Symbolism Of Hermia In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Symbol 1: Relationship with Lysander Hermia’s relationship with Lysander is crucial, not only to the story but to her very character, and can be symbolized by a white jasmine flower. The importance of Hermia’s relationship with Lysander can be seen both through her obvious affection for him, as well as the ill-advised choices she often makes for him, which is seen in the theme that love is irrational. An instance in which Hermia is seen acting irrationally for Lysander’s sake is when, though she is very well aware of the position of women in her society, she speaks when Egeus is trying to coerce her into marrying Demetrius through Theseus, as while he claims that “Demetrius is a worthy gentleman” (1.1, 52) she replies saying, “So is Lysander”

There are various instances where Hermia’s spirit can be seen, especially in situations where she does not fit the stereotype of a submissive woman. One example of this is when swears to meet Lysander to run away by “the fire that burned the Carthage queen,/When the false Trojan under sail was seen,/By all the vows that ever men have broke,/In number more than women ever spoke” (1.1, 173-177). By referencing the story of the Carthage queen, who was abandoned by a Trojan prince on the night of their wedding and burned herself alive, Hermia reveals her strength and understanding of society when answering Lysander’s proposal as she makes a subtle threat directed towards Lysander, warning him not to abandon her before they ran away together because she is aware that men have broken more promises than women have ever said. Her spirit can be seen in this as her response reflects the fact that she is not a weak hearted woman who will simply allow herself to have a lower position in her relationship, but rather she responds to Lysander in a very spirited manner, demonstrating her position of equal power in her relationship with Lysander. Additionally, Hermia shows her spirit when she refuses to wed Demetrius, arguing with Theseus the Duke, saying, “So will I grow, so live, so die, my lord,/Ere I will my virgin patent up/Unto his lordship, whose unwished yoke/My soul consents not to give sovereignty” (1.1, 79-82) expressing her will and ability to fight for herself regardless of who she may be arguing with. In this situation, Hermia is once again speaking to a man, in this case, one of higher status, and yet, despite her societal disadvantage of being a woman, she still courageously fights to control her own fate. Hermia’s spirit can be represented by a tiger as they symbolize strength and courage in several cultures. In Indian culture, tigers