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The character I chose for this discussion is Lysander. I think the Lysander from the play version is more of what I pictured when reading, in fact, he is pretty much exactly what i pictured (though he is a bit more cheeky in the play than I read him to be). But the movie version of him really seemed to be an “easy out.” Coming from there, I don’t think any of the Lysander characters are perfect or totally wrong because art is open to interpretation. You’re allowed to take a character and turn their story into what you want it to be. You can change the connotation of a line based on the way its read or performed, so no, I don’t think there is one perfect Lysander or even the perfect or correct way to play/read him. That being said I do believe the 2018 movie version takes Lysander and makes him something you’re not surprised to see (in a bad way, I think). He ends up being the “bad boy” who rides a motorcycle because why wouldn’t he, the so called “fathers nightmare” of a man, which I think hinders what his character could have been. It is stated clearly (1.1.99-110) that Lysander comes from similar beginnings as Demetrius and I think making them so starkly different from the literal first second you see them takes away from Lysander as a character. Especially because he is made out to be a “bad boy” archetype, it automatically makes you see why Egeus is against Hermia marrying him without you getting to know him at all. It also automatically makes you root for the “cleaner”, “better” man, Demetrius. As for the play version of Lysander I think they do a better job of making him a character that is more regal or of a higher place. Assuming Egeus and Hermia have some sort of status, as they are friends of a Duke, it can be assumed that Demetrius also has a higher status because Egeus is so happy to marry Hermia off to him. Again, it is said Lysander and Demetrius come from similar places and I think this version does a better job of portraying that. Because of this I believe this version is more “accurate” as to what you would expect of these characters as Shakespeare’s work. That isn’t to discount the movie version of Lysander but I do think he would have made a stronger character if they had made him someone who wasn’t a “bad boy”<span class=”Apple-converted-space”> </span>
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I think what I like about the movie version is it’s so crazy. It’s an incredibly broad interpretation but it also challenges me to think about what Shakespeare’s getting at. For me, at least, strong contrasts help me locate the edges of things.
I wonder what you think of the jump cut scene meant to introduce Lysander. It cuts to him as a photographer being stereotypically sleazy (“Who’s my rogue? Who’s my peasant? Who’s my slave?”). How would you compare that to how Egeus describes Lysander in 1.1.28-33? Also, in reference to the bad boy image, how about his joke that Egeus already loves Demetrius, so they can just get married? It is pretty cheeky, as you say.
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The character I chose to discuss about was Lysander. When I was reading the play he came off as really romantic and as goofy because of his sense of humor. For example in the play Lysander had said ” You have her fathers love , Demetrius, let me have Hermia’s; do you marry me”(1.1.93-4). I found it funny that he still managed to joke around in a serious situation where he needed the approval of Egeus to marry Hermia. In my opinion I don’t think the movie or play were the perfect interpretation of the characters because others may have a different interpretation than I do. However, the way the movie made out Lysander to be really threw me off because I didnt really picture him to be the bad boy but it makes sense because Demetrius was portrayed as the successful noisiness man but seemed conceited while Lysander was portrayed as rebellious but really loved Hermia. Because of the way Lysander was portrayed he was immediately judged as a bad for Hermia based on his appearance. It was cliche to make Lysander look raggedy compared to Demetrius who was nicely dressed just so the audience could understand as to why Egeus was correct for choosing Demetrius. However to me the play did somewhat came to close to how I pictured Lysander to be as someone goofy but in the play I think they made him too much of someone who jokes but it was a lot closer to what I thought of him than how he was portrayed in the movie. Overall I don’t think either one had a better interpretation of Lysander but I did like the 2018 movie version because it was something I didn’t expect so it was interesting the see how they did it.
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Drama is much different than other genres in part because the art of it is, in a sense, the writing and the interpretation. I go to a staging of MND so that I can understand the words in a new way. Seeing multiple interpretations (as you’re doing in this assignment) helps me to think about what I think is essential to characters. In a way, it’s like what Eagleton does with his definition of poetry. He keeps pulling away elements that it turns out aren’t necessary to a poem. By seeing multiple performances and comparing them to my interpretation of the text, I come to some understanding about what the essential qualities of Lysander are, for example.
I agree with you, too, that Lysander fits a very particular type (I think in the writing) but also in the performances. Is young, cocky, and rebellious. I think what doesn’t fit for me about the movie version is Lysander’s attempt to comfort Hermia by saying that real love never had it easy (thus implying they shared true love) (1.1.132-45). That kind of youthful romanticism doesn’t fit with the the leather-clad Lysander of the film, for me.
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The character Lysander is interpreted quite differently in the movie as compared to the play and the reading of the play. Throughout the reading, Lysander came off as someone who believes strongly in his opinion. For example, in the reading, he says “I am, my lord, as well deriv’d as he, as well possess’d; my love is more than his; my fortunes every way as fairly rank’d”(1.1.99-101). This shows that Lysander holds strong opinion and expresses strong reasoning that he deserves Hermia much more than Demetrius. The play, depicts this very well, as Lysander spoke with more emotion in the play as compared to the 2018 movie. Lysander and Demetrius were shown to have equal social status as well since they dressed alike. In the 2018 movie, Lysander is shown to be more calm and of unequal status as compared to Demetrius. In the movie, Demetrius was depicted as a successful, rich businessman as he was in a nice suit, making him seem more professional and a much better fit to be a husband for Hermia. Lysander however, was shown more unprofessional in appearance with messy hair, untrimmed facial hair, and most importantly, not in a suit. In comparison to all three versions of Lysander, I don’t think that either one of them are totally wrong or totally right because Lysander can be viewed differently in the perspective of different people. However, I do think that the movie does a better job of showing why Eugeus would prefer his daughter Hermia to marry Demetrius of Lysander because their appearance at first glance plays a huge impact to how the viewer sees the difference in how they dressed and profession. The text shows that Lysander is equal to Demetrius in terms of wealth and status, but differ in the amount of love that they have for Hermia, so Lysander should have every right to be with Hermia yet Eugeus still doesn’t approve. The movie powerfully shows why Eugeus doesn’t approve right away when both Demetrius and Lysander were in the room sitting next to each other. Now a days, parents would do the same thing, they would rather see their children marry someone who is more professional and successful.
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Lysander does defend himself, but not right away. He let’s Egeus and Hermia fight it out until Demetrius baits him into the fray by calling him crazy (1.1.91-92). Lysander snaps at Demetrius and then, now with attention on him, he lists his virtues. I find it interesting that the last item on his list is that he has the love of Hermia. He has to prove his status first. It’s always made me wonder if he’s really fighting for Hermia here or just fighting Lysander like school boys on the playground.
I’m not sure if I would characterize Lysander in the movie as “messy,” exactly. He’s a photographer (or something) and those professions generally are more fashionable and less formal. I think the movie is attempting to show why Egeus would prefer Demetrius (he’s the typical alpha-male, wall-street, success story) and why Hermia might not want him (he’s obviously money driven and cruel to his staff). Egeus never really makes a case for Demetrius at all, interestingly. It makes you wonder if Egeus cares about Demetrius at all or if he’s just not Lysander.
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The three interpretations of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” all portray Lysander very differently. As I was reading the play I had pictured him as being calm and soft spoken, but still knowing what he wants and going for it. He explains to Egeus why Hermia should marry him, and he also suggests his plan to Hermia on how they can run away and get married secretly. Those two actions show his drive, and how even though he is calm (as I had thought) he still knows what he wants. As I was watching the Globe version, I felt as if he was the opposite of calm! Lysander was portrayed as having a lot of energy, and really fighting for the ability to marry to Hermia. In the 2018 interpretation, Lysander was more how I had interpreted him to be- more calm, quiet, and collected. He seems to just watch as Egeus, Hermia, and Thesus discuss the situation. Although each of these versions show Lysander with different personalities, I don’t think either of these interpretations are right or wrong because I think literature lends itself to the reader having a free imagination. Another difference I had noticed about the portrayal of Lysander was his image. In the Globes version, he is dressed the same way as Demetrius, which would make it a little more difficult to understand why Egeus is so against his daughter marrying him. I had pictured him looking exactly like that, so this version met my expectations as far as Lysander’s image goes. Although, I do think the 2018 version does a better job in making the issue of Lysander vs. Demetrius more clear. Lysander here is shown to be of the “bad boy” type of character with his motorcycle, leather jacket, etc. so it does clarify why Eugeus would be against his marriage to Hermia. Again, I would not consider either version to be correct or incorrect because I think it is interesting to see all the possibilities of different interpretations of characters.
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Lysander is certainly quiet… at least until no one is around and then, to Hermia, he turns poetic.
When I read the first scene I always wonder why Lysander is so quiet. I try to think about how this all started. Lysander and Hermia have obviously been caught somehow; their love is known. Egeus doesn’t like it. But how does it all come that all four of them storm in to Duke Theseus? Lysander lets Egeus rant… and he says nothing. He doesn’t say anything until his rival, Demetrius makes fun of him. Then he fights…
I guess I’m thinking over your assertion that Lysander is calm… In the beginning he’s quiet and I register that as youthful fear. A father is complaining to an authority. Lysander acts like he’s in the principal’s office. He’s quiet, but because he’s in trouble. When Demetrius goads him, Lysander defends himself. But he doesn’t stick up for Hermia or offer to fight Theseus. Instead, he waits until everyone’s gone and then asks his girlfriend, who has just been given a death sentence, “Why are you crying?” He just doesn’t seem to me like he’s thinking of much other than himself (Helena seems to have thoughts on this, as well).
You’re not the first student to mention that classic division shown in the move (“bad boy” vs. “successful one”), but I wonder where you see the justification for this in the text. In other words, is this something the Bennett just made up, or is he pulling on something in the text to suggest this kind of interpretation?
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The three interpretations of Lysander in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” were astonishly different. My own interpretations of Lysander were that he was a very serious character, since when Egeus had given Demitrius his blessing, Lysander had retorted by saying “I am, my lord, as well derived as he, As well possess’d; my love is more than his” (99-100), which can be interpreted as Lysander saying that he sees Demetrius not truly loving Hermia. Later he had mentioned the affair with Helena, which in my interpretation would have been more of a tense moment. The plays interpretation of Lysander was the most terrific portrayal of the character since he had an aura of a genuine jokester. He was funny and clearly this portrayal had more character and the actors gave him a personality that is perfect for a usually tense moment, and may also show the attitude that Hermia had fallen in love with. As I had analyzed the plays interpretation more, I came to realize that Theseus and Egeus had given the blessing to Demetrius since he is the “Prince Charming” of this play, while Lysander is the jester. Lysander being like a jester is evident when certain lines in the play were met with laughter from the audience, its because of the quirky nature of the character. Finally the movie interpretation of Lysander is the absolute worst of them all, due to the scene where he is taking pictures like a creep in his tanktop. The part that they had nailed is the denial of Theseus and Egeus for Lysander to marry Hermia because, previously with the plays interpretations, Lysander was likeable, but in the movies version, it is obvious why they wouldn’t let Lysander marry Hermia. The movie shows Lysander in a biker jacket, having messy hair, and a unshaven/ dirty face, which are all characteristics of a greaser. Though I preferred the plays interpretation of Lysander, there isn’t truly a correct way to interpret a character, since when you read a book or a play, your imagination runs wild and you come up with a character that you see as desirable.
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I don’t think it’s fair to call Shakespeare’s text an “interpretation” of Lysander. It is, I suppose, because Lysander is briefly mentioned by Ovid, but for all intents and purposes Bennett’s and Dromgoole’s versions are interpretations of Shakespeare’s Lysander. Shakespeare’s is the original. If he’s funny in the original, he’ll be funny in all of them. You mention one of Lysander’s jokes (that Egeus should marry Demetrius), but what others?
Greaser sounds like it’s the 1950s (Like in the musical Grease!) and I don’t see Lysander’s “messy” hair objectionable (although, maybe I’m biased… I do have messy long hair myself). Bennett’s version is set in hollywood and Lysander does resemble someone from LA to me. The costumes are supposed to display personality differences, but Demetrius isn’t exactly shown to be particularly likeable either (unless you agree with Gordon Gekko that “greed is good”).
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The character I chose to look closely into was Lysander. Throughout the three different versions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” the writers have portrayed Lysander differently. Lysander is Hermia’s secret lover but they can not be together. When I first read William Shakespeare’s version Lysander seemed quite and calm. He was kind of goofy when he needed to be for example (Act one, scene one, line 95) “You have her father’s love, Demetruis, Let me have Hermia’s; do you marry him.” He was the chill and knows what he wants. I then watched the 2018 movie version and I honestly really liked the way they portray him as. Lysander is being pictured as a bad boy. I like that because when they introduce him I got the feeling that he is the type to mind his business and focus on his goals. I did not like the fact they made Demetrius a successful man in a suit meanwhile they gave Lysander a leather jacket and a motorcycle meaning they value Demetruis more than Lysander. The play version was alright, Lysander was portrayed as goofy, I think he is very loud but then again it is a Globe theater they need to project their voice. The actor’s movements were making Lysander seem more goofy than romantic. These three different personalities are very interesting and portray Lysander all differently. My favorite one is the 2018 movie version but I hope the three continue to be unique because I get different vibes from all three versions.
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I wonder what you mean by “goofy,” exactly. Does it imply that Lysander is deliberately making jokes, as if he’s a class-clown type character? Or does it imply that he’s dumb (is Bottom goofy?)?
I think it matters because it changes that joke you mention. Is Lysander unaware of disrespectful he’s being and just saying something that makes sense to him? Or is he deliberately provoking Demetrius and Egeus?
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Lysander, Hermias forbidden love, was a character who struck out to be portrayed in many different ways. In the original play, Lysander seemed to be more noble, or truly in love with Hermia. To me, he did not seem that goofy or cheesy, it seemed that he truly loved Hermia and wanted to marry her. He did joke with her father saying that he should just marry Demetrius, but he also spoke to Hermia in a way to ease her nerves saying that love does not come easy. In the play, he came off to be more of a stand up guy, and that Hermias father was just so obsessed with the idea Demetrius because he chose him. I was honestly expecting Lysanders interpretation in the movies to be similar to the original.
In Bennetts version of the play, Lysander was portrayed as the bad boy. The director and screen writer played him off to be the cliche boy that every young girl runs to just because her daddy said no. I thought this was an interesting take on a modern version of the play. They even cut out a scene with Lysander and Hermia and just had them texting. Demetrius was also portrayed as the family man with a stable job, while Lysander was a photographer who seemed pretty aloof about life. This version was the most interesting to watch. Not only because it was different from other Shakespeare plays made into movies, but due to the ‘reality’ aspect of it, how similar story lines have probably happened in modern times.
In Dromgooles version of the play, Lysander seemed to be very goofy and irresponsible. He kept on cracking jokes and making a fool of himself. He honestly came off as really dumb. While Hermia was concerned with the future of their relationship, it was impossible for him to take her seriously. He also came off to be a little naive, even to the point where I almost agreed with Hermias father. Hermia defended Lysander saying that he’s just as good of a man as Demetrius, but to me Lysander seemed more like a child. Yes, this play is supposed to be more comedic, but I did not think it would change the personality of a character. I believe that the goal of this play is for the audience to believe that Lysander is also the ‘bad boy,’ and being on the same page as Hermias father in the sense that Demetrius is a better suited husband.
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Something we’ll talk about, I’m sure, as we continue through the play, is how important these boys (Lysander & Demetrius) really are.
By Act I we don’t know much about either character. They’re both “equally derived,” and well off. The difference seems only to be that Hermia loves Lysander. The difference is Hermia’s choice, not the preference of the boys, her father or Theseus (Hermia emphasizes this in an aside to her father: 1.1.56).
The move plays into a stereotype. But is it accurate? Sure Lysander is described as wooing Hermia (Egeus’ speech is pretty “bad-boy” sounding, including late-night secret wooing), but does either Lysander or Demetrius do anything original?
If they’re not interesting characters or if they are goofy, what then? I think it’s an interesting question: Who am I cheering for if I want the couple to be happy but I don’t care about one of them?
Maybe Hermia’s love isn’t one for the ages, it’s just youthful love, but that’s still important. Even if it’s someone as goofy and forgettable as Lysander.
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The character I chose was Lysander, the reason why he stuck out to me, in particular, was because he is portrayed as a true romantic. Unlike Lysander, the other high-class characters don’t see love in such a passionate way, instead, the other characters see it as more of an obligation, these individuals are Theseus and Egeus. One thing that seems to stay the same throughout both the films and text is that he is a romantic, his character might have a different take in each piece, but there always seems to be a constant idea that he is in love with Hermila. Another great attribute about Lysander is that he is witty. One of my favorite lines by him is “You have her father’s love, Demetrius, let me have Hermia’s; do you marry him.”(1.1 93-94) It was quite bold of him to speak this way to the father and to Demetrius, but it was there to show that the father shouldn’t choose who his daughter should love, if he loves that man so much then why doesn’t he marry him. Lysander seems to be an important character with a large role to play in the progression of the story. Whenever I read or watch their scenes it would remind me of Romeo and Juliet, how these two lovebirds want to be together but are stopped by a parent so they run off to spend their time in secret. I’m not sure if in this play there will be a tragedy like in Romeo and Juliet, but Shakespeare does like to end most romances with death. I honestly hope it does not come to that Lysander is a captivating character and I wish there will be more of him in the following acts.
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In class I mentioned that Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet around the same time that he wrote this play. Because this is a comedy, you wouldn’t expect them to have similar endings. However, the play the workmen are planning, Pyramus and Thisbe is a tragedy (also about two star-crossed lovers). The workmen also comically label their play a “lamentable comedy.” Scholars have written about how these connections suggest Shakespeare was thinking about the differences between comedy and tragedy and how the same plots can be read and interpreted through different generic lenses.
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The Character I chose to discuss about is Lysander. I chose Lysander because I feel like he values the meaning of love and today being Valentines day I thought it was the perfect match. Lysander loves Hermia and I admire him for sticking with what he wants even through the adversity of her father and Demetrius that comes with it. This being said while reading the work of literature I had pictured Lysander as a poised, controlled, polite, romantic, and goofy man. In line 134 Lysander states “The course of true love never did come true:” Lysander is describing him and Hermia. He is suggesting true love is a struggle, it can not be smooth because you will run into complications and have to battle through them if you want to end up with that person. In Bennetts version they portray Lysander as a biker figure bad boy. I think they just wanted to exaggerate that the father should not want him for his daughter. I personally did not like this because I pictured him as a good guy and the father not wanting him as his son in law not of his own fault but because he is so obsessed with Demetrius. In this version they made him too different and not concerned about his life for my liking, I understand it being more funny and humorous but just not my cup of tea. In Dromgooles version Lysander is portrayed as extremely goofy and irresponsible. He embarrasses himself multiple times and constantly does not look like a man that a father would want his daughter marrying. I prefer Bennetts version over Dromgooles simply because it changed with the setting time of the movie.
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I have no doubt that Lysander believes himself to be in love. I believe this for no real reason, either. Egeus obviously beleives Lysander to be insincere (I also have the benefit of knowing what will happen later in the play). That doesn’t mean I think he knows what love is.
The passage you identify is a good example of why I think Lysander reads as honest, but naive. Speaking to Hermia, Lysander argues that the course of “true love never did run smooth,” meaning that true love is never easy (as you mention). Critically, Egeus has been arguing that Lysander’s love is not true love and Theseus has certainly not seemed paticularly open to the idea of true love (if he was, would he be marrying Hippolyta?). Lysander is also talking about fairy tales and stories he’s read in books. That’s like basing your reality on movies–reality is very different.
Lysander then, finds a way to convince himself and Hermia that their love must be true because true loves are always difficult in the stories they read. It strikes me as very innocent and honest, but like teenager stuff.
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Lysander (99-110): I am my lord, as well deriv’d as he
As well posses’d; my love is more then his;
My fortunes every was as fairly rank’d
(if not with vantage) as Demetrius’;
and (which is more than all his boasts can be)
I am belov’d of beauteous Hermia.
Why should I not then prosecute my right?
Demetrius i’ll avouch it to his head
Made love to Nedar’s daughter, Helena
and won her soul, and she, sweet lady, dotes,
Devoutly dotes, dotes in idolatry
Upon this spotted and inconsistent man.I think this monologue brings out and represents Lysander’s character a-lot. He is not the guy to roll over about his feelings and not fight for love. He is a romantic. In this Monologue he is describing himself and arguing that he is a fair fit for Hermia. Lysander is going to do whatever it takes to be able to end up with Her. He is supporting himself and proving he is just as good of a man as Demetrius and such arranged marriage actions are unfair especially id Lysander is the one Hermia wants to be with. I think overall this Monologue does a good job of establishing how Lysander feels and his personality.
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