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Definition of Motif
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Act 1, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Moon:
The moon is a recurring motif in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It has a powerful effect on lovers and fairies alike, and it characterizes the forest atmosphere, making all sorts of love and mischief possible. In Act 1, Scene 1, Egeus uses the presence of moonlight to describe the illicit courtship between Lysander and his daughter Hermia. He means to demonize Lysander’s tactics and invokes the presence of moonlight as part of what allowed Lysander to steal Hermia’s affections from the suitor he chose for her. He says:
Thou, thou, Lysander, thou hast given her rhymes
And interchanged love tokens with my child.
Thou hast by moonlight at her window sung
With feigning voice versus of feigning love
And stol’n the impression of her fantasy
Related Themes:
Act 2, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Moon:
The moon is a recurring motif in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It has a powerful effect on lovers and fairies alike, and it characterizes the forest atmosphere, making all sorts of love and mischief possible. In Act 1, Scene 1, Egeus uses the presence of moonlight to describe the illicit courtship between Lysander and his daughter Hermia. He means to demonize Lysander’s tactics and invokes the presence of moonlight as part of what allowed Lysander to steal Hermia’s affections from the suitor he chose for her. He says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Thou, thou, Lysander, thou hast given her rhymes
And interchanged love tokens with my child.
Thou hast by moonlight at her window sung
With feigning voice versus of feigning love
And stol’n the impression of her fantasy
Related Themes:
Act 3, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—The Moon:
The moon is a recurring motif in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It has a powerful effect on lovers and fairies alike, and it characterizes the forest atmosphere, making all sorts of love and mischief possible. In Act 1, Scene 1, Egeus uses the presence of moonlight to describe the illicit courtship between Lysander and his daughter Hermia. He means to demonize Lysander’s tactics and invokes the presence of moonlight as part of what allowed Lysander to steal Hermia’s affections from the suitor he chose for her. He says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Thou, thou, Lysander, thou hast given her rhymes
And interchanged love tokens with my child.
Thou hast by moonlight at her window sung
With feigning voice versus of feigning love
And stol’n the impression of her fantasy
Related Themes:
