How is Puck presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Puck is presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
Key learning points
- In Act 2, Scene 2, Puck tries to fulfil Oberon’s orders but he makes a mistake.
- Puck’s mistake creates much confusion and chaos, a key aspect of Shakespearean comedy.
- However, Shakespeare makes it clear that Puck’s mistake is genuine, despite his reputation as a practical joker.
- When writing about ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, link different moments of the play together to deepen your analysis.
Keywords
Athenian - someone from Athens
Monologue - in a play, a speech by one character expressing their thoughts, often directly to the audience
Fulfil - to carry out, to complete
Analysis - in English, this means looking at a text closely, considering what it might mean and why it was written in that way
Shakespearean comedy - a play designed to make you laugh, often involving misunderstandings and ending in marriage
Common misconception
It isn't important that Puck's mistake is genuine.
Without understanding what happens, and why, in Act 2, Scene 2, we won't have an accurate understanding of Shakespeare's characterisation of Puck which deepens and develops throughout the play.
Teacher tip
The focus of LC1 is Puck's monologue and interpreting it. Consider if watching a range of interpretations from different directors would support pupil discussion of how they understand, and how they would perform, the monologue.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. However, the relevant extracts for this lesson can also be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', we meet Puck for the first time. What aspects of his character does Shakespeare present?
Q2.In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon wants the magical potion for two reasons. What are they?
Q3.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon commands that Puck find a magical potion for him. How does Puck respond?
Q4.'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a Shakespearean comedy. What are some key features of Shakespearean comedies?
Q5.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', we meet Puck for the first time. He tells the fairy he is speaking to, "I jest to and make him smile."
Q6.Starting with the first, order these plot points from Act 1, Scene 1 to Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why does Puck put the magical potion on Lysander?
Q2.In Act 2, Scene 2, after Puck puts the magical potion on Lysander, he says, "So, awake when I am gone. For I must now to ."
Q3.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon orders Puck to put the magical potion on an Athenian man. Puck responds to this order with, "Fear not, my lord. Your shall do so."
Q4.Starting with the first, order these plot points from the opening of Act 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in chronological order.
Q5.In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck has a , which is the technical term for a speech expressing a character's thoughts, often directly to the audience.
Q6.In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck calls Lysander (who he thinks is Demetrius) a " " and a "kill-courtesy", expressing his anger at him for treating Helena so badly.
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: How is Puck presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: How is Puck presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.