The Three Queens
The three queens are an important image at the beginning of the play. They enter the springtime wedding celebration – complete with a singing boy throwing flowers at the feet of Theseus and Hippolyta – dressed all in black, a stark contrast to the mirthful energy around them. Their dark presence introduces the play's tragic register to its comic structure, suggesting that more tragedy is to come.
Roses
Images of flowers and roses appear again and again throughout the play as emblems of women and virginity. Emilia describes the rose as being "the very emblem of a maid," saying that it blooms when treated gently by the wind (1.5). However, when threatened by a strong wind, the rose "locks her beauties in her bud again" (1.5). Ultimately, Emilia is using the image of the rose to suggest that maidens must be treated with kindness and gentility.
Hippolyta
Hippolyta is the Queen of the Amazons, and Theseus's new wife at the beginning of the play. A great deal of time is spent praising Hippolyta for both her pure and virginal appearance as well as her strength and skill as a warrior. Hippolyta is a complex image in the play, as her Amazonian roots render her both a gentle, blushing bride and a fierce fighter on the battlefield.
Confinement and Refuge
Arcite and Palamon are placed in an Athenian prison after Theseus conquers their homeland of Thebes. At first, they lament their state by perceiving that they are confined to their bleak surroundings. However, Arcite encourages Palamon to change the way they are thinking about their imprisonment. He paints a portrait of their friendship serving as their "sanctuary" against the evil and corruption in the world, encouraging Palamon to see their prison as a refuge where their friendship can truly prosper.
