Resolution in A Midsummer Nights Dream :: A Midsummer Nights Dream, William Shakespeare

In Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream, the conflict is based uponpure confusion. The main characters are involved in a mix-up of epicproportions. The story begins with Demetrius pledged to marry Hermia, daughterof Egeus. Conflict arises immediately when Lysander is shown to have wonHermias affection and also her everlasting love. This situation is clouded evenfurther when Helena, a friend of Hermia is found to be in love with Demetrius.The crowning mix-up that throws the events of the play into action is the contrary relationship between Oberon and Titania, the ruling fairies. Because ofhis untamed jealousy over Titanias new servant, Oberon orders Puck to sprinklelove juice in Titanias eye and, taking pity on Helena, the eyes of Demetrius aswell. A solution is very close at hand until Puck mistakes Lysander forDemetrius and causes Lysander to fall desperately in love with Helena. This isthe main conflict. Characters that are desperately in love are torn apart byforces they c a nnot control. Helena is in great anguish because she cannot haveDemetrius and straight off it seems that Lysander is mocking her over this very fact.Hermia is also in terrible pain due to the sudden change of heart seen in herlover. Demetrius is still seeking Hermia with no hope of success and Lysanderis trapped in the daze of love for a woman that is not his true love. It iswith this feeling of utter helplessness that Shakespeare ends act II.Although this is iodin of Shakespeares comedies, an interesting way toresolve the story would be to take the traditional tragic approach everyonedies. Hermia, caught between her fathers wish that she marry Demetrius and herstrong love for Lysander, sure as shooting will be driven to madness by the loss ofLysanders love. A loss so great will have no other issuance than to drive Hermiato suicide when she confronts Lysander and is mysteriously and continuouslyturned away. With Lysanders own sword, she cuts herself down and bleeds todeath at he r lovers feet. Confused by the act and possibly shaken stomach toreality by it, Lysander awakens from his daze and sees his love dead, his ownsword plunged through her body.