in a play, a speech by one character expressing their thoughts, often directly to the audience

in English, this means looking at a text closely, considering what it might mean and why it was written in that way

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

How is Puck presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘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'

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

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Risk assessment required - physical activity

He is focused on transforming Bottom, not Oberon's orders.

He can't remember Oberon's orders, and guesses.

He doesn't care about fulfilling Oberon's orders correctly.

In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why does Puck put the magical potion on Lysander?

In Act 2, Scene 2, after Puck puts the magical potion on Lysander, he says, "So, awake when I am gone. For I must now to {{ }}."

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon orders Puck to put the magical potion on an Athenian man. Puck responds to this order with, "Fear not, my lord. Your {{ }} shall do so."

Oberon orders Puck to find a magical potion so he can get revenge on Titania.

Oberon sees Demetrius being horrible to Helena.

Oberon tells Puck to put the potion on Demetrius whilst he uses it on Titania.

Oberon puts a potion on Titania, hoping she falls in love with something "vile".

Puck tells us he has been searching for an Athenian man throughout the forest.

Puck see Lysander and Hermia. He thinks Lysander is Demetrius.

Puck puts the magical potion on Lysander by mistake.

Starting with the first, order these plot points from the opening of Act 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in chronological order.

In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck has a {{ }}, which is the technical term for a speech expressing a character's thoughts, often directly to the audience.

In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck calls Lysander (who he thinks is Demetrius) a "{{ }}" and a "kill-courtesy", expressing his anger at him for treating Helena so badly.

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', we meet Puck for the first time. What aspects of his character does Shakespeare present?

to make Demetrius fall in love with Helena

to make Lysander fall in love with Helena

to make Titania fall in love with an unknown creature

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon wants the magical potion for two reasons. What are they?

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon commands that Puck find a magical potion for him. How does Puck respond?

misunderstandings and mistaken identities

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

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', we meet Puck for the first time. He tells the fairy he is speaking to, "I jest to {{ }} and make him smile."

Egeus complains to Theseus that his daughter, Hermia, is disobeying him.

Theseus and Egeus tell Hermia her punishments if she doesn't marry Demetrius.

Lysander and Hermia run away from Athens. Helena and Demetrius follow them.

The action moves to the forest, where we first meet Puck, a mischievous fairy.

Oberon and Titania arrive. Titania refuses to give in to Oberon's demands.

Oberon swears revenge on Titania and asks Puck to get him a magical potion.

Puck agrees to get the magical potion for Oberon.

Starting with the first, order these plot points from Act 1, Scene 1 to Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in chronological order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Adult supervision required

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

How is Puck presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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