1. Symbol of Authority and Power:
The crown is a primary symbol of Oberon's authority and power as the ruler of the fairy world. It represents his status and command within the realm of the fairies. Throughout the play, Oberon exercises his power and magic with the use of his crown. For instance, when he wants to create mischief among the human lovers in the forest, he sends Puck to fetch a love-in-idleness flower, which he anoints with the juice squeezed from a magical Indian flower growing under his crown.
2. Transformation and Illusion:
The crown holds a deeper meaning related to the play's themes of transformation and illusion. In Act II, Scene I, when Puck accidentally puts the love potion on Demetrius's eyes instead of Lysander's, Helena instantly becomes the object of Demetrius's affection, leaving Hermia heartbroken. This comedic mix-up of affections is driven by Oberon's magic and the crown's connection to illusion. The transformation in the characters' relationships emphasizes the play's exploration of love's irrational nature and the power of illusion in shaping human emotions.
Overall, the crown in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" serves as a potent symbol of Oberon's authority and power, while also adding a layer of enchantment and illusion to the play's themes.