A Midsummer Night’s Dream: sub-text

Sub-Text in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Understanding sub-text: Sub-text refers to the hidden or underlying meaning that is not explicitly stated in the text. It is delivered through undertones, implications, and symbolism.
Understanding the sub-text will enrich your interpretation of the play and help you build well-rounded and nuanced responses.

Concealed desires: Almost all characters in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” harbour concealed desires, which forms a significant part of the sub-text. For example, the forbidden love between Lysander and Hermia, which they persist in despite Hermia’s father’s clear disapproval.
Power dynamics: The sub-text often reflects social hierarchies and power dynamics. King Oberon’s power over his wife, Titania, and the impudent Puck is one such example.
Magical influence: The sub-text also explores the theme of magical influence disrupting natural order. Puck’s use of love potion alters Lysander and Demetrius’s affections, leading to chaos and confusion.
Reality vs. Fantasy: The dream sequences add a layer of sub-text questioning what’s real and what’s fantasised. For instance, the confusion when characters wake up from enchanted sleep contributes to this theme.
Gender and love: The sub-text also addresses gender roles and expectations in society during Shakespeare’s time. Helena’s desperate pursuit of Demetrius, despite his rejection, conveys Shakespeare’s commentary on woman’s role in love and marriage.
Comedy and Tragedy: The tragicomedy aspect of the play is a significant sub-text. While the tone of the play is generally light-hearted, there are profound moments of sadness and despair, such as Hermia’s threat of death or being a nun.

Theatre within theatre: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” features a ‘play within a play’ as the Mechanicals perform “Pyramus and Thisbe.” The sub-text here includes a comment on the nature of theatre and drama itself.

Remember that sub-text often conveys the deeper themes of a play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is no exception. Questions about authority, love, reality, and theatricality are consistently brought up, often indirectly, via sub-text.