Topic > Analysis of Love in a Midsummer Night's Dream - 1680

Let's look at the relationship between Helen and Demetrius; Helena explains: “Love does not look with the eyes, but with the mind.” (Act 1. Scene 1. Line 240) In the outer shell And a deeper perception follows. The concept of the “perfect person” is constantly instilled in people's minds. Children today are taught a lot about life and love through the media and entertainment industry. Helena describes love as “admiring his qualities” and possessing the ability to “transform him into form and dignity.” (Act 1. Scene 1. Lines 238-240) Due to the strong influence of the superficial culture in which Helena lives, she too finds it difficult to keep the pressure of society out of her version of love. “By Athens I am deemed as just as she is.” (Act 1. Scene 1. Line 232) She compares herself to Hermia and wants Demetrius to think she is just as beautiful. So if Helena believes so strongly in the love that comes from admiring one's personality, one has to wonder why she loves this man who simply focuses on women's appearance and pays no attention to who they are as individuals. It seems that women's perspective vision is being overlooked. But Demetrius first tells her: "I don't love you, so don't persecute me." Then Helena proclaims, “Give up your power to draw, and I will not have the power to follow you.” And he says, "Shall I let you in?" (Act 1. Scene 1. Lines 188-202).