Shakespeares language is integral to the success of Act III, scene ii because it serves as a main development role in the plot structure, focusing on the increasing confusion among the four lovers that through power, love and confusion creates a comedic element and ultimately a successful scene.
In calling Demetrius a “serpent”, and an “adder”, Hermia creates continuity with Act II, Scene 2, in which she dreamed that a serpent ate her heart out. But in this scene, Hermia mistakes the snake; Demetrius has not killed Lysander, but her heart will soon be pierced with an even greater shock that Lysander is in love with Helena. Hermia's hatred of Demetrius is equal to his love of Helena, again adding continuity to the text. Shakespeare has created a fluid, continuous text, by repeating key images, such as the serpent and key relationships and feelings.
Shakespeares approach to power is to create situations that test characters’ ability to use power wisely. Shakespeare shows Oberon’s power in this scene by proving he is willing for his wife to fall in love with an “ass” to assert his power. Puck explains this by saying “Titania waked and straightway loved an ass.” Shakespeare also proves that Imbalances of love create imbalances of power when the scene between Demetrius and Helena, is reversed, with Hermia now abusing Demetrius. Demetrius questions Hermia “Oh, why rebuke you him that loves you so?” wondering why she is so rude to him when he loves her.
The potion is responsible for the confusion of the lovers situation and creates imbalanced love which dominates the scene. Shakespeare makes the exploration of love fascinating and humorous by blocking the path of requited love and opening up to unrequited love. When Demetrius and Lysander are magically induced to switch their love from Hermia to Helena, the confusion in the scene continues to heighten, the comedy is at its funniest, and the characters are at their most extreme.
In calling Demetrius a “serpent”, and an “adder”, Hermia creates continuity with Act II, Scene 2, in which she dreamed that a serpent ate her heart out. But in this scene, Hermia mistakes the snake; Demetrius has not killed Lysander, but her heart will soon be pierced with an even greater shock that Lysander is in love with Helena. Hermia's hatred of Demetrius is equal to his love of Helena, again adding continuity to the text. Shakespeare has created a fluid, continuous text, by repeating key images, such as the serpent and key relationships and feelings.
Helena’s low self-esteem prevents her...
