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The interpretations of Theseus by Bennet and Dromgoole could not be more different in my eyes.
Dromgoole’s show starts not with the original dialogue, but with the battle that served as Theseus’ proposal. This is significant because, not only do we see that Theseus’ soldiers murdered Hippolyta’s fellow Amazonians right in front of her, but it is also shown that Theseus was thinking about killing her too, before starting the dialogue and making it apparent that he plans to marry her instead. It is this, among other interesting details; such as Theseus speaking in a slightly angry, commanding voice, as though he’s trying to accentuate his power over her in whatever way he can; Hippolyta shying away when Theseus made to touch her shoulders; the empathetic way Hippolyta touched Hermia’s face, showing Hermia that she feels her pain; Theseus saying the line “Come, my Hippolyta” (1.1.122) as though he were calling a dog or a child; all make it abundantly clear that this relationship is not only forced, but borderline abusive. This fact, along with the way Theseus yells at Hermia throughout his scene with her, shows quite clearly that Dromgoole’s Theseus is in no way a good man.
However Bennet’s Theseus is almost entirely different. In his first scene, we see him answering calls and attempting to catch Hippolyta’s attention, who is strolls into view from the next room in front of the window. As Theseus amiably calls to her, asking to talk with her about their wedding, she gives him the cold shoulder and walks out of view again with a few flicks of her fan. While this may suggest that there is some tension between the lovebirds, it is certainly not implicit of a forced marriage. Additionally, when we see the pair together again, towards the end of Act I, they speak rather genially of their wedding day and the scene with a kiss, showing no signs of discontent from either party. Also, Theseus’ whole attitude towards Hermia changes in this version. This change is mainly facilitated by the fact that Theseus is in the film industry and Hermia is his star actress, thus creating a bond between them that, given the way he grabs her hands when he says “Fair Hermia”, mimics that of a father and daughter. Speaking of which, when the issue of Hermia’s marital future is brought before him, he asks for her opinion rather quickly and only says that “Demetrius is a worthy gentleman” (1.1.52) before letting her speak. This is a big change from the text, as originally Theseus preempted her thoughts with the warning that she should consider her father a god, capable of destroying her at a moment’s notice (1.1.46-52). Bennet also cut out the threats of Hermia being sentenced to death or a convent, both by Egeus and Theseus. While this is most likely done because this version is set in the 21st century, it also improves Theseus’ image, as he is no longer threatening to kill a young girl for disobeying her father.
Given my interpretation of the text, I believe that Dromgoole’s interpretation of the text is a more accurate representation of Theseus. This is largely in part to the fact that Bennet cut so many things out. While I understand that it’s set in modern times and people can no longer send their daughters off to be killed, Bennet could have very easily included Theseus’ rant about how Hermia should consider her father a god. It is this exclusion of any dialogue that shows Theseus in a negative light that makes Bennet’s portrayal of Theseus objectively less accurate. Bennet just takes out the parts that he doesn’t want to acknowledge rather than using tone to portray the characters as he wants them to be seen.
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Domgoole’s opening has always struck me as a particularly bold move–even if the rest of the play is staged in a very period-appropriate way. By showing us a particular view of the battle that ultimately lead to Hippolyta’s surrender–not something that exists in Shakespeare’s version–it colors our view of Hippolyta and Theseus’ marriage throughout the whole piece. Imagine, for instance, the end: it’s a comedy, so you might be able to reasonably assume Theseus’ and Hippolyta’s marriage will go off without a hitch (even be celebrated). Will we feel happy for them? Will Shakespeare make us forget how Theseus and Hippolyta got together (amuzed, perhaps, by all the pomp and cheer)? Is it a darker subplot that Shakespeare drops in to undermine some of the happiness of the play? Or is it a result of Shakespeare’s inability to imagine that Hippolyta would be anything but happy to marry one of th emost eligible bachelor’s in Greece: Theseus, Duke of Athens! If so, then Domgoole’s version represents the hidden relationships that our modern eyes see.
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While reading and watching the two different versions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the interpretation of the character Theseus stood out the most. In the reading, Theseus supports Egeus in wanting his daughter, Hermia, to marry the man of his choice, Demetrius. Theseus defends Egeus by supporting his belief and also warning Hermia off the possible dangers that will happen if she does not obey her father. A quote that stood out from the reading is “Rather your eyes must with his judgement look”. This reinforced Theseus supporting Egeus. This is same type of character is portrayed in the Dromgoole version of the play. Theseus is depicted as a supporter of Egeus in believing Hermia should obey her father and also a bit harsh in the way he threatens Hermia of the possible dangers if she does not obey her father. However, in Bennets version of the play, the exact opposite character is portrayed. Theseus is depicted as a much more lenient and nicer man in the film. He acts very nicely towards Hermia and supports how she feels and what she chooses to do rather then siding with her father in Dromgoogles version and in the reading.
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It certainly changes the way you understand the characters is Theseus is benevolent and there is no threat of death. The stakes are lowered for one, but also the dialogue between Lysander and Hermia about their fairy-tale love also evaporates. It’s hard to understand why they set in Hollywood since it leads to so many sacrifices with no clear payoffs.
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[Discussion Board due 02/21]
Lines of reference —-> (1.1.111- 127)
In my opinion, Theseus’s character and personality really stood out in lines 111 to 127. After Lysander exposes what Demetrius had done to Helena, Theseus confesses to have known or heard about what had happened. The lines proceeding state “But, being over-full of self-affairs, My mind did lose it.” These lines show Theseus’s sense of self importance and status. He is so caught up with the events happening in his life that he has to remind others around him that he had other things far more important to do. At the same time he also acts as a strong willed and principled lawgiver.
“For you, fair Hermia, look you arm yourself
To fit your fancies to your father’s will;
Or else the law of Athens yields you up
(Which by no means we may extenuate) ” (1.1.117-120)
This is the reason why Egeus comes to Theseus ,of all people, to complain about his situation. Theseus is a lawgiver and will not hesitate but to abide by the rules of Athens and these lines make it clear. Furthermore, the excerpt also reveals his managerial personality:
“My mind did lose it. But, Demetrius, come,
And come, Egeus, you shall go with me;
I have some private schooling for you” (1.1.114-116)
The line “I have some private schooling for you” sounds especially forceful, decisive, and managerial.
Together they reveal Theseus to be someone who is extremely straightforward, direct, assertive, and pragmatic. He seems highly principled with a clear set of standards and convictions.
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A great selection! Early critics of the play argued that Theseus is a great leader. Someone who is direct, but also thoughtful (so they said) and eager to help others improve and solve problems. Modern scholars have read these same passages a bit differently and even sometimes emphasized him as a tyrant.
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