information about when and why a text was written that helps us understand a text more deeply

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

a society in which men hold the power; the laws and structure of that society prevent women from having power

a person alive when Elizabeth I was on the throne (1558-1603); the first audiences of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ were Elizabethan

The presentation of Egeus in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

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. 

'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' was first performed in around 1595. What is the name for the play's first audiences?

Who was on the throne when Shakespeare wrote 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' was first watched by an Elizabethan audience. What were some common expectations of Elizabethan women?

Correct - because when the play was written, the monarch was a woman.

Correct - this is why Hermia has the power to run away from Athens.

Incorrect - Elizabethan society was patriarchal.

Incorrect - women were considered superior because the monarch was a woman.

Incorrect - women were considered equal only if they had supernatural powers.

A pupil said, 'When 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' was first performed, women were considered men's equals.' How might you respond to this statement?

In Act 1, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Egeus says Lysander has "{{ }}" Hermia and that is why she has fallen in love with him.

In Act 1, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Egeus says Demetrius has his "{{ }}" to marry Hermia, whereas Lysander does not.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what is the name of Hermia's father?

Where is 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' set?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', who does Egeus want Hermia to marry?

forced marriage to a man she doesn't love

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Hermia faces punishment if she doesn't obey her father and marry Demetrius. What punishments does she face?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what supernatural or magical elements does Shakespeare include in the play?

It's a society in which women are considered equal to men.

It's a society in which women are considered superior to men.

It's a society in which women are considered inferior to men.

It's a society in which women are considered equal to fairies.

It's a society in which women are considered inferior to fairies.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why might we describe Athens, where the play is set, as patriarchal?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz