What we said in class : Remarks on the 1st extract (part I)

The text	Remarks
HERMIA
I would my father look'd but with my eyes.	She appeals to perception / one of the 5 senses as opposed to rational reasoning.
THESEUS
Rather your eyes must with his judgment look.	Wisdom vs. senses. He represents reason, authority, and the law (and in a way he stands for a father figure)
HERMIA
I do entreat your grace to pardon me. I know not by what power I am made bold, Nor how it may concern my modesty, In such a presence here to plead my thoughts; But I beseech your grace that I may know The worst that may befall me in this case, If I refuse to wed Demetrius.	She appears as a “bold”=determined=powerful Already we’re seeing that she has an excess of blood that makes her bold=courageous
THESEUS
Either to die the death or to abjure For ever the society of men. Therefore, fair Hermia, question your desires; Know of your youth, examine well your blood, Whether, if you yield not to your father's choice, You can endure the livery of a nun, For aye to be in shady cloister mew'd, To live a barren sister all your life, Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon. Thrice-blessed they that master so their blood, To undergo such maiden pilgrimage; But earthlier happy is the rose distill'd, Than that which withering on the virgin thorn Grows, lives and dies in single blessedness.	Benevolent, indulgent, magnanimous, generous but still he reminds the law. He’s painting the gloomy / sad / bleak picture (darkness, poverty, fruitlessness, sternness) Tries to persuade her Anachronism: nuns in ancient Geece?)
HERMIA
So will I grow, so live, so die, my lord, Ere I will my virgin patent up Unto his lordship, whose unwished yoke My soul consents not to give sovereignty.	Determined / decided or resigned See: tragedy
THESEUS
Take time to pause; and, by the nest new moon-- The sealing-day betwixt my love and me, For everlasting bond of fellowship-- Upon that day either prepare to die For disobedience to your father's will, Or else to wed Demetrius, as he would; Or on Diana's altar to protest For aye austerity and single life.	Reminder: there is a wedding Digression Roman mythology: “Virgin goddess” of hunting, the moon. Indirect reference to the moon
DEMETRIUS
Relent, sweet Hermia: and, Lysander, yield Thy crazed title to my certain right.
LYSANDER
You have her father's love, Demetrius; Let me have Hermia's: do you marry him.	Almost the only funny line in the whole scene. He’s cheeky.