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All Site ContentMidsummer Night's DreamAct 2Scene 1
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Helena's Chase
Metaphor
Act 2,
Scene 1
Lines 227-234

An explanation of Helena’s reference to a “dove” pursuing a “griffin” in Act 2, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Demetrius

I'll run from thee and hide me in the brakes,
And leave thee to the mercy of wild beasts.

Helena

The wildest hath not such a heart as you.
Run when you will the story shall be changed:
Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase;
The dove pursues the griffin; the mild hind
Makes speed to catch the tiger. Bootless speed
When cowardice pursues and valor flies.

Helena compares her chase of Demetrius to Daphne chasing Apollo, a dove chasing a griffin, and a deer chasing a tiger. In all three examples, the pursuer's superior speed is useless because there’s nothing they can do when they catch up to their prey.