the first sentence of a paragraph stating the paragraph’s main idea

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

the tools a writer uses to create their work; for example, characterisation, setting, language choices

How is Puck presented 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. 

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

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea

looking at a text closely and considering what it might mean

the tools a writer uses to create their work 

Understanding the key terms below will support writing a powerful essay. Match the terms to their definitions.

No - this will be confusing for the reader.

No - this will mean your analysis of each quotation is under-developed.

Yes - you should include every quotation you know in each paragraph.

Yes - linking quotations together shows your deep understanding of a text.

Yes - linking quotations together helps you prove your topic sentence.

When writing an essay about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', should you link quotations together in the same paragraph?

select one quotation to include in each paragraph

select multiple quotations to include in each paragraph

select the longest quotations you know so you have a lot to say

make short notes about how you will explore the quotation

select quotations are rich in methods so you can analyse them

When writing an essay about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' you will select quotations to include. What is true of selecting powerful quotations for an analytical essay?

A {{ }} is the first sentence of a paragraph stating the paragraph's main idea.

he is the only character who appears in every Act of the play

he has the most number of lines in the play

even though he is a servant, he still has a lot of lines

of all the characters, he is the one who impacts the plot the most

Why might some people argue that Puck is the most important character in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

Oberon accuses Puck of deliberately creating chaos amongst the Athenians.

Puck wants to watch the chaos amongst the Athenians.

Puck leads the Athenians through the forest.

The Athenians, tired from being led by Puck, fall asleep.

Puck puts the antidote onto Lysander so he falls back in love with Hermia

Starting with the first, order these plot points from Act 3, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' into chronological order.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', which of the following accurately describe the character of Puck?

He feels sorry for the Athenian noble people.

He doesn't mean to - it is another of his mistakes.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why does Puck help restore order at the end of Act 3?

Oberon orders him to restore order to Titania's kingdom.

he can't watch because he has to get the little boy Oberon wants.

Complete this sentence stem: In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck wants to watch the Athenian nobles distress but...

Puck is established as a lover of practical jokes.

Puck is shown to be a loyal servant to Oberon.

Puck puts the magical potion on Lysander by mistake.

Puck transforms Bottom's head into that of a donkey.

Puck wants to watch the Athenian nobles in chaos.

Oberon orders Puck to restore order to the Athenian nobles.

Puck uses his abilities to restore order to the Athenian nobles.

Starting with the first, order these key plots points from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' all relating to the character of Puck in chronological order.

In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the fairy says she knows that Puck "Mislead[s] night wanderers, laughing at their {{}}".

In Act 3, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Puck enjoys watching the Athenian nobles in distress, calling it "sport" and a "fond {{}}".

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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

How is Puck presented in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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