Love is defined as, “A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person” (Dictionary.com). In the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare, there are various couples in the play that deal with problems in their relationship. Lysander comments from the play that, “The course of true love never did run smooth” (1.1.134). The couples are constantly dealing with obstacles in their love life. Difficulties that can face a romantic relationship are illustrated through the various couples in the play. This is evident through the characters Demetrius and Helena, Oberon and Titania, and Hermia and Lysander.
First, Demetrius and Helena face many difficulties in their relationship. Helena is in love with Demetrius, but he does not love her back. When the fairies intervene to assist Helena, the love juice is put on Demetrius’s eyes. The first thing he saw was Helena and instantly
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Helena is willing to have Demetrius treat her poorly only to have him love her more. This is shown as a problem in their love due to Demetrius not loving her back. Furthermore, there are many critics such as Jay Halio, who also believe Helena and Demetrius face many love problems. In his article, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A guide to the play”, Shakespearean Critic Jay Halio confirms love problems between Helena and Demetrius. He explains, “He then offers other arguments that he thinks will enhance his position: unlike Demetrius, he has Hermia’s love, and besides, Demetrius is fickle: he has already jilted Helena” (53). Halio is explaining that Demetrius wants Hermia’s love, but Hermia does not love him back. Even though Helena is in love with Demetrius, he does not care for her and chooses to love the one who does not love her back. Therefore, Jay Halio confirms one of the many love problems between Helena and Demetrius. Furthermore, Helena and Demetrius face several love problems throughout the