Topic > Theme of Irrational Love in A Midsummer Night's Dream

The spell seems to have changed not only his perspective on beauty but also the situation. She fell asleep with some anxiety but we note that she talks about her "flowery bed" which shows an improvement in her general attitude. Bottom then deflects Titania's compliment, stating, “a bird? Who would deny a bird, even if it never shouts "cuckoo"?" This is an interesting choice on Bottom's part, as a character so full of his own abilities that he is unable to accept the praise of a beautiful woman. This shows a level of insecurity that is not indicative of his character; Bottom is very confident but appears to be shy in these circumstances. He even goes so far as to name the many beautiful songbirds for which it is inadequate. Titania continues her advances, asking Bottom, "Please, gentle mortal, sing again." She was completely moved by his singing and his form. Then he states: "At first sight say, swear, I love you." This is completely irrational for a number of reasons. They met only briefly, and the donkey-headed Bottom gives no physical or intellectual reason why Titania is so in love with Titania.