Though She Be But Little

This quotation is one that I had heard before, but I didn't realize it was written by Shakespeare. Amid all of the confusion that occurs during A Midsummer's Night Dream, the conversation (and insults) turns to pointing out Hermia's shortness, and Helena makes the cautionary statement: "And though she be but little, she is fierce" (A Midsummer's Night Dream, 3.2.342). I find it significant that I had heard this line numerous times without ever having read or seen this play, because that means that enough people have related to this line to popularize it. Hermia takes offense at the references to her short stature, and yet Helena tells us that there is more to Hermia than meets the eye. I think that so many people want to be viewed as fierce and strong, but perhaps people also wanted to be seen as vulnerable. It is hard to open up and allow others to see who we are on the inside, and yet this is something that all human beings crave. Another meaning that I derived from this was female empowerment! I love the deictic use of "she" in this line, because "she" can apply to any woman. Despite the fact that we are sometimes seen as little (and perhaps, in spite of it), women are fierce and strong, and excellent at proving it.

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