In the play, Shakespeare takes Hippolita a few words, but her role is certainly important. She belongs to the tribe of the Amazons, brutal warriors, which explains her independence. As the bride of Theseus, she claims a high position in the Athenian society. Hippolita has her own opinion that she does not hesitate to voice in the presence of men. She frankly does not agree with her husband in the situation with Hermia, showing not so much solidarity, as objectivity in the consideration of the case. She has both power and compassion. Hippolita harmoniously combines the masculine and feminine traits. She is equally interested in hunting and preparing for a wedding. Hippolita acts as a prototype of modern women, who can show both stiffness and mercy. It all depends on the context.
Hippolyta Quotes
Four days will quickly steep themselves in night;
Four nights will quickly dream away the time;...
Act I, Scene 1, Line 8
I was with Hercules and Cadmus once,
When in a wood of Crete they bay'd the bear...
Act IV, Scene 1, Line 1667
'Tis strange my Theseus, that these
lovers speak of.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 1830
But all the story of the night told over,
And all their minds transfigured so together,...
Act V, Scene 1, Line 1853
I love not to see wretchedness o'er charged
And duty in his service perishing.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 1925
He says they can do nothing in this kind.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 1928
Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child
on a recorder; a sound, but not in government.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 1965
This is the silliest stuff that ever I heard.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 2055
It must be your imagination then, and not theirs.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 2058
I am aweary of this moon: would he would change!
Act V, Scene 1, Line 2091
Well shone, Moon. Truly, the moon shines with a
good grace.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 2107
Beshrew my heart, but I pity the man.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 2132
How chance Moonshine is gone before Thisbe comes
back and finds her lover?
Act V, Scene 1, Line 2157
Methinks she should not use a long one for such a
Pyramus: I hope she will be brief.
Act V, Scene 1, Line 2162
Hippolyta in the Essays
Author: Angel Bell