My question is about the story a midsummer nights dream, in act one
1. Why does helena wish her 'tongue should catch(hermia's) tongue's sweet melody'(189)
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/msnd/
Go into this website and choose the act and scene you have questions about. Read carefully ... original Shakespeare on the left, modern-day English on the right.
What do you think?
I have read the story I need help answering this question from act 1, scene 1!
In the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare, Helena expresses her desire for her tongue to catch Hermia's sweet melody in Act 1. This line emphasizes Helena's longing and admiration for Hermia while portraying her own insecurities and feelings of inferiority.
To understand Helena's motivation behind this statement, we need to look at the context leading up to it. In the play, Hermia and her lover, Lysander, decide to flee Athens to escape Hermia's arranged marriage to Demetrius. Hermia confides in her friend Helena about their plan.
However, Helena has feelings for Demetrius, who is pursuing Hermia instead. Helena's unrequited love for Demetrius makes her jealous of Hermia's beauty and the attention Demetrius bestows upon her. She believes that if she were to possess Hermia's tongue, she could speak as eloquently and charmingly as Hermia, thereby winning Demetrius' affection.
This line reflects Helena's desperation and longing to be more like Hermia. She yearns for the attention and affection that Hermia receives effortlessly. Helena's wish to possess Hermia's "sweet melody" showcases how deeply she desires to emulate Hermia and win the love of Demetrius.
To fully comprehend the complexities of Helena's character and her motivations at this moment, it is essential to analyze the entire play and Helena's role within it. Understanding the broader context of the story contributes to a deeper understanding of Helena's actions and feelings throughout "A Midsummer Night's Dream."