At the end of Act 1 Scene 1, Lysander and Hermia have decided that they will elope seven leagues from Athens to a dowager aunt's house where the
'sharp Athenian law/cannot pursue (them)'
They then divulge their plans to Helena, with subsequent consequence.
Read this portion of the play as found in your playbook, on page 37 onwards till the end of Act 1.
When you are done, please answer the following questions:
1. In your opinion, why do you think Helena decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope?
and
2. To what extent is Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust understandable and excusable?
Deadline for comments: Friday, 05 Feb 2010, 5pm
Q1:
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I think that the reason Helena decided to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope is because she loves him too much, and decides that there should not be any secrets kept between them, thus the decision to tell him about the plans.
"Love is blind". This is exactly why Helena would betray her friends for Demetrius's sake. Helena thinks that by keeping secrets from Demetrius, she would be untruthful, and when he finds out about it, she would stand no chance in winning his heart. That is why she insists on telling Demetrius about the plans.
Helena would also be able to gain Demetrius's trust by telling him about the plans. Demetrius would most likely think that she is a trustworthy person and they would grow closer and closer together, and at last, Demetrius might just accept Helena's love. Helena must have thought that it was a good chance to prove herself, so she devulges the secret to Demetrius.
To Helena, Demetrius matters more than anyone else. Thus, she would willingly do anything for him. Therefore I think that Helena did what she had done just to get into the good books of Demetrius.
Q2:
In my opinion, I would think that it is unforgivable for Helena's decision. She should not have betrayed her friends just for love. This would cause them to hate her and she would gradually lose more and more friends because of that.
Helena is being blinded by love and can only see Demetrius in her eyes. This is what almost everyone experiences when they are in love. But people should still learn to be trustworthy and not let the cat out of the bag so easily. Who knows, Demetrius might not like Helena someday and all her effort would have gone down the drain.
I would think that Helena had committed the act in a moment of folly. She should have thought more thouroughly before acting, and that may cause her to be able to still retain Lysander and Hermia's trust in her. Although Demetrius would be furious at her for not informing him, she would still have not done something against her guilty conscience.
In conclusion, I would think that Helena was foolish and rash in making the decision, and should not be pardoned.
JiaJie, 3JT
Q1) I think Helena decides to tell Demetrius about lysander and hermia's escape plan so as to persuade demetrius to give up on hermia and that hermia will never love him and to convince demetrius that the only person who loves him is helena herself so demetrius should just forget about hermia and get on with his life. I also think that helena betrayed lysander and hermia's trust because she wanted to show demetrius she is willing to forsake everything including her friendship with hermia and lysander just to prove that she is willing to do anything for demetrius' sake and he should recognize her sacrifice and go back loving helena
ReplyDeleteQ2)I think we should not excuse helena. She is too desperate for demetrius recognition that she is willing to betray her friends. in other words, that marked her as a back-stabber;)(a little bit too extreme)But she still betrayed her friends and i find it inexcusable
1. Helena decides to tell Demetrius about the elopement of Lysander & Hermia so to win Demetrius's trust. With his trust, Helena will has an easier time winning his love back again. :D Knowing that Demetrius will certainly go to the forest to find Hermia, Helena followed him so that she can spend time privately with Demetrius.
ReplyDelete2. To large extent Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is understandable and excusable. She was devastated knowing Demetrius falls in love with Hermia instead of her. For the sake of Demetrius, she's willing to do anything. She wanted him so much that she even betrayed Hermia. Love is said to be blind and noble. In this case, Helena's betrayal could be understandable. Love has turned Helena into a fool, leading her to beg for the love of a man who cares nothing about her. This is excusable.
Danling_3MD
1. Helena loves Demetrius and wishes to gain his trust for her. At the same time, Helena is disillusionalised as she thought that Demetrius will give up on wooing Hermia, as he would then see how loving Hermia and Lysander were. Little did Helena expect things to backfire, and magic was involved later in the play. Helena also was very foresaken by Demetrius, which she loves so much, thus she may want Demetrius to find out the truth about the lovers and thus breaking his heart. Helena is also acting selfish, as she may be thinking that Hermia and Lysander have true love, and that she doesn't, thus she is feeling jelous and wanted to betray Hermia and Lysander.
ReplyDelete2. Helena's decision is understandable and excusable to a very big extent, as one would normally find whichever ways to get his or her lover, if he/her loves the other so much. Love is blind. Helena's love for Demetrius has gotton so deep that she cannot hold back her feelings, and cannot resist the temptation of betraying her friend Hermia's trust to gain her lover, which she has long wanted to be with him. At the same time, Helena has not felt love from Demetrius which she loves dearly, hence to her, a little sacrifice of trust is nothing compared to the love of Demetrius.
Thus, Helena's decision is understandable and excusable.
Sng Khai Chong Emerson_3LY
(Where's my little Thisbee? haha)
1. In my opinion, Helena tells Demetius of Hermia and lysander's elope as she wants the best for him. As Helena sincerly loves Demetrius, she is displaying what a true lover would do. She desprately wants the best for Demettrius, thus even though it is to her disadvantage, she is willing to do it. Helena can be seen as extremely devoted to Demetrius, and loes him unconditionally. Despite the way that Demetrius treated her, Helena still loves him. Hence, it can be seen that HElena is willing to do anything for Demetrius.
ReplyDelete2.I feel that Helena's betrayal to Hermia'a trust is not understandable and excusable. Firstly, if Helena had paused to think, she would have realised that after Hermia is gone, she can have Demetrius to herself. Thus, Helena had acted rashly, and did not think of the consequences. Sh eonly thoght of Demetrius' happiness, not sparing a thought for herself. Secondly, Hermia had trusted Helena not to tell anybody about her elope with Lysander as she believed that Helena would not do so. HOwever, Helena had betrayed her trust by telling Deemetrius.
ongjiaqi(11)
1. I think Helena decided to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's escape in the hopes of obtaining Demetrius' trust, and subsequently hoping he would fall in love with her. With Hermia gone far away, Helena had not anticipated that Demetrius would still be willing to pursue her.
ReplyDelete2. Helena's decision to betray her friend is understandable, as sometimes love or any other strong emotion makes people do stupid things. Their judgement can be impaired, and in Helena's case, she has chosen to betray her friendship for the sake of love. In this sense, she has been blinded by love, and her actions are somewhat excusable. However, she is too overrun with emotions. She cannot accept the fact that Demetrius does not love her, and hence betrayed Hermia's trust. It would have been better if she had done her best to let go of her infatuation, as friendship is what is important.
- Anna S., 3IT
1. In my opinion, Helena thinks that by telling Demetrius of Lysander & Hermia's plan to elope, Demetrius will feel grateful towards Helena for this piece of information.Then,he may give up on Hermia and go back to love Helena again.Helena felt that by doing this, it will cost Demetrius a lot to thank her,but for Helena it will be worth the effort(as mentioned in line 249'If I have thanks,it is a dear expense')
ReplyDelete2. I agree to a large extent that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is understandable & excusable. I feel this way because Helena is desperate to have Demetrius's love again and she is willing to do anything to have his love back.Even if anyone tries to stop her, the decision to betray Hermia's trust is still up to her. I also pity Helena because she must be feeling very down & depressed that the man that used to love her fell in love with another woman, which is her friend. It must be hard to accept this fact.Thus, I agree to a large extent that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is understandable & excusable.
Yip Boee (17) 3JT
I think that Helena decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia’s plans to elope because of her jealousy towards Hermia. She envied that Hermia could get Lysander’s love whom she was also in loved with but only single sided. She wanted to act noble by telling Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia’s plan but it was actually due to her selfishness of wanting Lysander’s love. Helena wanted to ruin their plan so that Hermia would have to marry Demetrius and she will then replace Hermia and marry Demetrius.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think Helena’s decision to betray Hermia’s trust is partially understandable and excusable because love sometimes can be blind and selfish. Helena wanted Lysander’s love but could not get it so she thought that Hermia was the third party, and she tried to remove this ‘obstacle’ by every means. The thoughts of wanting Lysander’s love had shrouded and blind Helena so she decided to betray their trust. She did not put herself into Hermia’s shoe and think on Hermia’s perspective, Although Helena was egoistic and only craved for her happiness, love is what you need to strive for in order to get it so I think that Helena is partially understandable and excusable.
On the other hand, I think Helena’s action was unforgivable because she and Hermia were best friends. It would be sorrowful to be betrayed by a friend and it would be definitely heart breaking to be betrayed by a best friend. When you put your faith in him/her but he/she later double-crossed you, the feeling is indescribable and the wound in the heart will take years to heal. Although you may be cured as time passes-by, a scar will be left in your heart and it will be very difficult to trust others anymore because you do not want to be hurt again. Helena should reveal her feelings towards Lysander and let him decide on who to be with, even if she cannot get Lysander’s love, at least she fight fairly for it and did not use any sordid method. She can then wish for their happiness and will not lose her best friend either.
Yan Li 3JT ==!
1. It is the only chance for Helena to earn back Demetrius' love.She is desperate for his love. By telling him of Lysander and Hermia's plan to elope, she has the idea that Demetrius would think that Hermia has deliberately run away with Lysander so as to escape from his clutches as well as her father's. He would thus give up on Hermia and instead, he would go back to Helena's side, as he is touched by the fact that Helena still supports and loves him when she provides him the information. She thinks that Demetrius will turn his attention back on her as a result of her kindness, but this is not the case.Demetrius feelings for Hermia does not falter, as seen in the later parts of the plot. Helena has the psychology that Demetrius would be attracted to her character traits and qualities. But in the end, he still sees nothing in her. She expects that for her efforts come great rewards, as in the appreciation and love by Demetrius for her. It all comes to naught. If fact, it could only make matters worse, as it is also betrayal to Hermia and Lysander. Cupid, as mentioned by Helena, is indeed blind, for it is imagination and not the senses which causes love, it is attraction and not appreciation that causes love, like in Helena's case.
ReplyDelete2. It is not excusable but Helena is not entriely at fault. She does it out at jealousy for Hermia and eagerness for Demetrius' love. Hermia told her of their plans so as to give her encouragement, but Helena uses this good will against her by betraying her. It is a disgusting and horrible act. Whats more, Hermia treats her as a good friend - "And in the wood, where often you and I upon faint primrose beds were not to lie, emtying our bosoms of their counsel sweet." We can tell that Hermia trusts Helena - she pours out her feelings to her. Yet Helena does not respect her trust, just to obtain the love of a man who has no feelings for her whatsoever. Demetrius is also too much. He wooed Helena into loving him, yet turned his back on her when he set eyes on Hermia. Helena is quite pitiful. It leads to her envy and finally the betrayal.
Lim Jian Heng 3BN
1) In my opinion, Helena decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plan to elope as she thought that Demetrius will react with gratitude. Demetrius once loved Helena and in order to win back his love, she decides to reveal Lysander and Hermia's plan to run away from Athens to Demetrius so that she could follow Demetrius into the forest to find them. The evidence from the book is "I will go tell him of fair Hermia's flight. Then to the wood will he to-morrow night pursue her; and for this intelligence if I have thanks, it is a dear expense."
ReplyDelete2) I feel that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is only understandable and excusable to a small extent. As i think that Helena is being selfish, only thinking for herself and not being considerate towards others especially her friend, Hermia. I think that we should be truthful towards our friends and never betray their trust for us. Helana betrayed Hermia is because she wanted to succeed in winning back Demetrius's love for her. Thus, in order to achieve what she wanted, she told Demetrius about Hermia and Lysander's plan of leaving Athens to the forest.
However, Helena betraying Hermia's trust is understandable as she knew that it is impossible for Hermia to love Demetrius and furthermore, she had already elpoed with Lysander. This shows that Hermia and Lysander did not have the intention of separating. Helena also love Demetrius deeply and she is willing to sacrifice anything for him.
In conclusion, I feel that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is only understandable and excusable to a small extent.
Lim Runmin(6) 3MD
1. In my opinion, i think that helena's decision to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope is because Helena, being in love with Lysander so deeply, is trying her best to stop Lysander and Hermia from being together. In this case, she is trying to stop them from eloping is because she knows that once they elope, she stands no chance of having lysander anymore, as they are going away to get married. Therefore, her main aim is to try and keep her chance of being with Lysander, thus stopping them from eloping, and in order to stop them, she has to tell demetrius, who will then tell Theseus, Hermia's father, who is able to stop them with his authority.
ReplyDelete2. Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust for her is understandable and excusable to an extent that she could not be blamed totally. That is because all humans have emotions. Moreover, love is always selfish. Only one person can have one partner, and in this case, only Hermia or Helena can have Lysander. Therefore, to get happiness forever, one must fight for it. However, in Helena's attempt to fight for her true love, she has to betray Hermia's trust. Its inveitable. Therefore, her betrayal is understandalbe and excusable.
Karyn choy 3LY
1. In your opinion, why do you think Helena decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope?
ReplyDelete(Helena)
“I will go tell him of fair Hermia’s flight.
Then to the wood will he to-morrow night
Pursue her; and for this intelligence
If I have thanks, it is a dear expense.
But herein mean I to enrich my pain,
To have his sight thither and back again.”
From this, I can infer that Helena told Demetrius of Hermia’s decision to elope, as she wanted Demetrius to be happy, for Demetrius to be grateful to her and perhaps to love her again. Helena probably thought that Demetrius would be grateful towards her and preserve a good impression of her. Later on, if Demetrius gave up on Hermia, then he may give Helena another chance. Helena did this for love, to please her Love(Demetrius) and gain another chance.
2. To what extent is Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust understandable and excusable?
Helena’s decision is excusable, as all things done in the name of love are important. Maybe her actions would hurt others, but for her, a girl who was un-loved for so long, it is only normal for her to want to have another try at love, another chance to be close to the one she loved.
However, I do not understand why she acted in such a way. Perhaps, if she wanted Demetrius to be happy, her actions would be correct. But technically, her choice does not make any sense. If she kept mum, Demetrius would forget Hermia eventually (being that fickle-minded lover he was), and perhaps go back to Helena. This would mean that Demetrius and Helena would be together, and Hermia and Lysander would be together, the perfect ending to the love story.
Tan Yi Xin (23) Secondary Three Courage 2010
1. In my opinion, I think that Helena decided to tell Demetrius about the plans to elope because she is unhappy that Hermia manages to gain the love of two men, one of which she has feelings for. Therefore, she hopes that by telling Demetrius about Hermia and Lysander's plans to elope, she can gain the trust of Demetrius. Hopefully, Demetrius will feel thankful towards her and therefore, falls in love wityh her all over again.
ReplyDelete2. Helena's decision is understandable and excusable to a little extent. It can be understandable as Helena can be said to be heads over heels with Demetrius. She loves Demetrius deeply and yet Demetrius loves Hermia. Hence, she is quite pitiful as she does not get any love at all.
However, Helena decides to betray her long friendship with Hermia just for Demetrius, this I feel unexcusable. She thinks pathetically that if she gives Demetrius the information he wants, he would be touched by her. However, this is not true. She has the mindset that if she does not get her happiness, Hermia cannot get her's too, therefore she decides to sabotage Hermia and Lysander's plans to elope.
Lim Joey (11) 3IT
She wants to tell Demetrius about their plan because she thinks that if she tells him, maybe he will be grateful to her and to return by her side. She thinks that this is the only way to make Demetrius return to her willingly.
ReplyDeleteMaybe after Lysander and Hermia eloped, she would have Demetrius all by herself, but his heart would not be with her. Since she loves Demetrius, probably she thinks that it is unfair that Demetrius does not have the chance to pursue his happiness due to the selfishness of the couple.
I think that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is to a large extent, understandable and excusable. I believe that everyone has heard of the phrase "Love Is Blind". People will most probably sacrifice themselves for the people they love.
Most probably they will love them more than they love themselves. I believe Helena is also blinded by love. Although she hated Hermia and seeing her leave she will be all the more happy but she decides to tell Demetrius because she loves him too much.
She does not bear to see Demetrius feeling sad of Hermia's departure. Thus, I think that it is understandable and excusable that she betrayed her trust.
But if you look at the positive side, probably you will find that the four parties will benefit from the betrayal of Helena. Helena, thinking that Demetrius will return by her side of she tells him about the plan. Otherwise, she have the chance to realise that Demetrius do not love her anymore and could give up earlier. Demetrius will have the chance to pursue his happiness and is not treated unfairly by the couple's selfishness of leaving secretly. As for Lysander and Hermia, this might be the chance to test whether their love is strong enough to withstand the obstacles ahead of them.
However, I think that her betrayal is, to a small extent, not understandable and exusable. I have learnt that it takes years to build up trust but only a few minutes is needed to destroy it.
Helena has taken the trust that Hermia gives her too for granted. She did not think of the consequences that it may lead to. Probably next time Hermia has a secret to tell, she would not tell Helena due to her betryal for once.
1) I feel that Helena decision to tell bout Hermia's plan is because of her being jealous more than trying to 'impress' Demetrius. I think that she felt Hermia was too good to have both guys favour and thus wanted to break her up with Lysander also. From "How happy some o'er other some can be! Through Athens I am thought as fair as she." is can be seen that she is actually jealous of Hermia.
ReplyDelete2)I feel that her decision to betray Hermia's trust is totally not excusable. I feel that her statement of trying to please Lysander is just a disillusion she made up in her mind to make her feel better on the fact that she is betraying her good friend's trust.
1. In my opinion, the main reason why Helena decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia’s plans is to show her loyalty and determination in pursing him. She wanted a moment of attention from Demetrius, since she was too overly obsessed with admiring and loving him. This piece of information Helena plans to disclose to Demetrius is something that Demetrius would have to thank her a lot for (“If I have thanks, it is a dear expense”), but of a high price to her. Helena was willing to be blamed for the betrayal of Hermia and Lysander’s trust, just in order to have Demetrius to herself (“To have his sight thither and back again”). She also thought that this sweet sacrifice was worth putting Lysander and Hermia’s relationship at stake.
ReplyDeleteAnother reason might be that Helena wanted to sabotage the love Demetrius has for Hermia, so that she could have him. Helena might have hoped that Demetrius’ spirits would be dampened, upon seeing Lysander and Hermia’s affectionate and powerful true love for each other. If Demetrius’ determination to woo Hermia was not as strong, Hermia might stand a chance to succeed in her pursuit for Demetrius.
2. Helena’s decision to betray Hermia’s trust is understandable and excusable to a certain extent. It can be said that her possessive or selfish nature caused her to do such a thing. Going all out, breaking all rules and defying all morals are normal for people fighting for love. Her admiration for Demetrius might have overpowered her friendship with Hermia.
More importantly, Demetrius had fallen in love with Helena’s friend, Hermia, making it seem unacceptable for Helena. Her sarcastic remarks to Hermia seem to show some jealousy in her. Someone whom she loves so deeply actually had eyes for no one else but her friend. Helena feels jealous and slightly angered, which can be deduced from her tone of speech in her conversation with Hermia. She also might not understand why Hermia was more worthy of Demetrius love than herself. Love is selfish in Helena’s opinion, just like how she herself had been treated like non-existent, and this coerced her give away Hermia’s secret.
However, for someone who values all sorts of relationships, friendship should be as important and worthy as love. Betraying Hermia’s trust simply means that Helena treated the friendship as if it was not of any importance, while Hermia might suffer from Demetrius as well as the Athens law’s constant pursuits. It might even mean the separation of Hermia and Lysander if the news reaches Egeus or Theseus. Putting something not belonging to hers at risk is regarded as an irresponsible act. Love is blind, as implied by the play, and only the strong-willed who engage in fair play shall be entitled with the chance to experience and enjoy this sophisticated phenomenon.
Question 1:
ReplyDeleteThere are 2 reasons as to why Helena decides to tell Dementrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope. (1) To win back Dementrius love and (2) to make him feel how it is like to be abandoned by the person whom he loves.
Before the arrival of Hermia, Dementrius was in love with Helena. By telling him of their plans to elope, she hopes that Dementrius will fall for her once again, because of his inconstancy in women, he abandons Helena to be with Hermia.
The evidence from the play is "He hailed down oaths that he was only mine,/ And when this hail some heat from Hermia felt, / so he dissolved, and showers of oaths did melt." Also, "But herein mean I to enrich my pain,/ To have his sight thither and back again" tells us that she is desperate to win back his love.
The second reason is to let him feel how it is like to be abandoned by someone whom he loves. When Hermia arrives, Dementrius falls for her and leaves behind Helena. From the same quote "But herein mean I to enrich my pain,/ To have his sight thither and back again." it tells us that she has suffered a great deal when Dementrius left her for another. By telling him that Hermia is running away with Lysander, it indirectly tells him that Hermia does not love him and that she has the one who has been loving him from the very start.
Question 2:
Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is understandable and excusable to a great extent.
Helena is thoroughly hurt by the fact that Hermia has stolen the love of her life. The fact is that Hermia did not do it on purpose and that it was Dementrius' inconsistency in women that made her suffer. Helena must be very happy when she heard that Lysander and Hermia are planning to elope. It means that Hermia is going to disappear from Dementrius life and that she has a great chance that he will love her again.
Also, Helena did not mean to betray Hermia's trust but just wanted to convey to Dementrius the fact that Hermia does not love her. She also wants to wake Dementrius from the daze that she loved Hermia, but the fact was that it was her that she loved.
Thus, I believe that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is understandable and excusable.
Aileen Fu (3BN)
1) Helena wanted to impress Demetrius for getting hold of such a great piece of news. She wanted Demetrius to be impressed with her and fall in love with her, not Hermia. By telling Demetrius, Helena thinks she can attain a higher position in Demetrius' heart(At least that's how she thinks) She also then can follow Demetrius to the forest without being seemed as irritating.
ReplyDelete2) I would say she is both right and wrong. On one hand, she is blinded by her love for Demetrius to betray her friend. Love is blind and can sometimes cause someone to do things without thinking like what Helena did. It is understandable that Helena was too blinded by her great love for Demetrius to actually think about betraying the trust of Hermia if she told Demetrius. Plus, Hermia should have known better than to tell someone who loves Demetrius so much like Helena. It is quite obvious that Helena won't hide anything from someone she loves so greatly. Hermia should not have told Helena in the first place. From another point of view, Helena can be deemed as wrong, as it is wrong to betray your best friend. Hermia trusted Helena so she told her, but yet she told Demetrius. When people tell you not to say it out to others they mean it if not they wouldn't say it. Trust is very important between friends. Without trust, there's no rel friendship between both parties. Helena makes herself seem untrustable from this incident.
-Jocelyn (20) 3Courage.
***Before I start my comments, I am sorry to say that I had wrongly placed my comments for Task 1(Week 3) on the WELCOME section. Hope for your forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteComments for Task 2 (Week 4):
In my opinion, I think Helena decided to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia’s plans to elope most probably because she was too obsessed over Demetrius. She thought that love can make worthless things beautiful. Besides, she was willing to do anything for Demetrius because she saw things with her mind not eyes. Moreover, she might be jealous of Helena’s beauty that can make Demetrius loved her so much. On her perspective, she might also think that Demetrius would be grateful to her for her information given. Thus, it would be worth her pain in helping him pursue Hermia. In addition, she might be able to see Demetrius when he went and came back.
For me, I think Helena’s decision to betray Hermia’s trust was very bad but it was still excusable. Although she really betrayed Hermia’s trust to him but she did it for Hermia and Lysander’s sakes. She did not want them to be regret after they eloped. However, it is very bad for her that she did it not only with the first excuse but other excuses. For instance, she did it because she was jealous of Hermia’s beauty. Nevertheless, Helena decided to betray Hermia’s trust and tell Demetrius was just because her own benefits such as she might gain the opportunity to meet Demetrius when he went and came back again. She also thought that Demetrius will be grateful to her for the information given. That’s why I think that what she did was excusable but quite bad when we looked through it with other perspectives.
Commented by Ng Boon Pin 3BN/2010
***Before I start my comments, I am sorry to say that I had wrongly placed my comments for Task 1(Week 3) on the WELCOME section. Hope for your forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteComments for Task 2 (Week 4):
In my opinion, I think Helena decided to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia’s plans to elope most probably because she was too obsessed over Demetrius. She thought that love can make worthless things beautiful. Besides, she was willing to do anything for Demetrius because she saw things with her mind not eyes. Moreover, she might be jealous of Helena’s beauty that can make Demetrius loved her so much. On her perspective, she might also think that Demetrius would be grateful to her for her information given. Thus, it would be worth her pain in helping him pursue Hermia. In addition, she might be able to see Demetrius when he went and came back.
For me, I think Helena’s decision to betray Hermia’s trust was very bad but it was still excusable. Although she really betrayed Hermia’s trust to him but she did it for Hermia and Lysander’s sakes. She did not want them to be regret after they eloped. However, it is very bad for her that she did it not only with the first excuse but other excuses. For instance, she did it because she was jealous of Hermia’s beauty. Nevertheless, Helena decided to betray Hermia’s trust and tell Demetrius was just because her own benefits such as she might gain the opportunity to meet Demetrius when he went and came back again. She also thought that Demetrius will be grateful to her for the information given. That’s why I think that what she did was excusable but quite bad when we looked through it with other perspectives.
Commented by Ng Boon Pin 3BN/2010
Helena wants Demetrius desperately. She thinks that if she tells Demetrius about Hermia's plan to elope with Lysander, Demetrius will thank her and feel grateful to her. Also, she claims that Demetrius will definitely change his mind and fall for her as she had done him a great favour. Hence, she decided to betray Hermia in order to get Demetrius heart.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I feel that Helena's act is ignorant.She thought that by doing such an act can make Demetrius diverts his attention to her instead of Hermia.Being a good friend of Hermia, she betrayed Hermia and tried to ruin Hermia's happiness by revealing her plan.
Furthermore,I believed it was not Hermia's fault that Demetrius fell in love with her. Hermia had tried her best in different ways to get rid of Demetrius. However,she just failed to do so. In MSND,there was also evidences which showed Hermia had rejected him for a long time. Evidences like,"I gives him curses,yet he gives me love.","The more I hate,the more he follows me","I frown upon him,yet he loves me still."
In conclusion, I think that Helena decided to tell Demetrius Hermia's plan is because of the fact that she wants Demetrius desperately. In exchange with her decision,she gives up her friendship with Hermia.
TzeFung(19)_3JT
Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is understandable and excusable only to a small extent.
ReplyDeleteThrough Helena's decision,I found out that Helena is a very selfish person.She decided to tell Demetrius Hermia's plan in order to achieve what she wanted. She did not even spare a thought for others as in the seriousness in her decision. She did not put herself into Hermia's shoes to feel for her. Despite the fact that Hermia is a good friend of hers,she betrayed her in order to get Demetrius's attention. In fact, Hermia is willing to tell her is because she thinks that Helena is a good friend of hers and is trustworthy.She believes that Helena will not betrayed her. However, She seemed did not know the reason behind why Hermia is telling her her plan. This explains that Helena's decision is actually inconsiderate and inexcusable as she gives up her friendship just to fulfill her own wish.
TzeFung(19)_3JT
Q1
ReplyDeleteAct One Scene 1, Line 249, "If I have thanks, it is a dear expense".
As mentioned in the novel, Helena believes that it is a loving and costly expense. She thought that by telling Demetrius the information, Demetrius will thank her for her information. As Lysander and Hermia said, they will run to where the 'sharp Athenian law' cannot reach them. So, even if Demetrius managed to catch up with them, Demetrius have no rights to force Hermia to marry him by the Athenian law. Lysander and Hermia are both in love with each other so Hermia will definitely not return to Demetrius. Demetrius would have nothing to do against her as they are outside the town so he will have to return back to Athens. When Demetrius return, he will remember Hermia, who told him about the plan.
Act One Scene 1, Line 251, "To have his sight thither and back again".
As Hermia and Lysander will be gone for good, Helena thought that Demetrius will once again love Helena. That is why she decides to tell the plan to Demetrius.
Q2
It is understandable to a large extent.
Act One Scene 1, Line 235, "And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind".
There is a proverbial expression 'Love in blind'. I believe that as Helena's love for Demetrius is so great, she does not care about friends anymore. Sometimes, it might be true. Love can mislead a person to do practically anything to gain the love of the one he or she loves. In this case, the one who Helena loves is in love with Hermia instead. So, in order to gain the love of Demetrius, she told him of the plan. She knows that the Athenian laws could not reach the place where Lysander and Hermia is eloping to, so Demetrius would have no choice but to return to Athens. Thus, Helena thought that it would be okay to betray Hermia since she will not be coming back to Athens again. And by telling Demetrius about the plan, Demetrius will thank her for letting him have a chance to prevent Hermia. With this mindset, Helena betrayed Hermia. Thus, I feel that it is understandable and excusable because Helena loves Demetrius greatly.
-Scotts, 3JT
1. To many, it might seem to be a foolish decision to tell Demetrius about the plan of Lysander and Hermia. As, if Hermia is gone, Helena might have a chance with Demetrius, and that is what she wanted. By telling Demetrius the plan, Helena is risking her chance of getting back with Demetrius again.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Helena might think otherwise.
'Love is blinded.' It may be because of that phrase that caused the decision of Helena. Perhaps, she thought that, by telling Demetrius Hermia and Lysander's plan of eloping, Demetrius would be grateful to her, and considering of giving her another chance, as, Demetrius once fell in love with her.
She might have the idea that once Demetrius know about the 'eloping plan', he would give up on Hermia. Since, Hermia is willing to give up everything for Lysander, there would be nothing in this world that she would not do. Thus, Demetrius might have the thought of giving up-- no matter towards the admirance of their strong love and determination, or just simply wanting to giving up because he see no chance and meaning in continuing to persue this 'no result marriage/love'.
2. On the surface, it might seem farcical to do, as given the trust of Hermia towards Helena, she ought to be appreciative. But she did not. Instead, she betrayed her and let out her plan to Demetrius. Moreoever, Hermia is not obliged to tell Helena the plan of eloping. It is out of good will that Hermia tells Helena, as she does not want to see Helena being sad. Thus, giving another strong reason why Helena should not do so.
However, 'love is blind'. Looking at Helena's point of view, she might be desperate for Demetrius, thus willing to do anything. She is willing to give a shot to anything, just to get Dmemtrius back, even betraying a friend that trust her. Thus, it is kind of understandable of her betrayal.
In conclusion, i feel that it is understandable but not excusable for Helena's decision.
Ivy Heng 3MD
1.Helena knows that Demetrius would thank her a lot for telling him that Hermia would be eloping with Lysander.She wants to take this opportunity to reward herself after suffering for such a long period of time one-side loving Demetrius.Also Helena wants Demetrius to suffer all that she has suffered and in the end come back to her side and love her once again.Helena wants him to know that it is hard to love someone that does not love you. As such ,return back to the person that loves you the most that is Helena.
ReplyDelete2.I believe that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is understandable and excusable.The main cause is that love is blind and as such out of the norm or wrong things would be done.An example would be,Helena should not have wanted to tell Demetrius that Hermia and Lysander were eloping and keep him by her side. For as long as they return to the Athens. As a result,Demetrius might once again fall in love with Helena. Helena betrays Hermia,her best friend for her love for Demetrius.However she did that only because she was desperate. In the past both Helena and Demetrius were in love,having to break up because Demetrius falls in love with Helena's best friend is simply very hard for Helena to accept.As a young and innocent girl,she still faithfully continues to love Demetrius ,waiting for him to return to her,withstanding all the pain and sufferings.As such in order to just do something for Demetrius is something that she would try her very best to.Just to help Demetrius even in a way that is not a least beneficial for her,she betrays her best friend and tells him that Hermia is leaving with Lysander. ALso she uses this opportunity to reward herself from all his gratefulness.She betrayed her best friend in a desperate situation. Therefore, i think that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is understandable and excusable.
Rochelle Tan(21)
3 BN
In my opinion, there may be 2 possibilities. The first one would be : I would think that Helena is a very "possessive" woman. She decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope so as to dash Demetrius's hopes of being with Hermia. She wants Demetrius to wake up- Hermia does not love him. Hermia loves Lysander. Helena hopes that through that news, Demetrius would give Hermia up and hence, notice another person who had been always beside him, who is Helena. She wants Demetrius to pay attention to her.
ReplyDeleteThe second would be: She truly loves Demetrius, and hopes that Demetrius would be happy. Some think that love is to make the other party happy. As long as Demetrius is happy, she would be happy too. Thus, she told him about the plans, so as to inform him about it and do something to stop them. Helena did not want Demetrius to live with regrets.
Aldon 3BN
For qn 1, I feel that Helena decides to tell Demetrius of their escape because of her strong jealously of Hermia. Helena loves Demetrius so much; she cannot bear to see Demetrius rejected by Hermia because of Lysander. The fact that Demetrius once courted Helena as Lysander mentioned and now he has left her for Hermia makes Helena feel very disappointed. I think she must be even angry at Lysander and Hermia too. She does not hate Demetrius as she loves him, so that’s why she decides to tell him. Helena wants to spill the beans of Hermia and Lysander’s escape as she is frustrated she cannot get her lover while Hermia is being courted by two handsome men. She has reached a point where she cannot take it anymore. Hence, she resorts to this method to vent her frustration as well as to solve the problem of jealously temporarily.
ReplyDeleteFor qn 2,I feel that Helena’s decision to betray Hermia’s trust is understandable and excusable to a large extent. I pity Helena, watching two men fight over one woman while she stand alone, desperately trying to win over the heart of her ex-boyfriend. Helena does treat Hermia as a friend, but as they say all is fair in the battle for love. Helena has the right to feel jealous and furthermore betray Hermia’s trust. She cannot just stand there and watch things fall apart. If I were Helena, I would feel torn apart, and felt that all of them left me an emotional scar. I would also think why Demetrius left me. She is also being run up the wall by simply the fact that Hermia already has Lysander so why must Demetrius still chase Hermia? She is very frustrated and similarly to the first answer, Helena would feel very disappointed. There is nothing much Helena can do to vent her anger so when an opportunity came by, she took it and that is not surprising at all.
alden ong -3jt.
1) She decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope as she thought that Demetrius would be thankful to her and as a result, let Lysander and Hermia be together, and he goes back to Helena. However, he didn't go back to Helena.
ReplyDelete2) It is not excusable as she should not just betray Hermia's trust in her by telling Demetrius about their plan to elope. Furthermore, if Helena wanted Demetrius to herself, the right thing to do was to keep mum about their plan to elope, so that after that, Demetrius would not pester Hermia anymore. Also, I think it's not right to betray a friend's trust in you, for a man that doesn't love you.
Cherilyn Lee, 3Jt.
Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is perfectly understandable and excusable. Love is blind and people would do anything for love, including giving up their own lives for their love ones. Therefore, it is expected that Helena would betray her good friend for her lover.
ReplyDeleteAldon 3BN
In my opinion, I think Helena decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope because she wants Demetrius to give up on Hermia so that she could be with Demetrius.Although it was a fruitless effort as Demetrius went to the forest to search for Hermia and things went wrong.
ReplyDeleteIt is to a small extent that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust understandable and excusable. This is because she might have wanted to tell Demetrius the news so he would give up on Hermia and marry her instead so that is understandable and excusable. However, Hermia trusted Helena and told Helena of Lysander and her plans to elope. From this point of view, it is not understandable and excusable for Helena to betray Hermia's trust.
Kyle Teo (35) 3JT
*Sorry for lack of name in previous comment
ReplyDelete1. In my opinion, Helena did that as she wants the best for Demetrius and hope that he continues to pursue his true love.
Although it may seem blind initially, but when one is indeed in love with another party, the happiness of the person occupies the priority spot in one’s heart. This goes to show that Helena's love for Demetrius is selfless and whole-hearted. This is the 'ideal' image of love in some people's mind and this is what Helena is portraying due to her selfless actions. However, her actions will seem foolish during the Elizabethan times as women were not supposed to pursue their own happiness; love. However, Helena is not obeying the 'rules' imposed upon the women of that era. She tries to pursue her own love, Demetrius instead.
But ultimately, Helena is endangering herself by telling Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope in the name of love.
2. Helena's actions are understandable and excusable at that point of time.
Helena at that point of time was just a woman who was utterly in love with Demetrius and is willing to risk anything to be with her love. She hopes to get into Demtrius' good books by informing him of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope. Although it may not seem logical, Helena may have acted it out at the spur of a moment without considering the dire consequences that will follow. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, her purpose was simplistic: To get into Demetrius' good books and did not have an intention to betray Hermia's trust of her.
This goes to show that Helena was just someone who was lovesick then and acted on impulse without much consideration of the consequences. This also implies that her decision was understandable and excusable.
-Lim Kian Chong (32) 3BN
I feel that Helena divulged Hermia and Lysander's plans to elope as she had hoped that by doing so, she would be able to win over his love. She was so desperate for Demetrius' love, all of which he had only devoted to Hermia, that she thought that by telling him what he wanted to know, he would see that she was the one who truly cared about him, and turn his heart her way.
ReplyDeleteI felt that Helena's betrayal of Hermia’s trust is justifiable. Helena was sad and lonely, having been completely left out of the love triangle at the beginning of the play. She is a lovesick young woman, begging for Demetrius to simply recognise her love. As they say, love makes people crazy, and obviously it tipped Helena slightly off the edge as well. Thus, she prioritises her love for Demetrius above anything else, even her friendship with Hermia and Lysander. She would go to desperate measures to secure Demetrius’ love, which is why I feel that Helena’s moment of folly is forgivable.
Emma Wong, 3CR.
Question 1: Helena hopes to please Demetrius by telling him about Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope. Hermia probably also hopes that Demetrius would give Hermia up and return back to her when he realizes that Hermia was never returning back to Athens.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: I feel that Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is quite understandable and excusable. It did not come as a surprise to me for Helena to betray Hermia's trust, even if Hermia was her best friend. Humans are selfish by nature. Helena was desperate for Demetrius's love. She was obviously jealous of Hermia's beauty as well. With Hermia gone, she would probably have had a better chance at making Demetrius love herl Like many who are blinded by love, she placed her love for Demetrius before her friendship with Hermia. Even though it was terrible of her to betray her friend, it was a perfectly normal reaction for her to tell Demetrius of Hermia's plans to elope with Lysander. Thus, it is understandable and to a certain extent, excusable.
-Jeanette Liew, 3JT
1.Helena wanted to let Demetrius know that Hermia is gone forever,so that he can stop thinking about Hermia and return to her side.But she did not know that Demetrius loved Hermia very much and would pursue after Hermia,leading to the unexpected twist (Demetrius and Lysander both fall for Hermia due to Puck's mistake) in the events in the story.
ReplyDelete2.I think in my opinion that to a large extent that Helena is excusable.She had thought that Demetrius was just soft on Hermia.Helena thought Demetrius would forget about Hermia as Hermia was far away,and return to Helena's side.She was disillusioned.
Lau Rui Han 3 Integrity
2)I think that Helena's decision is highly understandable and excusable. The reason for my view is simple. It is the fact that Helena is devoted and madly in love with Demetrius. A person in love is a person who is blinded. Hence Helena at that point of time is not thinking straight and clearly. Although it looks silly and unreasonable from our viewpoint, such decision is actually sensible for Helena. Moreover, we can see that she is very jealous of Hermia when she things like "Call you me fair? That 'fair' again unsay. Demetrius loves your fair. O happy fair!" and "O, teach me how you look and with what art". In addition, Helena would do anything abd try any measures to win back Demetriu's love. By betraying Lysander and Hermia, she thinks that she will actually gains the favour of Demetrius and gain the upperhand. Furthermore, Helena is in a way trying to badmouth Hermia and ruin the image of her infront of Demetrius. This is also to bring across the idea that Hermia is not as worthy of Demetriu's love as compared to Helena.Thereore, it is understandable and excusable for what Helena did.
ReplyDeleteWang Hao Yu 3BN (note to teacher: the first comment was also posted by me but I have forgotten to include my name)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I think that the main reason why Helena wants to tell Demetrius is that she was actually hoping for him being grateful to her and understand that everything that she do is all in the interest of him. She wishfully hopes that Demetrius will undertand all that and rekindled his love for her so that they can be together again. However, by telling Demetrius the plan, he will go all out to try and stop Lysander and Hermia as he is supposedly in love with the latter and he wants their marriage to go on smoothly. So instead of loving Helena back, just as she wish, he will instead fight for his love for Hermia with Lysander. Hence, this is the consequence that Hermia didn't think of.
2.
From Helena's point of view, her decision is totally excusable and understandable. In my opinion, what she is doing is just to pursue the love that she deserves, Demetrius, so it wouldn't hurt to betray a friend whom she had known since childhood since love is more important. From Hermia's point of view, she would feel betray by Helena's decision. In my opinion, She trust Helena a lot, that's why she decided to tell her the plan that concerns her future, but Helena betrayed her trust. Even her own trusted friend betrayed her, how can she trust other people again? And if Demetrius wreck their plans to elope and tells Egeus, then Hermia's future would be ruined and it would all be Helena's fault. Thus, Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust holds different opinions in different people's viewpoint.
FELICIA NG(19)
3BN
1. At surface level, by betraying Hermia and telling Demetrius about their plans to elope, Helena hopes to get Demetrius's thanks for not letting his lover go and also to get a chance to see Demetrius. Helena's efforts to please Demetrius suggests that she loves her very much.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Demetrius does not love Helena. He once did before the play, but in this scene, we see that they have seperated. This break-up has caused much emotional hurt in Helena, for example, her low self-esteem. When Hermia calls her "fair", Helena told her to take it back, because she does not feel worthy of such praise. She thinks that Hermia is superior to her, because Demetrius chose Hermia over her. This shows that the break-up is very impactful.
Above all, Helena is portrayed as a confused lady. Shakespeare used a wordplay or pun to imply her conflicting sides in I.1.249: "If I have thanks, it is a dear expense". The word "dear" can either mean: 1) costly or 2)loving, i.e. if Helena tells Demetrius of his lover's plans to elope, they will be bounded together by law - a painful truth for her to accept or that Helena feels happy knowing that Demetrius can fulfill his desires. These two conflicting sides suggest the deep confusion in Helena, which clouds her judgment.
It is this confusion between reality and fantasy that causes Helena to betray the secret. In reality, Demetrius will probably not thank Helena, yet Helena hopes that he will. This fanciful wish is likely to be another illuion of fantasy, one of the themes in the story and this scene concurrently serves to introduce the audience to illusions of love, in preparation for the following events in the play.
In a nutshell, it is illusions of life that causes Helena to reveal the secret.
2. Helena's decision to betray Hermia is understandable and excusable.
As mentioned ealier on, Helena's confusion within herself is deep, which may be why she chose to let her love rule over friendship. This can be further justified by the irony that even though Helena knows that Love is blind, she still blindly follows Demetrius without expecting any returns. This act illustrates the irrational nature of Love, a mysterious force that we humans have yet to understand. This lack of understanding accounts for most of the confusion within the characters.
Love is not great; it is the understanding of Love that is truly great. Yet, we cannot blame Helena for being wrong in betraying the secret, because the whole play is about illusions and understandings. Every one have illusions, in this book, they are portrayed through the effects of the love potion. Even in modern society, do anyone yet dare claim that we do not suffer from fantasies of life? There is no denial that such illusions are natural.
It is how one learn from these illusions that truly matters. This is also why Helena's actions are understandable and excusable - not because they are foolish, but because they are steps in the learning process.
Ong Shao Bin (34) 3BN
1. I feel that the reason why Helena decides to tell Demetrius about Hermia's and Lysander's flight is because she thinks that she will be richly rewarded by the sight of Demetrius going into the forest and coming back to her again. She feels that he will react this way once he sees Hermia so close to lysander, as she assumes that Demetrius' love for Hermia is merely about her imaginary qualities. Once Demetrius sees the couple together in the forest, his illusion that Hermia is perfect will be broken and he will return to Helena's side, for once upon a time he courted Helena.
ReplyDelete2. To only a small extent is Helena's excuse for betraying Hermia and lysander is understandable. She too, like Demetrius, is blinded by her love, and this live clouds her judgement. However, it is still inexcusable as Hermia is her best friend. To throw away this friendship, and the strong trust Hermia and Lysander placed in her, just to sway Demetrius back to her side is a folly.
Kelly Chng Wei Ni (15)
3BN
1 i think that helena thinks that by doing so she would be able to gain the liking of demetrius and if she tells him that she thinks he would be grateful to helena and thus like her thus she told demetrius of hermia and lysander plan to elope.
ReplyDelete2 i think that it is not forgivable as both lysander and hermia trusted helena to the extent that they would tell their plans just to make her feel better as when hermia is gone there would be a chance that he would like helena but instead of keeping it to herself she betrayed them telling their plans to demetrius. so i think that it is unforgivable.
Brian Lee 3jt
In my opinion, Helena decides to tell Demetrius of Lysander and Hermia's plans to elope in the hope that this will make him love her.
ReplyDeleteShe believes that by doing so, Demetrius will be touched by her sincerity, and will believe that her concern and affection for him is true. He will then feel indebted to her, and will be obliged to love her instead of Hermia.
She also decides to tell Demetrius because she reckons that he will be unable to stop Hermia and Lysander from eloping. According to her viewpoint, since Hermia and Lysander are going to elope anyway, regardless of what others think or do, she might as well as inform Demetrius of their eloping. In this way, it is effectively "killing two birds with one stone".
Firstly, Helena's good friend Hermia will finally find peace and happiness away from Athens. Secondly, with Hermia out of the picture, she will no longer be "compared" to Hermia, and therefore the likelihood of Demetrius liking Helena will be much higher.
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Helena's decision to betray Hermia's trust is completely understandable and excusable.
Firstly, according to the phase "To have his sight thither and back again" spoken by Helena, we know that she thinks that Demetrius will be unable to prevent Hermia and Lysander from leaving, therefore she would see him chasing them, then coming back to her.
Furthermore, she also explains her irrational love :
"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind. Nor hath Love's mind of any judgment taste; Wings and no eyes figure unheedy haste;"
What this means is that love is irrational, and it is the imagination and not the senses which causes love, in other words, love is not really "true" in that sense. She also describes Cupid, to have wings but be blind, symbolising careless haste.
Perhaps Helena herself is puzzled by why she likes Demetrius, as one who often shuns her cruely is surely undeserving of her love. However, she continues loving Demetrius. She wishes that her love for Demetrius can be relinquished, but it is already "too late" for her.
To summarize, her love for Demetrius makes her incapable of rational thought, and therefore her betrayal is understandable and excusable. Furthermore, she betrays not with a malicious intent, but rather because she feels nothing can stop them, and she might as well help herself seeing that her actions would not harm them whatsoever.
Tan Goong Hong (30) 3MD