How is Puck presented in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can select quotations which help me explore how Puck is presented across Acts 2 and 3 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
Key learning points
- Some people argue Puck is the most important character in the play because of his significance to the plot.
- Selecting powerful quotations is a key skill in English.
- Powerful quotations link to your topic sentence.
- Powerful quotations are rich in methods.
- You should select more than one quotation to prove each topic sentence.
Keywords
Quotation - words from the text
Topic sentence - the first sentence of a paragraph stating the paragraph’s main idea
Analysis - in English, this means looking at a text closely and considering what it might mean and why it was written in that way
Contemptuous - insulting; disrespectful
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work; for example, characterisation, setting, language choices
Common misconception
Using one quotation per paragraph is enough.
Using multiple quotations per paragraph can be effective if you select quotations which link. Select quotations from across the text.
Teacher tip
The Practice Task of learning cycle 2 sees pupils select powerful quotations from across two Acts of a play written in Shakespearean English. Consider just how much time pupils will need so that the outcome - selecting powerful quotations - can be achieved.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of Williams 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
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', which of the following accurately describe the character of Puck?
Q2.In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why does Puck help restore order at the end of Act 3?
Q3.Complete this sentence stem: In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck wants to watch the Athenian nobles distress but...
Q4.Starting with the first, order these key plots points from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' all relating to the character of Puck in chronological order.
Q5.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the fairy says she knows that Puck "Mislead[s] night wanderers, laughing at their ".
Q6.In Act 3, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck enjoys watching the Athenian nobles in distress, calling it "sport" and a "fond ".
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Understanding the key terms below will support writing a powerful essay. Match the terms to their definitions.
words from the text
the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea
looking at a text closely and considering what it might mean
the tools a writer uses to create their work
Q2.When writing an essay about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', should you link quotations together in the same paragraph?
Q3.When writing an essay about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' you will select quotations to include. What is true of selecting powerful quotations for an analytical essay?
Q4.A is the first sentence of a paragraph stating the paragraph's main idea.
Q5.Why might some people argue that Puck is the most important character in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
Q6.Starting with the first, order these plot points from Act 3, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' into chronological order.
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: How is Puck presented in Shakespeare's '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 Shakespeare's '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.