“The course of true love never did run smooth” is a quote from Act I, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The line is spoken by the character Lysander. The line is often quoted out of context, which means many readers do not understand the irony at work.
Lysander offers "comfort" with the observation that "the course of true love never did run smooth," apparently comparing romance to a river current. His examples—which elicit parallel replies from Hermia—include affairs complicated by differences in class ("blood") or age, or dictated by relations ("friends").
The line is spoken by the character Lysander. The line is often quoted out of context, which means many readers do not understand the irony at work. Lysander speaks about true love, but within a few scenes of the play, he has abandoned Hermia in favor of another woman.
LysanderA quote from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream Act 1 Scene 1, said by Lysander to Hermia.
Lysander says this quote to show that his love towards Hermia is stronger that Demetrius'. He says the quote “The course of true love never did run smooth” (A Midsummer Night's Dream I.i.:137) to Hermia because he wants her to know that any relationship will have its ups and downs, a relationship cannot be perfect.
“The course of true love never did run smooth” is a quote from Act I, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The line is spoken by the character Lysander.
The course of true love never did run smooth; But either it was different in blood— Hermia: O cross!
No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend.
Whom I do love and will do till my death. Demetrius. Lysander, keep thy Hermia; I will none: If e'er I loved her, all that love is gone.
Meaning. people in love often have to overcome difficulties in order to be with each other. true love always has difficulties. there will always be problems in a romantic relationship.
“The course of true love never did run smooth,” Lysander says in Act I scene i. His observation essentially foreshadows everything that happens in the rest of the play. In the play's first scene, Theseus provides the backstory to his relationship with Hippolyta.
Lysander had a strong love for Hermia, but a love potion was accidentally placed on his eyes causing him to fall in love with Helena and started having a strong dislike towards Hermia. Hermia and Lysander's relationship represents true love.
Lysander: Lysander is a young Athenian man, passionate about his love for Hermia. He is willing to fight for his love, but his foolishness tends to get him into unfavorable predicaments.
In this play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, true love plays a huge role in the play. Several relationships begin true love such as Hermia and Lysander's and Hypolyta and Thesus' but some that did not begin in true love, end as true love such as Helena and Demetrius'.
What do Lysander and Hermia plan to do about this seemingly impossible situation? They plan to run away with each other to Lysander's aunt house where they will marry. They also plan to meet in the woods tomorrow night so that they can travel together.