Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania

Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania

"Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania" is a famous line from William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This line is spoken by Oberon, the king of the fairies, as he confronts Titania, the queen of the fairies, in the enchanted forest. The phrase "Ill met" means that their meeting is not a pleasant one, and the use of the word "proud" suggests that Titania is being arrogant or haughty in some way.

The context of this line is important in understanding the relationship between Oberon and Titania in the play. Oberon and Titania are at odds with each other because Titania refuses to give up a young Indian boy that Oberon wants for himself. This conflict between the two fairy monarchs sets off a series of events that lead to chaos and confusion in the forest.

The use of the moonlight in this line is significant as well. In Shakespeare's time, the moon was often associated with magic and the supernatural. The fact that Oberon and Titania are meeting under the moonlight adds to the mystical and otherworldly atmosphere of the play.

The line "Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania" also highlights the power dynamics between Oberon and Titania. Oberon is asserting his authority over Titania by calling her out for her pride and arrogance. This sets the stage for their conflict and the magical machinations that Oberon uses to try to get his way.

Overall, this line is a pivotal moment in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" that sets the tone for the rest of the play. It captures the tension and drama between Oberon and Titania and foreshadows the chaos and confusion that will ensue as a result of their conflict. Shakespeare's use of language and imagery in this line helps to create a vivid and enchanting world that draws the audience into the magical realm of the fairies.