MARTINA B.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream - A Reflection On Modern Patriarchy

“Be advised, fair maid. / To you your father should be as a god;”

While reading A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, these words - alongside many others - told by Duke Theseus really got me thinking. The first question that popped up in my mind was “Could I use this quote to describe our contemporary society?” and so I started reflecting on Patriarchy.

I decided to dig deeper into this intriguing comedy and focus on what we can learn from it. Thanks to this Shakespearean work, I was in fact able to talk about this issue and about the importance of spreading awareness. It’s fundamental to understand that Patriarchy affects negatively everyone, and talking about it is the first step to reach change.

Indeed, the research work I did has made me better understand that we do live in a patriarchal society. We could say that the definition of Patriarchy assumed several different versions over time: however, they all highlight women’s limitations and powerlessness. A Midsummer Night’s Dream plays its role perfectly: it makes the reader realize how Patriarchy affects us all and how foolish it is.