A Midsummer Night's Dream • Act 3 Scene 2 • Helena and Hermia

Summary

In this intense moment from Shakespeare's *A Midsummer Night's Dream*, Hermia confronts Helena with fury and heartbreak after Lysander unexpectedly declares his love for Helena instead of her. Hermia is devastated by Lysander’s sudden shift in affection, and her anger boils over as she accuses Helena of trickery. The emotional exchange highlights themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the complexities of love, capturing the turmoil and confusion between the characters in this pivotal scene.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hermia feels betrayed by Lysander's sudden shift in affection towards Helena.
• 😀 Hermia questions why Lysander, who once loved her, now claims to hate her.
• 😀 Hermia expresses her disbelief and anger over Lysander’s change of heart.
• 😀 Hermia accuses Helena of stealing Lysander’s love, calling her a juggler and thief.
• 😀 Hermia criticizes Helena for her lack of modesty and for being shameless in her pursuit of Lysander.
• 😀 Hermia feels inferior to Helena, comparing their physical appearance and believing that Helena’s height and beauty have earned her Lysander’s favor.
• 😀 Hermia is frustrated with Lysander for playing along with Helena's deception.
• 😀 Hermia’s speech shows a mix of jealousy, anger, and hurt feelings over the perceived betrayal.
• 😀 Hermia believes Helena is using her height and appearance to manipulate Lysander’s feelings.
• 😀 Hermia’s emotions are heightened by the realization that she is being mocked and replaced by her friend Helena.

Q & A

What is the central conflict between Hermia and Helena in this excerpt?

The central conflict is that Helena feels betrayed by Hermia and Lysander, as Lysander has suddenly declared his love for Helena instead of Hermia. Helena is angry and confused about Lysander’s sudden change of affection, which causes her to confront Hermia.

How does Helena feel about the shift in Lysander's affections?

Helena feels deeply hurt, betrayed, and humiliated. She accuses Hermia of tricking Lysander into loving her, calling her various names like 'juggler' and 'puppet.' Helena's anger is rooted in jealousy and confusion over the sudden change in Lysander’s affections.

What does Helena mean by calling Hermia a 'juggler' and a 'puppet'?

By calling Hermia a 'juggler' and a 'puppet,' Helena is accusing her of being manipulative and deceitful. She believes Hermia has somehow tricked Lysander or used some form of sorcery to win his love, which is why she now refers to her in these derogatory terms.

Why does Helena refer to herself as 'dwarfish' and 'low' in comparison to Hermia?

Helena refers to herself as 'dwarfish' and 'low' because she feels inferior to Hermia, both in terms of appearance and stature. She is highlighting the physical difference between them and expressing her sense of inadequacy, especially in comparison to Hermia’s beauty, which she believes may be the reason Lysander preferred her.

What does Helena mean when she says 'she hath made compare between our statures'?

Helena is accusing Hermia of using their physical differences to compete for Lysander's affection. She believes Hermia is emphasizing her own height and beauty to gain superiority in Lysander’s eyes, which she feels is unfair.

How does Helena view Lysander’s feelings for her after his sudden declaration of love?

Helena views Lysander’s newfound love for her as insincere and manipulative. She is convinced that he is being controlled by magic or deceit, and she cannot believe that his love for her is genuine after his sudden shift in affection from Hermia to her.

What does the line 'fine a faith have you no modesty no maiden shame' reveal about Helena's character?

This line reveals Helena's feelings of betrayal and disgust. She is angry not only with Hermia but also with herself for having been a part of the love triangle. She accuses Hermia of being shameless and unvirtuous, and feels that her own dignity as a woman has been compromised by the situation.

What role does the theme of physical appearance play in this exchange between Helena and Hermia?

The theme of physical appearance plays a significant role, as both women are deeply aware of their differing looks. Helena feels that Hermia’s beauty is what has caused Lysander’s change of heart, and she resents both Hermia’s physical stature and Lysander’s superficial affection. The tension between the characters is magnified by their self-perceptions and comparisons.

How does the language used by Helena contribute to the tone of the scene?

Helena’s language is full of anger, frustration, and self-pity. Her use of harsh words like 'juggler,' 'puppet,' and 'thief' sets a hostile tone, making it clear that she feels betrayed and humiliated. The tone becomes more intense as she accuses Hermia of manipulating Lysander and stealing his love.

What role do the gods play in Helena's emotional reaction in this scene?

Helena invokes the gods as a way of expressing the intensity of her emotional turmoil. She says, 'the gods forbid,' which shows how she believes fate and divine forces are involved in her misfortune. Her emotional reaction seems heightened by her belief that she is being victimized by a larger, uncontrollable force.