A Midsummer Night's Dream Moon Essay

Symbolism and imagery is prevalent throughout A Midsummer Night's Dream. One ubiquitous and distinct symbol is that of the moon. The moon represents various ideas, some of which can be ambiguous and contradictory depending on the context. The consistent changes in the phases of the moon not only represents the passage of time, but also the fickleness and changeability a sublunary world can experience. In mythology, the moon is a feminine symbol and is personified by the goddesses Artemis, Diana, and Phoebe. These mythological beings are associated with concepts such as chastity, fertility, and romantic love. Throughout A Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare utilizes the symbolism of the moon to convey different notions, and thus its significance varies with context. In act 1, scene 1, the consistent changes in the phases of the moon represents the passage of time. In the opening of the play, Theseus, Duke of Athens, is conversing with his betrothed, Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons. He is anxiously awaiting their forthcoming nuptials and faults the slow passage of time on the moon. He tells her: Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour Draws on apace. Four happy days bring in Another moon; but, oh, methinks, how slow This old moon wanes! She lingers my desires. (1.1, 1-3) Theseus is

She does this by saying, “And then the moon— like to a silver bow / Now bent in heaven— shall behold the night / Of our solemnities” (1.1, 9-11). As Cupid’s arrow draws lovers together, the ‘silver bow’ referenced here is her way of alluding to their upcoming union. She tells Theseus that the four days will quickly pass and then the moon can look down on them while they consummate an expectantly fruitful union. The bow is also a nod to the huntress, goddess Diana. Diana represents chastity, virginity, and the patroness of young