WHY IS EGEUS DISTURBED

Egeus, the father of Hermia in William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", is portrayed as a man consumed by a sense of disturbance and anxiety throughout the play. This disturbance stems from various factors that challenge his ideals, beliefs, and expectations. Let's delve into the reasons why Egeus is so deeply disturbed.

1. Threatened Patriarchy and Disrupted Family Honor

In the patriarchal society depicted in the play, Egeus holds a position of authority and control over his daughter's life. He believes it is his right and duty to arrange her marriage to Demetrius, a wealthy and socially acceptable suitor. However, Hermia's love for Lysander, a young man of lower social status, disrupts Egeus' plans and threatens his patriarchal authority. This perceived defiance challenges his sense of honor and control, causing him immense disturbance and distress.

1.1 Refusal to Accept Change

Egeus' disturbance also stems from his inability to accept change and adapt to the evolving social norms and values. He clings tightly to traditional patriarchal beliefs, refusing to acknowledge the growing agency and autonomy of women in society. This inflexibility and unwillingness to embrace change further contribute to his sense of unease and disturbance.

2. Fear of Social Disapproval and Loss of Reputation

In Athenian society, reputation and social standing were of utmost importance. Egeus is deeply concerned about how his daughter's disobedience and unconventional love choice will reflect on his family's reputation. He fears that Hermia's actions will bring shame and disgrace upon their family name, tarnishing their social status and making them outcasts in their community. This fear of social disapproval and potential loss of reputation fuels his disturbance and desperation to control Hermia's choices.

2.1 Concern for Hermia’s Future

While Egeus' fears may seem excessive, they also stem from genuine concern for Hermia's future. He believes that Demetrius is the more suitable match for his daughter, both in terms of social status and financial security. He worries that Hermia's love for Lysander will lead to a life of poverty and hardship, which he wants to prevent as a father. However, his methods of control are misguided and oppressive, ultimately causing more harm than good.

3. Unresolved Inner Conflict

Egeus' disturbance is also a manifestation of his unresolved inner conflict. On one hand, he desires to uphold traditional values and maintain control over his family's affairs. On the other hand, he genuinely loves his daughter and wants what is best for her. This inner turmoil between duty and desire, tradition and love, creates a state of emotional unrest and disturbance within him.

3.1 Inability to Find a Compromise

Egeus' inability to find a compromise between his traditional beliefs and his love for Hermia exacerbates his disturbance. He refuses to consider any alternative that deviates from his initial plan, even if it means sacrificing his daughter's happiness. This rigidity and unwillingness to compromise further intensifies his emotional distress and prevents him from finding a peaceful resolution.

4. Lack of Trust and Communication

Egeus' disturbance is also fueled by a lack of trust and communication with Hermia. He does not trust his daughter's judgment or ability to make her own choices, leading him to resort to forceful measures to control her life. The absence of open communication and understanding between father and daughter creates a barrier that prevents them from reaching a mutually agreeable solution.

4.1 Misinterpretation of Hermia’s Intentions

Egeus misinterprets Hermia's love for Lysander as a rebellious act of defiance rather than a genuine expression of her heart's desire. This misunderstanding further widens the gap between them and prevents Egeus from seeing the situation from Hermia's perspective.

Conclusion

Egeus' disturbance in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a complex and multifaceted emotion that stems from various factors. His threatened patriarchal authority, fear of social disapproval, unresolved inner conflict, lack of trust, and communication with Hermia all contribute to his emotional turmoil. As readers, we can empathize with Egeus' struggle to balance tradition and love, duty and desire. Ultimately, his character serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication, understanding, and respecting individual autonomy within families.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary reason for Egeus' disturbance?

• Egeus' disturbance is primarily caused by his threatened patriarchal authority and the disruption of his family's honor due to Hermia's disobedience.

2. How does Egeus' fear of social disapproval contribute to his disturbance?

• Egeus' fear of social disapproval and potential loss of reputation stems from his concern about how Hermia's unconventional love choice will reflect on his family's social standing and reputation.

3. What is the source of Egeus' unresolved inner conflict?

• Egeus' unresolved inner conflict arises from the tension between his desire to uphold traditional values and control his family's affairs and his genuine love for Hermia and his desire for her happiness.

4. How does Egeus' lack of trust and communication with Hermia contribute to his disturbance?

• Egeus' lack of trust and communication with Hermia prevents him from understanding her perspective and reaching a mutually agreeable solution, leading to further emotional distress.

5. What lesson can we learn from Egeus' character in "A Midsummer Night's Dream"?

• Egeus' character serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication, understanding, and respecting individual autonomy within families.