ideal escape pastoral literature paints it as; so long as human nature exists, corruption will always exist, no matter where the human being is located.

In line with pastoral literature, Shakespeare sets up the city of Athens as a corrupt setting. Its corruption is revealed in its unjust laws. Though Duke Theseus tries to rule based on compassion, reason, and justice, the fact stands that a law exists in Athens permitting a father to execute or exile a daughter who disobeys his wishes, even if his wishes are unjust. We know Egeus's wish for Hermia to marry Demetrius rather than Lysander is unjust and not based on reason because Lysander argues he is as financially capable as Demetrius and accuses Demetrius of unfaithfulness, a rumor Duke Theseus confesses to also having heard: "I must confess that I have heard so much" (I.i.111). For this reason, Theseus takes Egeus and Demetrius aside to try to get them to think more rationally about their desires but apparently does not succeed. The unjust law and Egeus's inability to rationally judge a decision as important as whom his daughter should marry shows the corruptness of Athens.

To escape corruption, Lysander and Hermia venture into the woods, into nature, through which they can traverse to the home of Lysander's aunt, who lives outside of Athens, and live happily ever after. However, corruption pursues them even in the woods when Puck, using magic, mistakenly makes both Lysander and Demetrius fall in love with Helena instead of Hermia. Though magic creates the conflict, the characters' reactions to what they are experiencing as a result of the magic reveals the corrupt nature of their souls.

As an example of corruption, Helena, suddenly finding herself being pursued by two men, accuses all three characters--Lysander, Demetrius, and Hermia--of conspiring to mock her. She particularly accuses Hermia of developing the plot to mock her and temporarily severs her friendship with Hermia, her lifelong friend. Plus, the men feel incited to duel each other to the death. Since the actions of the characters in the woods show that our values, such as of love, life, and friendship, are so fleeting, their actions also show that mankind is corrupt, no matter where mankind is located.

Hence, Shakespeare uses the backdrop of nature to develop a theme that satirizes pastoral literature by showing that mankind is corrupt even in nature.

The motif of nature adds richness and sensuality, especially when it refers to the strong, emotional connection of the lovers. The motif of nature also adds an element of darkness and danger when it refers to the enmity that the lovers feel towards each other.

We see one instance of the motif of nature adding to the sensuality of the mood in the opening act when Theseus refers to the moon in relation to their wedding day. Theseus and Hippolyta represent the one couple that is in a solid relationship that is neither separated by circumstances nor by animosity. Theseus and Hippolyta are postponing their wedding day until the new moon appears as the new moon symbolizes a new beginning. Hence, Theseus is thinking of his sensual desires when he is reflecting on the current full moon in the opening act, as we see in his lines, "Another moon; but, O, methinks, how slow / This old moon wanes! She lingers my desires" (I.i.3-4). The reference to the full moon adds to the sensuality of the moment as the couple reflects on their feelings for each other because the reader/viewer can see the moon and hear the passion in Theseus's voice as he speaks his lines.

One instance of the motif of nature adding to the darkness and danger of the play can be seen when Demetrius is angered by Helena for having followed him into the woods and is threatening her. He is threatening her because he feels an intense sense of hatred towards her but also because he wants to provoke her to leave. We see him threaten her chastity and her safety in the lines:

You do impeach your modesty too much
...
To trust the opportunity of night,
And the ill counsel of a desert place,
With the rich worth of your virginity. (II.i.218-223)

Besides threatening to take serious advantage of her should she remain in the forest, he is also using dark nature references to frighten her. One nature reference is night, portraying the allusion of complete darkness surrounding the woods. A second nature reference can be seen when he calls the forest a "desert place." The image of the desert portrays just how empty and desolate the forest is, showing how dangerous it is for a vulnerable woman to be alone with a man in the forest whom she really should not trust. Hence, this nature reference calling the forest a desert captures for us the darkness and danger of the mood at this moment.