A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare (Act 2)

In this lesson, we will look at the idea of a play within a play, and introduce the play's collective of ridiculous characters: the mechanicals. We will look at how Shakespeare interrupts the serious, romantic plot with comic relief.

In this lesson, we will introduce the magical forest and explore how it is a contrast to ancient Athens. We will explore the King and Queen of the fairies, Oberon and Titania, and their argumentative relationship wherein Oberon will seek revenge using a potion.

In this lesson, we will look at Helena and Demetrius' relationship, including the cruel treatment she suffers because of love. We will explore metaphors of unrequited love. We will also touch upon Lysander and Helena's meeting in the woods to prepare us for Puck!

In this lesson, we will explore the character of Puck, our mischievous fairy, who is a prankster. In his not-so-responsible hands, we will explore how he has been instructed to use the love potion.

In this lesson, we will be looking at Puck's dramatic mistake and its consequences upon the lovers. We will focus on the audience reaction and comic value of both Puck's mistake and Lysander's melodramatic statements as he tries to comprehend his love.