an important idea to a text that is explored through different characters and plot points

a system whereby people or things are ranked, with some being higher than others

a person alive when Elizabeth I was on the throne (1558-1603); the first audiences of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ were Elizabethan

a term used by Elizabethans which referred to a system of ranking which they believed was created by God

Act 3 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: disorder in the forest

English

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', pupils learn about marriage conventions within Shakespeare's patriarchal society. In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils explore the ways in which this female character subverts the expectations of women in her day and question whether modern and contemporary audiences are likely to sympathise with her. 

In 'The Tempest', pupils explore the ways in which Ariel and Caliban, as 'outsiders', might be perceived by modern and contemporary audiences. In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', pupils use context to develop their understanding of marriage rituals and attitudes to magic in the play. 

In this unit, pupils read and explore Shakespeare's comedy 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. They focus on the character Puck and the theme of the supernatural, and analyse their role and importance at different points in the play. Finally, they plan and write an essay about Puck and the supernatural.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', how does Oberon react when he realises Titania is in love with Bottom?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', how does Oberon react when he realises Puck put the love potion on the wrong Athenian man?

nothing - it is Puck's role to undo the mistake

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what does Oberon do while Puck is looking for Helena in Act 3?

In Act 3 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck tells Oberon that Titania "with a {{}} is in love."

In Act 3 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', when Puck tells Oberon what has happened to Titania, Oberon states, "This falls out {{}} than I could devise".

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', after Oberon realises Puck put the magical potion on the wrong person, he tells him to "About the wood go {{}} than the wind" to find Helena.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what do we learn about the character of Titania?

He is a skilled manual labourer from Athens.

His head is transformed into that of a donkey by Oberon.

He wants to perform a play for Duke Theseus.

He falls in love with Titania after being anointed with the magic potion.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what do we learn about the character of Bottom?

To create chaos amongst the Athenian nobles.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why does Oberon want Puck to fetch him the magical potion?

Puck puts the magical potion on Lysander by accident.

Helena sees Lysander lying on the forest floor.

Helena wakes Lysander up, worried he is dead.

Lysander tells Helena he loves her and regrets the time he spent with Hermia.

Helena believes Lysander is making fun of her and runs away.

Lysander follows Helena, determined to express his love for her.

Starting with the first, put these plot points from Act 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in chronological order.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', when Oberon puts the magical potion on Titania, he says, "Wake when something {{}} is near."

What is the name for the hierarchical system that was so important to Elizabethan society?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz