Ask Shakespeare

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: “I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change!”

In Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the character Hippolyta expresses her exasperation with the moon when she declares, “I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change!” This seemingly simple utterance encapsulates a wealth of themes and emotions that resonate throughout the play, as well as offering a glimpse into the broader complexities of human experience. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this quote, its literary significance, and its relevance both in Shakespeare’s time and our contemporary lives.

At its core, Hippolyta’s lamentation reflects her weariness with the fickleness and constancy of the moon, a celestial body often associated with change and romance. The moon, in various cultures, symbolizes the ebb and flow of emotions, the cycles of love, and the passage of time. In the context of the play, which is rife with themes of love, transformation, and the interplay between reality and illusion, Hippolyta’s statement echoes the frustrations of the lovers and the unpredictability of their relationships. The moon’s waxing and waning can be seen as a metaphor for the volatile nature of love—sometimes bright and passionate, other times dim and distant.

Shakespeare employs several literary devices in this quote, including personification and hyperbole. By personifying the moon as a male figure who could “change,” Hippolyta emphasizes her desire for a more stable and predictable source of light—both literally and metaphorically. The hyperbolic nature of her statement, “I am aweary of this moon,” conveys a deep sense of fatigue and frustration, suggesting that the moon’s presence has become burdensome to her. This interplay of language serves to highlight the emotional stakes of the characters as they navigate the tumultuous landscape of love and desire.

The historical context of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” further enriches our understanding of this quote. Written in the late 16th century, the play reflects the Renaissance’s fascination with nature, magic, and the supernatural. The moon, often viewed as a mystical entity, was believed to influence human behavior and emotions, aligning with the era’s burgeoning interest in astrology and the natural world. Hippolyta’s wish for the moon to change can be interpreted as a longing for a more favorable cosmic alignment—an expression of humanity’s desire to exert control over the uncontrollable forces of nature and fate.

Beyond its immediate context, the quote also invites reflection on broader themes present in Shakespeare’s oeuvre, such as the nature of desire, the challenges of communication, and the quest for understanding in romantic relationships. Throughout “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” love is depicted as a powerful, often irrational force that can lead to confusion and conflict. Hippolyta’s weariness with the moon encapsulates this struggle, as she seeks clarity in a world beset by illusions and misunderstandings.

In contemporary life, Hippolyta’s plea resonates with many who experience the overwhelming nature of modern existence. The moon, in this sense, could symbolize the pressures of societal expectations, the relentless passage of time, or the quest for emotional stability amidst chaos. In an age of constant change—technological, social, and personal—Hippolyta’s desire for the moon to change reflects a universal longing for constancy and understanding in an unpredictable world.

The themes of frustration and longing expressed in this quote can also be found in other works of literature and philosophy. For instance, in John Keats’s poetry, the moon often serves as a symbol of fleeting beauty and the transient nature of love. Similarly, existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre have grappled with the idea of human longing for meaning in an indifferent universe, highlighting a shared human experience that transcends time and place.

In conclusion, Hippolyta’s declaration, “I am aweary of this moon. Would he would change!” serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, desire, and the human condition. Through the lens of this single quote, we can appreciate the depth of Shakespeare’s understanding of human emotions and the ways in which they manifest in our lives. As we navigate our own relationships and encounters with the unpredictable forces of life, we may find solace in the acknowledgment that weariness and yearning are timeless elements of the human experience—inviting us to reflect on our desires, our frustrations, and, ultimately, our capacity for change.