Magic And Other Supernatural Occurrences - 1150 Words

In classic works, magic and other supernatural occurrences are given negative connotations. Viewed as wicked and evil, magic has been the antagonist of righteous heroes for many years. Though it has always renounced, in Shakespeare s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the whimsical nature of magic makes it possible for the character’s fatal flaws to be disregarded and becomes the character’s salvation rather than their demise giving magic a positive connotation. Magic is used to help the characters. This act is done by the fairy character, Oberon. The king of the fairies, at this time in the play, is currently in the process of getting revenge on his wife, Titania, when he eavesdrops on Helena and Demetrius. Moved by Helena’s unrequited love for Demetrius, he tells his servant, Puck: A sweet Athenian Lady is in love With a disdainful youth. Anoint his eyes, But do it when the next thing he espies May be the lady. Thou shalt know the man By the Athenian garments he hath on. Effect it with some care, that he may prove More fond on her than she upon her love; And look thou meet me ere the first cock crow. (II.I.260-266) In these instructions to Puck, Oberon clearly pities Helena, however; what is comical about this scene is the juxtaposition between the use of the love potion for his wife and the use of it for Helena. His departure from his malicious plans prove that magic can have good intentions. 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