To show that illusion and reality have the ability to unite. The ending of a midsummer night dream, is a happy ending, whereas the subplot is one of tragedy. The subplot is actually an antithesis of the main plot. Hippolyta calls the moon, which Starveling represents with a lantern, a bush, and his dog, tedious and complains, "I am weary of this moon. Would he would change!" (V.i.250-51). However, when the play is done, Theseus ultimately praises their performance, saying, "And so it is, truly [a fine tragedy]; and very notably discharged" (355). Players remain clinging to their illusions, showing us that, even though antithetical, illusions and reality can unite.
