Diese Hausarbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem Vergleich von Theseus in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' und in der griechischen Mythologie.
Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- THEME
- MYTHOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
- A COMPARISON OF THESEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
- THESEUS, PRINCE OF ATHENS
- THESEUS, KING OF ATHENS
- THESEUS, DUKE OF ATHENS
- THESEUS AND HIPPOLYTA IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
- THE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN THE MYTH AND THE PLAY
- CONCLUSION
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to compare the portrayal of Theseus in Greek mythology with his depiction as the Duke of Athens in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The analysis will explore the similarities and differences between the mythical Theseus and Shakespeare's adaptation, focusing on his relationship with Hippolyta and other characters within the play.
- Theseus's role in Greek mythology and his significance in Athenian history.
- Shakespeare's adaptation of Theseus in A Midsummer Night's Dream and his function within the play's narrative.
- The relationship between Theseus and Hippolyta in both the myth and the play.
- A comparison of Theseus's character traits and actions in both contexts.
- The use of myth in Shakespeare's comedies and its symbolic meaning for the Elizabethan audience.
Chapter Summaries
INTRODUCTION: This introductory section establishes the paper's central focus: a comparative analysis of Theseus in Greek mythology and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. It highlights the play's significant reliance on mythical sources, particularly the Theseus myth, acknowledging its decorative yet integral role in the comedy. The introduction emphasizes Shakespeare's engagement with mythopoesis, suggesting the recreation of ancient stories holds symbolic weight for both the playwright and the Elizabethan audience. It also briefly mentions other sources influencing the play, such as Ovid's Pyramus and Thisbe and Chaucer's "Knight's Tale," establishing a broader literary context for Shakespeare's work.
A COMPARISON OF THESEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: This section delves into a detailed comparison of Theseus across different sources. It begins by examining Theseus as the Prince of Athens, tracing his lineage and early adventures culminating in the slaying of the Minotaur with Ariadne's assistance. The narrative then transitions to Theseus as King of Athens, highlighting his unification of Attica and his subsequent exploits with the Amazons, including his relationship with Hippolyta. Finally, the section contrasts these mythical accounts with Theseus's portrayal as the Duke of Athens in Shakespeare's play, portraying him as a Tudor-like figure and contrasting his role within the play's Athenian and fairy-world settings.
THESEUS, PRINCE OF ATHENS: This section explores the various accounts of Theseus' birth and early life, emphasizing the conflicting narratives surrounding his parentage. It describes his journey to Athens to meet his father, Aegeus, and his subsequent undertaking to slay the Minotaur. This heroic act is detailed, including the crucial role of Ariadne and the ultimate fate of their relationship. The section concludes by emphasizing the significant act of his victory against the Minotaur as a momentous event saving Athens from a devastating tribute.
THESEUS, KING OF ATHENS: This section focuses on Theseus's reign as King of Athens, highlighting his significant contribution to Athenian society: the synoecism of Attica—the unification of the scattered settlements around Athens into a single capital. The section connects this act to his reputation for establishing democracy and shaping Athens as a prominent city. His interactions with Heracles and the Amazons, leading to his acquisition of Hippolyta, are detailed, with an emphasis on the various versions of their relationship and the differing accounts of Hippolyta’s fate. The section also mentions Theseus’ later marriage to Phaedra and her famous tragic connection to Hippolytus, This section emphasizes his legacy as a powerful figure who shaped Athenian identity and his complex personal relationships.
THESEUS, DUKE OF ATHENS: This section examines Theseus's role as the Duke of Athens in A Midsummer Night's Dream. It contrasts his portrayal in the play with his mythical counterpart, characterizing him as a more refined Tudor nobleman than a traditional Athenian Duke. His involvement in the play's central conflict—the lovers' disputes—is analyzed, particularly his role as a judge and arbiter of their relationships. The section highlights his authority and the patriarchal societal structure reflected in his interactions with Hermia and her father, Egeus, demonstrating his power and decision-making influence over the women of the court.
Keywords
Theseus, Greek mythology, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare, myth, comedy, Hippolyta, Ariadne, Minotaur, Athens, Elizabethan literature, mythopoesis, patriarchy, romance, fairy tale.
A Midsummer Night's Dream and Theseus: A Comparative Analysis - FAQ
What is the main topic of this academic paper preview?
This preview summarizes an academic paper comparing the portrayal of Theseus in Greek mythology with his depiction as the Duke of Athens in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. It analyzes the similarities and differences between the mythical Theseus and Shakespeare's adaptation, focusing on his relationship with Hippolyta and his role within the play.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores Theseus's role in Greek mythology and his significance in Athenian history; Shakespeare's adaptation of Theseus in A Midsummer Night's Dream and his function within the play's narrative; the relationship between Theseus and Hippolyta in both the myth and the play; a comparison of Theseus's character traits and actions in both contexts; and the use of myth in Shakespeare's comedies and its symbolic meaning for the Elizabethan audience.
What aspects of Theseus's life are examined in the paper?
The paper examines Theseus in three distinct phases: as the Prince of Athens (focusing on his slaying of the Minotaur and relationship with Ariadne), as the King of Athens (highlighting his unification of Attica and relationship with Hippolyta), and as the Duke of Athens in Shakespeare's play (analyzing his role in the play's narrative and his interactions with other characters).
How does the paper compare the mythical Theseus to Shakespeare's Theseus?
The paper contrasts the mythical accounts of Theseus with his portrayal in A Midsummer Night's Dream, noting differences in his characterization (e.g., from a traditional Athenian figure to a refined Tudor nobleman) and his function within the respective narratives. It explores how Shakespeare adapts the myth to suit his comedic purposes and Elizabethan audience.
What is the significance of the use of myth in Shakespeare's play?
The paper examines how Shakespeare's use of the Theseus myth contributes to the play's overall meaning and resonance with the Elizabethan audience. It considers the symbolic weight of the recreation of ancient stories and its connection to broader themes within the play.
What other literary sources are mentioned in relation to Shakespeare's play?
The paper mentions other sources that influenced Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, including Ovid's Pyramus and Thisbe and Chaucer's "Knight's Tale," providing a wider literary context for understanding Shakespeare's adaptation of the Theseus myth.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured with an introduction, a detailed comparison of Theseus across different sources (including separate sections on Theseus as Prince, King, and Duke of Athens), and a conclusion. Chapter summaries are provided in the preview.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Theseus, Greek mythology, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare, myth, comedy, Hippolyta, Ariadne, Minotaur, Athens, Elizabethan literature, mythopoesis, patriarchy, romance, fairy tale.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2010, A Comparison of Theseus in Greek mythology and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/173367
