an important idea in a text that is explored in a number of different ways

a system whereby people or things are ranked, with some being at the top, and others lower dow

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

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

Exploring key themes in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream': love, power, disorder

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'

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

An important character in a text which is explored in different ways.

An important quotation in a text which could be explored.

An important idea in a text which is explored in a number of different ways.

An important plot point in a text which is explored in different ways.

Important language devices used by the writer in a text.

There are a number of key themes in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. What is a theme?

through Titania's relationship with Bottom

Below are three key themes in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Match each theme to one way it is explored in the play.

Which of the following would count as a key theme in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

To consider how many quotations link to this theme.

To consider what Shakespeare might be trying to say about this theme.

To consider if you think it is a good theme.

To consider if the theme is a character as well.

When exploring a theme in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', you will first consider which themes are the most important. Then you will consider where this theme is explored. What is the next step?

an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways

the tools a writer uses to create their work eg. language choices

There are lots of words which help us analyse 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in a clear and academic way. Match the words to their definitions.

Through the chaos that occurs in the forest.

Through the little boy in Titania's care.

Through the relationship between Titania and Bottom.

Through the play's first Elizabethan audiences.

Though the quotation, "Give me that boy!"

What might be appropriate answers to the question: 'How does Shakespeare explore the theme of order and disorder in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?'

has power over Titania after he uses the magic potion

has power to transform himself and others

Each of these characters in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is powerful, and holds power over others. Match the character to their source of power.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', there are lots of examples of different types of relationships. Match the type of relationship to its example.

He makes Bottom fall in love with her so she is distracted.

He uses a magical potion on her which transforms her into half animal.

He asks her for the boy when she is distracted with Bottom.

He ignores her desire to keep the boy and tricks her into giving him to him.

He orders Puck to steal the boy from Titania when she is sleeping.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', how does Oberon manage to get the little boy from Titania?

threatened with extreme punishments by her father

doesn't always have power over who he loves

is powerless against Puck's transformative magic

can't stop Oberon taking the little boy from her

Each of these characters in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is presented as powerless at some point in the play. Match the character to the reason they are vulnerable.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' was first performed to an Elizabethan audience. Elizabethan society was {{}} which means it was a society in which men held the power.

The importance of magical potions in terms of marriage.

The importance of the forest and caring for the natural world.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' was first performed to an Elizabethan audience. What were some important ideas in Elizabethan society that Shakespeare is exploring in his play?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring key themes in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream': love, power, disorder

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.