The enchanted forest atmosphere

Nature and animal imagery are two of the most important elements in the play.They help to maintain the “enchanted forest” atmosphere.

Oberon’s description of the place where Titania sleeps is an example of this imagery:

''I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,

Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,

Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,

With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:

There sleeps Titania sometime of the night,

Lull'd in these flowers with dances and delight;

And there the snake throws her enamell'd skin,

Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in. (2. 1. 259-266)''

The song of the fairies in Act II, Scene II, is another example. It emphasizes the spooky creatures that inhabit the forest.

''You spotted snakes with double tongue,

Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen;

Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong,

Come not near our fairy queen.

Philomel,6 with melody 

Sing in our sweet lullaby;

Lulla, lulla, lullaby, lulla, lulla, lullaby:

Never harm,

Nor spell nor charm,

Come our lovely lady nigh;

So, good night, with lullaby.

Weaving spiders, come not here;

Hence, you long-legg'd spinners, hence!

Beetles black, approach not near;

Worm nor snail, do no offence. (2. 2. 12)''