stories and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation; these are not written down, but told verbally

an indication or clue of a future event in a story

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

The character of Puck in Shakespeare’s ‘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. 

'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 nudity (including in historic content).

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Which words could describe the character of Puck in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

I make Oberon laugh with my practical jokes.

After pretending to be a chair, I disappear from under someone.

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', we meet Puck for the first time. Match what he says about himself to its modern meaning.

mild physical harm, like drinks being spilled, or falling over

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', a fairy and Puck exchange dialogue. They speak about all the practical jokes Puck plays. What are some of the things he does?

it was associated with Shakespearean plays

it was associated with fairies who completed housework

it was a general term for a mischievous fairy

One of the characters in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is called Puck. The word 'puck' had a known meanings for an Elizabethan audience. What were some of its associations?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the character of Puck has a second name: Robin Goodfellow. This name was known to Elizabethans. What would they believe this character was like?

{{}} is the name for stories and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation; these are not written down, but told verbally.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', which characters are supernatural?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', who is Oberon's servant?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what does Puck do to Bottom?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', who does Puck put the magical potion on?

he knows this will cause chaos and confusion

Oberon tells him to do it to punish Helena

Oberon tells him to use it on an Athenian man, but doesn't say which

he wants Hermia to experience love from Lysander and Demetrius, like Hermia does

he deliberately disobeys Oberon because he is angry with him

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck initially puts the love potion on Lysander. Why does he do this?

Puck gets a magic potion for his master, Oberon.

Puck puts the magic potion on Lysander (a mistake).

Puck transforms Bottom’s head into that of a donkey. 

Puck laughs about Titania falling in love with Bottom.

Puck, on Oberon’s orders, removes the magic potion from Lysander.

Starting with the first plot point, pout the storyline of Puck from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' into chronological order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of nudity

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The character of Puck in Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.