Favorite Quotes from Act IV

Oberon

May all to Athens back again repair
And think no more of this night's accidents
But as the fierce vexation of a dream.

(IV, I, 66-68).

Have you ever had a dream where it felt real, and then when you woke up for an instant you thought the dream was reality, but then you remembered it was just a dream? I think those dreams are "fierce vexations of a dream." If the dream was horrible, you feel elated that it was not real, and if the dream was fabulous, you feel incredibly disappointed and disturbed. When Titantia wakes she is ashamed that she loved Bottom. The two pairs of lovers are confused, but happy that they have "found" their true loves. Lysander and Hermia are back to being in love with each other, and Demetrius finally acknowledges his love for Helena. They may not know the logistics behind such revelations, but they are too happy to care too much.



Demetrius

But, my good lord, I wot not by what power
(But by some power it is) my love to Hermia,
melted as snow, seems to be now
As the rememberance of an idle gaud
Which in my childhood I did dote upon;
And all the faith, with the virtue of my heart,
The object and the pleasure of mine eye,
Is only Helena.

(IV, I, 163-170).

I love this confession. I did not like Demetrius previously, but in this quote his is overflowing with sincerity and love. I think it is very touching, especially how he describes how strong his love is, and then finally names Helena as his love. By using a periodic sentence, Shakespeare makes the reader to hold their breath with anticipation until the final line of the confession.