Student Question
How is Hermia portrayed as foolish in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Quick answer:
Hermia is portrayed as foolish by revealing her elopement plan with Lysander to Helena, not anticipating that Helena would use this information to gain favor with Demetrius. This lack of foresight leads to the chaotic events in the woods, influenced by fairy magic. Although everything resolves positively, with Demetrius falling in love with Helena, Hermia's initial disclosure was unwise, as it jeopardized her and Lysander's plans for happiness.
One action Hermia takes that one might say is foolish is letting Helena know that she and Lysander are eloping and will be traveling through the woods in order to do so. She doesn't seem to realize that Helena will try to use that knowledge to get into Demetrius's good graces—though that plan doesn't work very well for Helena! If Hermia hadn't told Helena, the entire adventure in the woods might not have happened; she and Lysander might have left Athens altogether instead. As it happens, with the help of the fairies, it all turns out for the best, with Demetrius ending up in love with Helena—at least, if you consider a permanent magically induced love a happy ending. However, Hermia doesn't know this will happen at the outset. She and Lysander have made a plan that they think is their best chance at happiness. Revealing this plan to Helena without considering that her friend might pass on the information is, indeed, rather foolish.
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