# Scene II explained — A Midsummer Night's Dream

> Chapter companion for A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Oberon scolds Puck for mistakenly anointing Lysander's eyes with the love juice, then orders him to lead the lovers astray and correct the error. Meanwhile, Titania awakens and falls in love with Bottom, who has been transformed into an ass. The Athenian lovers continue to quarrel, with Lysander and Demetrius both professing love for Helena, causing confusion and conflict among them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The love juice causes chaotic shifts in affection, parodying the irrationality of romantic love.

### Order vs. Chaos

Oberon attempts to restore order after Puck's mistake, while the lovers descend into confusion and conflict.

### Jealousy and Conflict

The lovers' quarrels escalate, with Helena accusing Hermia of conspiring against her, and the men threatening violence.

## Character check-ins

### Oberon

Scolds Puck for his mistake and devises a plan to correct the love chaos.

### Puck

Reports Titania's love for Bottom and leads the lovers astray as instructed.

### Lysander

Under the love spell, he pursues Helena and argues with Demetrius.

### Demetrius

Also under the spell, he competes with Lysander for Helena's affection.

### Helena

Believes Hermia, Lysander, and Demetrius are mocking her.

### Hermia

Confused and hurt by Lysander's sudden rejection and the ensuing chaos.

## Key lines

> This is thy negligence: still thou mistakest, Or else committ’st thy knaveries willfully.

This is your fault: you keep making mistakes, or else you're deliberately causing mischief.

_Oberon scolds Puck for his error._

> My mistress with a monster is in love.

My queen has fallen in love with a monster.

_Puck reports Titania's enchantment with Bottom._

> I am amazed at your passionate words. I scorn you not: it seems that you scorn me.

I am shocked by your angry words. I am not mocking you; it seems you are mocking me.

_Hermia responds to Helena's accusations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_midsummer_nights_dream_se/chapters