things that can’t be explained by the laws of nature

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

a play designed to make you laugh, often involving misunderstandings and ending in marriage

a play written by Shakespeare which includes the supernatural; it is a tragedy with a sad, violent ending

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Shakespeare and the supernatural

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. 

In this unit, pupils read and explore Shakespeare's comedy 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. They focus on the character Puck and the theme of the supernatural, and analyse their role and importance at different points in the play. Finally, they plan and write an essay about Puck and the supernatural.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a {{}} whereas 'Macbeth' is a tragedy.

He stands out as the only Elizabethan interested in the supernatural.

His work is divided into tragedies, comedies and magical plays.

He created folklore about the supernatural.

He includes the supernatural in lots of his plays.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' includes supernatural characters. How do we know Shakespeare was interested in the supernatural more generally?

His character is famous in Elizabethan folklore.

Some argue that Puck, a central character in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', is presented in an ambiguous way. What does this mean?

The witches never appear on stage; Puck is often on stage.

The witches lead to the tragic ending; Puck leads to the comic ending.

The witches obey no-one; Puck obeys Oberon.

The witches are presented as evil; Puck is more mischievous.

The witches have magical powers; Puck has to use a magical potion.

It can be useful to compare different characters from different Shakespeare plays. In what ways are the witches in 'Macbeth', then, different to Puck in  'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

His actions can only be interpreted as harmless fun.

His actions can only be interpreted as evil.

He could be interpreted as mischievous or more malevolent.

He is only ever presented as loyal to Oberon.

His actions and words could be interpreted in a range of ways.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', in what ways is Puck presented as an ambiguous character?

He has an epilogue at the end of the play.

He helps restore order at the of the play.

He creates a moment of physical comedy by transforming Bottom.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', in what ways is Puck central to making the play a comedy?

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

What type of play is 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

When we talk about Shakespeare's plays, we give them genres. What does genre mean?

Shakespeare wrote just under 40 plays. What genre of plays did he write?

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a comedy. What are some of the key features of a Shakespearean comedy?

Robin Goodfellow was a well known figure in Elizabethan folklore.

Shakespeare stole these names from another playwright.

The word "puck" was a common name for an evil fairy in Elizabethan England.

The name Puck was famous, but he came up with Goodfellow to show Puck is kind.

A pupil said: "Shakespeare created the name and character of Puck/Robin Goodfellow". How would you correct them?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz