According to Simon Estok, ecofeminism is defined as the paternalistic society driving a wedge between society and culture. Furthermore, it is about the link between the domination of nature and the exploitation of women. Estok, along with many others, took the time to look at Shakespeare's work through an eco-critical lens in order to create new perspectives on the works. Although Shakespeare is considered one of the most progressive and pro-feminist writers of his time, his approach to portraiture is not always obvious and direct. Readers often find Shakespeare using irony, sarcasm, comedy, and satire of patriarchal society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"?Get an Original EssayIn his comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare goes to extreme lengths throughout the play to show how how ridiculous men in society often behave towards women and how it is right and right for a woman to rebel. In version 1.1, Theseus and Hermia experience an exchange that, although comical, strongly points to the problems of the time regarding patriarchal society. The scene begins with Hermia's father, Aegeus, coming to Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to complain about his daughter's rebellion regarding her marriage. Theseus begins his speech with a few threats: 65) Either die or adjure the society of men forever. Therefore, beautiful Hermia, question your desires. Know your youth. Examine your blood well - If, if you do not give in to your father's choice,70) You can bear the livery of a nun... Although it is important to remember that Shakespeare's plays were performed in their time and not meant to be read, the first three lines of Theseus' serious threat to Hermia's life give the reader a detailed picture of Theseus speaking to her as if she were inferior. The audience is left with the feeling that Hermia is nothing more than a tool subject only to her father's use. Her two options are to either be executed or never see a man again in her life. The audience is given this image of Theseus approaching Hermia closely as he says, “Therefore, fair Hermia…” to show his dominance. Flattering women by male figures in positions of authority is often not even intended to flatter. On the contrary, by calling her “the beautiful Hermia”, Theseus is in no way trying to be endearing. These two words are what ultimately take these lines from a gentle warning from a caring duke to the threat of a powerful tyrant. The audience gathers this photo of the Duke, touching Hermia's face as if she were his hostage, as he softens his voice to call her beautiful. It is through objectifying women that men in Shakespeare's plays gain their power and dominance over women. If women are convinced that they are nothing more than objects, that is exactly how they will react in situations like these. Another key word to focus on in this speech is the word “desires.” Whereas in today's English, desires can suggest that there is a reference to some decision. Yet in this case, Theseus simply demands that Hermia change her feelings toward Demetrius, the man her father wants her to marry. Then, as if mocking her with words of objectivity wasn't enough for Theseus, he then begins to remind her of her age. Reminding Hermia of her youth shows the reader that Theseus and the other men in this society only see an adult European man with authority and worthy of respect. Yet Shakespeare's intention in these lines is to create a feelingof power among women. While she essentially stares death in the face to a certain extent, Hermia, as the audience discovers throughout the play, bluffs her father and Theseus and follows her heart. However, according to Theseus, if Hermia does not listen to him and his father, it will hardly be a life worth living. Theseus presents Hermia's future if she proves defiant by saying: 70) You can endure the livery of a nun, To always be in a shady cloister meowed, To live a barren sister all her life, Sing weak hymns to the cold and barren moon. Thrice blessed are those who control their blood in this way… The first word to concentrate on is “endure”. Shakespeare is someone who is always intentional in his choice of words. Here Theseus describes the life of a nun as simply one that must be endured rather than enjoyed. Rather than focusing on how a nun might plan to spend her time in solitude and faith in her Lord, Theseus paints a picture of a cold, desolate, closet-like meditation prison that Hermia must endure , with only the grief of the other nuns to accompany her. her. Yet it is clear that Theseus gives at least some respect to this decision in line 74 when he points out that a nun is “thrice blessed” for mastering her flesh. In the Shakespearean language, this word means “thrice or exceedingly”. (OED). In context, Theseus means that Hermia will be blessed three times in heaven as she is on earth for abstaining from sexual relations with a male suitor. Even though he recognizes that this type of life deserves great respect, he quickly flees words of respect for words of mockery. He basically calls the life of a nun ridiculous and depressing. By using adjectives such as cold and barren, Theseus is actually describing his barren womb rather than the actual moon. After Theseus mocks the idea of ​​remaining a virgin forever, readers and audiences see a direct comparison of Hermia to nature.76) But the distilled rose is happier than the one which, withering on the virgin thorn, grows, lives and dies in one bliss. .When reading this passage, it is important to consider the lines from an eco-critical perspective. According to the Open Source Shakespeare Concordance, Shakespeare compares women to a rose in 26 of his works, including three more times in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Although comparing women to nature can be used to describe their beauty, it is here that Theseus further objectifies Hermia, in order to establish his male dominance. In this sense, Theseus uses a seemingly romantic choice of words as an insult and a direct threat towards Hermia. Although Theseus openly despises Hermia's humanity, he does not see it in himself. As a man, he is simply doing his duty as Duke of Athens by reminding this woman that her love means nothing when it stands in the way of her father's will. In fact, in line 76, Theseus tells Hermia that she can only have value if she loses her virginity to the man her father desires for her. If Hermia doesn't listen to him, she is nothing more than an unused flower that was born, lived briefly without purpose, and died for nothing. Yet, according to Theseus, if she listens, he tells Hermia that she might have a purpose in her life. If she chooses the desire of her father, Demetrius, then she will be a beautiful rose picked and used as a beautiful perfume, which she will ultimately use to appease men. It is also possible that Shakespeare compared the viable and used womb to a rose, while the virgin to a thorn. Although comparing women to nature can be considered a form of flattery, an ecofeminist lens will emphasize that it is,.