Act Two

Entry 1:

         I agree to the statement that "sometimes people don't notice the people who love them the most". I agree because, as displayed in the play, sometime people are so infatuated with someone else that they become blind to the others that love them. For example, Helena loves Demetrius and is willing to put herself in a dangerous position just to show him that she cares more than anyone else, yet Demetrius doesn't realize the strength of her love as he is busy pursuing Hermia. Her love is shown when Demetrius reputes Helena's love, and Helena says, "And even for that I do love you more./ I am your spaniel;  and, Demetrius,/ The more you beat me, I will fawn on you" (2.1.206-208). This demonstrates that Helena has deep feelings for Demetrius but he wants nothing to do with her because he would rather have Hermia, who wants nothing to do with him.

Entry 2:

        Love can be poisoned/tainted by the interference of others.This is largely displayed in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" where Hermia and Lysander's love is challenged by Egeus, Helena and Demetrius, and Puck. To be together, Hermia and Lysander must overcome the obstacles that Hermia's father, Egeus, creates. Their love is later tested by Demetrius and Helena. In Act II Scene II, the love of Lysander and Hermia is largely affected by Puck who mistakenly gives Lysander a portion of Cupid's magic that causes him to fall in love with the next thing he sees - Helena. When Hermia wakes to find that Lysander has left her the downfall of their love begins Hermia, upon awakening  says, "Lysander, look how I do quake with fear/ Methought a serpent eat my heart away,/ And you sat smiling at his cruel prey./ Lysander! What, removed? Lysander! lord" (2.2.150-153). This quote shows that Hermia, who awakes from a nightmare, finds herself alone in a time of need so I imagine that Hermia will eventually begin to dislike Lysander after realizing that he abandoned her for Helena. Therefore, love can be easily poisoned when others meddle into it; however, love can be restored if it is strong enough to overcome the challenges that are created.