Cruelty In Midsummer Night's Dream

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In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Egeus, the infuriated father of Hermia is a very cruel character. In Act 1, Scene 1, Egeus frequently displays his cruelty over his daughter and her love. Firstly, he drags his daughter to the highest power of all of Athens and tells him that as a father, he has the right to get his daughter killed if she does not obey him! He can get his OWN daughter killed! He tells Theseus (Duke of Athens) that she must marry Demetrius (a young nobleman) or she must die. He asserts this in lines 40-45, specifically lines 41-42. He says, “I beg the ancient privilege of Athens; as she is mine, I may dispose of her” (I.i. 41-42). This statement displays for (1) he doesn’t care about his daughter; (2) and openly displays his emotions towards his daughter. Both of these acts display cruelty, and present that he can get his daughter killed. Egeus also displays cruelty when he does not give thought to his daughter’s desires. She loves Lysander and tries to explain that he is no less a worthy gentleman than Demetrius. However, without any thought, his decision remains unchanged. Hermia tries to affirm the power of love over the oppressive rule of law but yet his decision remains same. Finally, he shows his cruelty as a man and a father by treating Hermia like his own property, rather than a daughter throughout Act 1, Scene 1. First of all, he forces Hermia to marry Demetrius or die. Secondly, he drags her to the highest power of Athens. Thirdly , in lines 97-98 he says “And she is mine, and all my right of her I do enstate unto Demetrius.” (I.i. 97-98). All these examples state that Egeues is a bad, and cruel father! He feels he has the right to kill his daughter, and do whatever he wants with her as if she is a piece of property. In conclusion, Egeus, is a cruel man and fatherwho, can get his daughter killed, doesn’t care of her wants, and can

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