Question

Near the end of Act IV Scene I, Demetrius says, "Are you sure that we are awake? It seems to me that yet we sleep, we dream.” Dreams are referred to throughout the play. What is the purpose of dreams in the play? Do the dreams reveal themes or advance the plot, or are they individuals’ interpretation of reality? Use evidence to support your answer.

Answer 1

In "A Midsummer Night's Dream," dreams serve multiple purposes—revealing themes, advancing the plot, and reflecting the fluidity between reality and illusion. Demetrius’s line, "Are you sure that we are awake? It seems to me that yet we sleep, we dream," encapsulates a larger thematic exploration of what is real versus what is illusory within the play.

**1. Theme of Reality vs. Illusion:**
Dreams in the play underscore the theme of reality versus illusion. The characters frequently find themselves in situations that blur the lines between waking and dreaming. For instance, the magical interventions of Puck and Oberon cause chaos in the relationships of the lovers, leading them to experience a night of confusion that feels dreamlike. As Lysander notes, "The course of true love never did run smooth," suggesting that love itself can often feel as intangible as a dream. The surreal, dreamlike events prompt both characters and audiences to question the nature of their experiences.

**2. Advancement of the Plot:**
Dreams also advance the plot by facilitating character development and conflict resolution. The enchantments influence the characters' affections and lead to comic misunderstandings. For instance, when Oberon orders Puck to anoint the lovers with the love potion, their affections are altered in bizarre ways—this chaos propels the narrative forward. Ultimately, the play resolves the conflicts created by these enchantments, leading the lovers to find harmony. As a result, the eventual resolution feels almost like a waking from a dream, where the clarity of love is restored.

**3. Reflection of Individual Interpretations:**
The characters' interpretations of their experiences also connect heavily to the motif of dreams. For example, after the couples are reunited, they hesitate, questioning whether their previous experiences were real or mere dreams. This reflection reveals their deeper insecurities and the transformative power of their experiences. Puck’s closing monologue, in which he refers to the possibility of the entire play being a dream, further illustrates this ambiguity. It invites the audience to consider their own interpretations and perceptions of reality.

**4. Influence of the Supernatural:**
The supernatural element of the play, represented by the fairies, is intrinsically linked to the dream motif. The fairies operate in a realm that exists parallel to the human world, thus blurring the lines between reality and dreams. As the characters are manipulated by the fairies’ magic, they are placed in situations akin to dreams, where their true desires and fears surface, exemplifying how dreams can reveal inner truths.

In conclusion, dreams in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" serve as a vehicle for exploring complex themes such as love, illusion, and the nature of reality. They not only advance the plot through the chaotic experiences of the characters but also provide a framework for understanding the interplay between perception and truth. Ultimately, as the line between dreams and reality dissolves, Shakespeare invites the audience to reflect on their own lives and consider the dreamlike quality that love and desire often possess.