Some of the interpretations of the play have been based on psychology and its diverse theories. In 1972, Alex Aronson argued that Theseus represents the conscious mind and Puck represents the unconscious mind. Puck, in this view, is a guise of the unconscious as a trickster, while remaining subservient to Oberon. Aronson thought that the play explores unauthorised desire and linked it to the concept of fertility. He viewed the donkey and the trees as fertility symbols. The lovers' sexual desires are symbolised in their forest encounters. In 1973, Melvin Goldstein argued that the lovers can not simply return to Athens and wed. First, they have to pass through stages of madness (multiple disguises), and discover their "authentic sexual selves". In 1979, Norman N. Holland applied psychoanalytic literary criticism to the play. He interpreted the dream of Hermia as if it was a real dream. In his view, the dream uncovers the phases of Hermia's sexual development. Her search for options is her defence mechanism. She both desires Lysander and wants to retain her virginity.
some of the interpretations of the play have been based on psychology and its diverse theories in 1972 alex aronson argued that theseus represents the conscious mind and puck represents the unconscious mind puck in this view is a guise of the unconscious as a trickster while remaining subservient to oberon aronson thought that the play explores unauthorised desire and linked it to the concept of fertility he viewed the donkey and the trees as fertility symbols the lovers' sexual desires are symbolised in their forest encounters in 1973 melvin goldstein argued that the lovers can not simply return to athens and wed first they have to pass through stages of madness (multiple disguises) and discover their "authentic sexual selves" in 1979 norman n holland applied psychoanalytic literary criticism to the play he interpreted the dream of hermia as if it was a real dream in his view the dream uncovers the phases of hermia's sexual development her search for options is her defence mechanism she both desires lysander and wants to retain her virginity