Love Is A Battlefield
Helena's Playlist
Theme: Love is constant battle, but will resolve in the end.
Track One: "Shower" by Becky G
At the beginning of A Midsummer's night dream, Helena is in love with Demetrius. She would be thinking of him while listening to this because even though she loves him, he is in love with her best friend. Hermia. Helena is definitely experiencing an uphill battle with love in this section of the play
Track 2: "Every Breath You Take" by The Police
I look around but it's you I can't replace.
I feel so cold, and I long for your embrace..."
As the play continues, Helena becomes more desperate for Demetrius' love. She is always thinking about him, and wishing that he loved her. She would think of and wish for him while listening to this song. Helena is realizing that love is a strong force, and could easily destroy her. She knows that she can't have Demetrius, and she is Jealous of his love for Hermia.
Track 3: "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on..."
This song is one that Helena would listen to, an think about her friendship with Hermia. She would listen to this at the beginning of the play when she is jealous of Hermia. Helena would be wishing that she still had a strong friendship with Hermia, which was broken up by Demetrius' love for Hermia.
Track 4: "Jealous" by Nick Jonas
I’m starting to think you want him too..."
As the play continues, Helena becomes more and more annoyed with Hermia. Even though Hermia says that she doesn't love Demetrius, Helena is still very jealous of Hermia. She would definitely be thinking of Hermia, and how she supposedly doesn't love Demetrius, even though he is in love with her.
Track 5: "Secrets" by One Republic
Something that will light those ears
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away..."
Helena would listen to this song and think about Helena and Lysander running away. The told her the secret, and Hermia expected her to keep it. But Helena was so jealous of Demetrius' love for Hermia that she told him just so she could see him as he pursued Hermia and Lysander. And of course, she then pursues Demetrius because she can't help the force of her love for him.
Track 6: "Magic Man" by Paris
Pull me out of this I can't breath
I just need a rest..."
Helena would relate to this song in the middle of the play when Puck makes Lysander fall in love with her by accident. She assumes that he is teasing her, and she becomes angry at Lysander and Hermia. At this point in the play, I think that Helena's love for Demetrius has also turned somewhat into anger and annoyance. She is giving up, just wanting to get away from the "fake" love.
Track 7: "40 Day Dream" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Ah – must be a lie..."
Helena would think of this song after Puck fixed the magic. She only vaguely remembers the occurrences of the previous day. This causes all four characters to assume that it was all just a bad dream. The spell cast on the characters is the apex of Helena's bad experiences with love. From now on, she will only get closer to her true love, Demetrius.
Track 8: "Countdown" by Beyonce
It's you and me until the end..."
Helena would relate to this song near the end of the play when she realizes that Demetrius does love her. She would be thinking of him, and how amazing it was that even though he didn't love her for a long time, he loves her now. Now she can realistically dream of her future with Demetrius, and not feel jealous of his love for Hermia.
Track 9: "Love Story" by Taylor Swift
I love you, and that's all I really know..."
Helena would be thinking about Demetrius and their wedding while listening to this song. After finding out that he loves her, and that Lysander loves Hermia again, a large wedding is planned. At this point, Helena has overcome all of her love troubles, and can look forward to a happy life married to her true love, Demetrius.
Track 10: "I Believe In Happy Endings" by Neil Diamond
Extra innings, brand new starts
Loving hearts that care the way I do
All these things and happy endings too.."
At the end of the play, all of the characters, especially are happy with their lives. Even though they have had struggles in their love, they overcame and ended up happy. For the first time in her life, Helena believes that good things do happen to people, and that she is loved by Demetrius just as he loves her. She would think about the experiences of the play in general while listening to this song. The crazy ups and downs that eventually led to her happy ending with Demetrius.