In the fifth act, scene one, Theseus makes a speech to Hippolyta about the foolish dreams that Helena, Lysander, Demetrius and Hermia have just had. Before this, Helena, Lysander, Demetrius, and Hermia all wake up cloudy and confused from being anointed by the flower and falling in love with the wrong person. Lysander and Hermia tell their escape plan and the forest as well as Helena who chose to follow them into the forest. Aegeus refuses to allow Lysander's love for Hermia, but Theseus rules against Aegeus by allowing Lysander and Hermia, Demetrius and Helena to marry. Before the wedding Theseus tells Hippolyta the confusing stories of these stunned lovers. Theseus believes that these people have overactive imaginations and considers what they say silly. Hippolyta tells Theseus that what the lovers talk about is pretty crazy. Theseus begins his oration by saying: “Stranger than true. I will never be able to believe in these ancient fairy tales or these fairy toys (5.1.2-3). Theseus believes that what they say is more strange than true; he can't believe their silly stories. Perhaps Theseus rejects the thoughts of the people beneath him whom he considers unworthy of his time. Theseus elaborates on his views by stating, "Lovers and madmen have brains so seething, fancies so molding, that they understand more than cold reason could ever comprehend" (5.1.4-6). Theseus believes that people who are in love and mad have a vivid imagination. Theseus then says that the fantasies invented by these people are not understood by sane people. Through this, Theseus reveals his condescending nature. Theseus refuses to believe the people under him. Perhaps he sees people in love as weak and not mentally stable. This really calls into question whether his love for Hippolyta is real. Theseus cont...... middle of paper ......makes a metaphor exaggerating the vivid imagination and stupidity of these passionate people. Theseus reveals his lack of respect for those who are in touch with their emotional and creative sides. In this passage, through Theseus' oration, much is revealed about him. Theseus considers imagination silly, almost childish. Theseus believes that people with vivid imaginations are so foolish that even the smartest people, including himself, cannot understand them. Theseus is also agonistic towards the supernatural, refusing to accept the act of believing in the supernatural as a way to bring joy and be seen. Through Theseus' harsh criticism of the poet, madman and lover, his intense stoicism and masculinity complex are revealed. Theseus believes that the lover's passion, the poet's creativity and the madman's fear are unacceptable and believes that keeping his masculinity intact should be condoned.