Analysing Puck's epilogue in Act 5 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
I can explore the language of Puck’s epilogue, linking it to other moments in the play.
Analysing Puck's epilogue in Act 5 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
I can explore the language of Puck’s epilogue, linking it to other moments in the play.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ ends with an epilogue given by the character of Puck.
- Puck’s epilogue breaks the fourth wall and offers to make “amends” for any offence caused by the play.
- Puck’s characterisation in the epilogue could be considered different to his characterisation in the rest of the play.
- Perceptive analysis can involve making thoughtful connections between different moments in a text.
Keywords
Epilogue - a speech or piece of writing that comes at the end of a text and makes a comment on what has happened in the story.
Breaking the fourth wall - when a character in a play speaks directly to the audience, acknowledging the audience exists.
Foreshadow - a hint or indication of what will happen later in the story.
Perceptive - thoughtful, noticing small details.
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work; for example, characterisation, setting, language choices, foreshadowing.
Common misconception
You should only analyse one quotation per paragraph.
Analysing multiple quotations, and exploring the connections between them, makes for the most powerful analysis.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. However, the extracts required for this lesson can also be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who says the last lines of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
Q2.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what are some of the things the fairy says Puck likes to do?
Q3.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what are some of the things Puck says to the fairy about how he makes Oberon "smile"?
Q4.'A Midsummer Night's Dream' ends with an said by the character of Puck in which he makes a comment on what has happened in the play, apologising for any offence it might have caused.
Q5.What are some of the things Puck says in his epilogue at the end of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
Q6.In the epilogue at the end of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck speaks directly to the audience. What is this called?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What would be a powerful way to include quotations in a paragraph about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
Q2.The character of Puck is central to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Match the Acts and Scenes to his key plot points.
is established as both a trickster, and a loyal servant to Oberon
applies the magical potion to Lysander by accident
transforms Bottom's head into that of a donkey
restores order to the Athenian nobles
apologises if the play has caused any offence