Midsummer Night’s Dream + Related Texts

Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595), Rebecca Young’s Western Suburbs Hero (2001) and the feature article written by Tony Vermeer Couple’s campaign against heartbreak (Sunday Telegraph, Feb, 2008) highlights that all individuals experience displacement, it is a paradigm present in every aspect of society. Displacement occurs as a result of the rejection of traditional societal values and social establishmentarianism. The dialogue provides insight into the assumptions underlying the concept of displacement.

Act One; Scene One of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream explores displacement as a paradigm present in every aspect of society. Displacement is shown through the rejection of parental authority which is evident in today’s society. Shakespeare highlights displacement through the use of the harsh verb �dispose’ in reference to Egeus’ decision to marry off his daughter or send her to her death. The changing relationship between father and daughter, suggests displacement of both Hermia and Egeus. The verb highlights the consequences of rejecting parental authority. The noun �disobedience’ highlights Hermia’s rejection of her �father’s will’. Hermia is rejecting parental authority and traditional societal values. The rejection of parental authority highlighted in A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an assumption underlying the concept of displacement. Hermia is willing to permanently displace herself and put herself in danger by rejecting her father’s will and running away with Lysander. Hermia no longer respects society’s values and authority and this causes her displacement. The rejection of traditional societal values tests the boundaries of social value and confronts the audience.

In Act Two, Scene Two of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream explores the experiences of displacement present in all aspects of society. Demetrius’ rejection of Helena causes her to suffer low self esteem and ultimately displaces her in society. Helena’s self loathing and displacement is indicated through the use of the simile “I am as ugly as a bear.” Helena’s displacement is self inflicted she has no self esteem; she compares herself to Hermia and is jealous of her. Helena’s displacement is ultimately caused as a result of rejection by Demetrius. Demetrius’ rejection of Helena is shown through the use of adjective �sick’ when Demetrius is describing how he feels when he looks upon Helena. Demetrius is also displaced in this situation as he has rejected societal values. Demetrius has rejected the responsibilities of the relationship he shared with Helena; he has abused the friendship between himself and Helena and feels displaced by his own guilt. Demetrius’ rejection of social establishmentarianism is evident in the adjectives �spotted’ and �inconstant’, Demetrius is an inconstant lover; he used Helena then rejected her. Lysander does not believe that Demetrius is worthy of Hermia’s love. Shakespeare explores the experiences of displacement as a paradigm present in every aspect of society. The Displacement of Helena provides an opportunity for the audience to feel empathy for Helena; she is a victim of unrequited love.

Rebecca Young’s Western Suburbs Hero explores the concept that all individuals experience displacement. The displacement of the characters in the text is caused by a rejection of traditional societal values. Sarah, the protagonist in the story is presented as being shy and conservative and this causes her displacement in society. This displacement is indicated through the use of the alliterative language “imprisoned by an impenetrable shyness”; Sarah’s displacement is due to her rejection of societal values. Sarah is rejecting friendship and social life. The use of the verbs and adjectives describe that Sarah’s shyness confines her and alienates her in society. Sarah’s shyness is impenetrable, she will not let anyone into her life and she is ultimately displaced as a result. Sarah does not have any relationships with friends