, she was under the impression that their love for her was just a cruel
joke being played on her, showing how unconfident she was. Helenas physical
traits are also polar opposites of Hermias. Helena is tall with long legs, whereas
Hermia is shorter than her.

Despite the differences between Hermia and Helena, they contain similar
traits. Both Hermia and Helena are on a quest to discover true love, one way or
another. They are both extremely persistent and stubborn, and are willing to go
to extreme lengths to be with the man they love.