the Roman god of love, usually shown holding a bow and arrow

The character of Oberon in Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Titania gives him the little boy he wants.

He orders Titania to leave as she won't obey him.

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why might we think of Oberon as a powerful character?

We hear about Puck's ability to perform practical jokes, not Oberon's.

He has to use a potion on Titania to get what he wants.

Oberon's commands to Puck could be interpreted as desperate.

Titania doesn't give in to Oberon's demands.

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why might we think of Oberon as a powerless character?

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon commands Puck, saying, "{{}} me that flower".

Write down all the quotations you can remember in one paragraph.

Include long quotation so you have a lot to write about.

Link quotations together so you can develop your ideas.

Don't use a quotation in every paragraph; you should use your own words instead.

When writing about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' you will explore quotations. What is best practice when exploring quotations in a paragraph?

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon refers to two supernatural creatures in his dialogue with Puck. Which are they?

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon says the magic potion "Will {{}} or man or woman madly dote Upon the next live creature that it sees."

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', how might we define the relationship between Oberon and Puck?

He follows Puck's plan to use the love potion on Lysander.

He wants Titania to give him a little boy she cares for.

He wants Titania to give him a man called Bottom.

He uses the love potion so Titania falls in love with him.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what do we know of the character of Oberon?

He tells Oberon to use a magical potion on Titania.

He wants a little boy to be his servant, like he is a servant for Oberon.

He follows Oberon's orders to get the magical potion.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what do we know of the character of Puck?

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck tells a fairy, "I jest to Oberon and make him {{}}".

Oberon has used the magical potion on Puck.

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck tells a fairy, "I jest to Oberon and make him smile." What inferences could we make about Oberon and Puck's relationship given this line?

Puck explains the different practical jokes he plays on people.

Oberon and Titania arrive and fight over the little boy.

Oberon determines to get revenge on Titania.

Starting with the first plot point, order these moments from the opening of Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' into chronological order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz