The Hidden Meaning Behind Titania and Oberon's Dispute in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Understanding the complex narrative of A Midsummer Night's Dream can be quite a mystery for many readers. However, delving into the historical and literary context can reveal deeper layers of meaning hidden within Shakespeare's work.
The Dispute Between Titania and Oberon
In A Midsummer Night's Dream, the fairy queens, Titania and Oberon, are embroiled in a dispute over the fate of a changeling boy. On the surface, this seems to be a simple disagreement over custody. However, this conflict carries a much greater significance that extends beyond the realm of the fairies.
Oberon, the King of the fairies, is clearly unhappy with Titania's refusal to give up the boy. This disagreement causes chaos in the fairy world, which ultimately affects the natural world. To retaliate, Oberon decides to use a magical flower to bewitch Titania, causing her to fall in love with a local woodworker, further adding to the turmoil.
A Closer Look at the Historical Context
Many scholars and experts have tried to uncover the hidden meanings behind Shakespeare's plays, particularly A Midsummer Night's Dream. One such perspective is provided by Sidney Phillipps, who suggests that the play contains veiled references to a series of complex events and personal dramas related to the life of the Earl of Oxford.
The Earl of Oxford and the "Secret" Son
According to Phillipps, the play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is closely tied to the life of the Earl of Oxford. Oxford had a love child with Elizabeth Tudor in 1573, a relationship that was not acknowledged by Queen Elizabeth and was sent away. This period of Oxford's life was marked by rebellion and a quest for personal fulfillment, leading him to go to Italy for 18 months, where he gained inspiration for the locations of various plays.
Oxford, deeply affected by the rejection from the Queen, wrote an epic poem titled 'Venus and Adonis', which is seen as an allegory of his relationship with Elizabeth. This poem, along with other works, reveals the private thoughts and emotions behind his works. By reading these works, one can begin to understand the underlying themes in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'
The Surface and Hidden Stories
On the surface, the dispute over the changeling boy seems trivial. However, when viewed through the lens of historical context, it becomes clear that the dispute is a test of Titania's obedience. When Titania fails this test, Oberon decides to punish her, reflecting his stature as the dominant force in the fairy realm.
Phillipps argues that the chaotic situation in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' mirrors the turmoil in Oxford's personal life and the constraints placed upon him by the royal court. The play's bizarre and meaningless nature, as many find it, is transformed into a coherent narrative when understood in the context of these hidden meanings.
Conclusion
Revisiting 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with a broader understanding opens up new avenues for interpretation, revealing the intricate layers of history, love, and personal drama woven into Shakespeare's work. By peeling back the layers, readers and scholars alike can uncover the true meaning behind this seemingly simple play.