When we first learn about Hermia, she is an innocent, naïve girl, belonging to a distinguished family. Her father Egeus, however, is tremendously unfair towards her. Hermia has fallen in love with Lysander, and the same is true for the opposite. Unfortunately, Egeus does not particularly favor Lysander, but rather Demetrius instead. This is ironic, for Hermia expresses no desire for Demetrius, whom her father says she must marry. There are alternatives to this option, although each of which would provide no Lysander for her. Hermia’s response to her father’s wishes, is to flee from her residence, with Lysander, to a far-off place where they are able to remain together.
As has been seen through the words of Hermia, remaining at home with her officious father would prove to be only trouble for her and Lysander’s relationship. As Hermia enters the woods with her dear Lysander, there is a sense of excitement in her words. She has high hopes for their future accomplishments together. Before each of them lay down to rest, they exclaim their love for each other, vowing never to stop loving each other until the day they die: “[Hermia] Thy love ne’er alter till thy sweet life end!” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, II, ii, 67). This particular situation that Hermia finds herself in, is to a great extent, different than what she is accustomed to experiencing.
Hermia found the only route possible in order to remain with her love, Lysander, and she took it; she ran away from home with him. As she enters the woods, she has a sense of high hopes, for she is free at last, and free to marry her love. This is quite different from when she was at home, where she was not allowed to wed her dearest Lysander. Hermia’s life has substantially changed for the better, in her eyes.
Other posts on A Midsummer Night's Dream:
References to Change in A Midsummer Night's Dream
A World of Difference: Hermia's Life in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare
What an Allusion: An Example of Change
Aristocratic, Popular, Comic, and Supernatural Elements in A Midsummer Night's Dream; Shakespeare
A World of Difference: Lysander
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