the style or type of text: for example science fiction

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

physical comedy, sometimes violent but intended to make people laugh

the first collection of most of Shakespeare’s plays, published in 1623 (seven years after his death)

Understanding the genre of William 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. 

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

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

The First Folio - the first collection of Shakespeare's plays published in 1623 - divides his plays into what categories?

The play is a comedy because it ends in a number of marriages.

The play is a comedy because nothing bad happens in it.

The play is a comedy because it includes the supernatural.

The play is a comedy because it involves misunderstandings.

The play is a comedy because some of it is set in a forest.

A pupil said: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a tragedy." How would you correct them?

presents young people in love, and ends in marriage

explores complex emotions like jealousy or ambition; ends in death

about English history; explore what it means to be a good monarch

Shakespeare's plays are often defined by their genre. Match each genre to its key features.

a play that makes you laugh, involving misunderstandings and marriage

the first collection of most of Shakespeare’s plays, published in 1623

In order to discuss the genre of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' accurately, you could use a number of key terms. Match the key terms to their definitions.

The first published collection of Shakespeare's plays is called the {{ }}.

they end up getting married, which is how comedies end

Bottom doesn't know what has happened or why

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Titania falls in love with Bottom, who has had his head transformed into that of a donkey. Why does this plot point reinforce the idea the play is a comedy?

How might we define Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', there are a number of sets of different characters. What sets of characters are there?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', there is much chaos and confusion. Which characters are the source of the chaos and confusion?

Which characters marry each other at the end of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', which three characters have the magical love potion used on them?

Egeus and Theseus threaten to punish Hermia if she doesn't marry Demetrius.

Lysander and Hermia decide to run away from Athens.

Demetrius and Helena follow Lysander and Hermia into the magical forest.

Puck puts the magical love potion on Lysander, who falls in love with Helena.

Puck puts the magical love potion on Demetrius, who falls in love with Helena.

Puck removes the magical love potion from Lysander; he loves Hermia again.

The four Athenian noble people return to Athens and get married.

Starting with the first plot point of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', put the plot points relating to the Athenian noble people in order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Adult supervision recommended

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet