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"It is not night"
Imagery
Act 2,
Scene 1
Lines 214-226

An explanation of the light/dark imagery in Act 2, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Demetrius

You do impeach your modesty too much,
To leave the city and commit yourself
Into the hands of one that loves you not,
To trust the opportunity of night
And the ill counsel of a desert place
With the rich worth of your virginity.

Helena

Your virtue is my privilege, for that
It is not night when I do see your face,
Therefore I think I am not in the night;
Nor doth this wood lack worlds of company,
For you, in my respect, are all the world.
Then how can it be said I am alone,
When all the world is here to look on me?

Demetrius’ shining virtue will protect Helena from the darkness.