Selfishness In A Midsummer Night's Dream By William Shakespeare

In the play; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare drives the story with conflict by showcasing situations that reveal the strikingly self-centered side of each character, and sends a message that says selfishness is wrong through consequences. In life, most people have met that irritating person who just doesn't seem to listen to reason, no matter how crazy they sound. Shakespearean characters are no exception, especially when there's something in it for them. Egeus demands a marriage between Hermia and Demitrius, Helena disregards her friendship with Hermia, and Oberon orders Titania to be drugged, all causing a chain of events that take place during the play. Shakespeare then uses these circumstances to deter the audience from selfishness in a

However, even after Titania told him her reasons to be protective of the boy, Oberon only saw his own potential benefit, and did not back off. This shows Oberon’s innate need to be obeyed, no matter how ridiculous the demands. Oberon also said that he would “torment” Titania, abusing his power to support his selfish demands. By doing this, Oberon implied that he would go to any lengths to get what he wants, even if it means hurting his loved ones. Oberon shows that he was self-centered because he did not care at all about Titania’s reasoning, but more about what he wanted for himself. His actions caused Titania to involuntarily fall in love with a donkey, and caused others to be roped into the mess. However, Oberon did not face any notable repercussions. The lesson taught remains of the consequences of selfishness, but William Shakespeare sets a special circumstance for Oberon. Oberon, unlike Helena, Egeus or the audience, possesses magical powers. By setting a character apart from the audience, Shakespeare presents the idea that their actions should not be replicated in real life, due to the juxtaposing