Hermia's dilemma is introduced early in the first scene of the play, as her father Egeus complains to the duke that she refuses to marry Demetrius. She maintains that she is in love with Lysander, who she argues is as worthy as Demetrius. Claiming that she does not know "by what power I am made bold'' (I.i.59), she asks Theseus what will happen to her if she does not comply with her father's wishes by marrying Demetrius. Theseus gives her two options: death or lifelong imprisonment in a nunnery. Remarking that she would rather live in a convent all her life than be with Demetrius, Hermia...
Source: Shakespeare for Students, ©2013 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
(The entire page is 494 words.)
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