The impact of the magical potion in '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 of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

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

Oberon uses it to make Demetrius fall in love with Helena.

Oberon uses it to make Titania fall in love with someone humiliating.

Puck uses it on Lysander, thinking he is Demetrius.

Puck uses it on Hermia, thinking she is Helena.

In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the magical potion is used twice. How is it used?

She considers if she should return his love or not.

She boasts to Demetrius hoping it will make him jealous.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', how does Helena react when Lysander says he is in love with her?

determined to find her way back to Athens

In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', how does Hermia feel when she wakes up and finds herself alone in the forest without Lysander?

In Act 3 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Titania wakes up after being anointed with the magical potion in her sleep. She sees Bottom, and says, "What {{ }} wakes me from my flowery bed?".

In Act 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon anoints Titania's eyes with the magical potion. As he does, he says "Wake when some {{ }} thing is near".

In Act 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Oberon anoints Titania's eyes with the magical potion. He wants her to "love and {{ }}" for the creature she falls in love with.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', and for the play's first Elizabethan audience, the idea of status is very important. Match each character or groups of characters to their status.

faces severe punishment if she doesn't obey her father

isn't allowed to marry the person he wishes

isn't being given something that he wants

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', many characters are unhappy in Acts 1 and 2. Match each character to their unhappiness.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', who or what transforms Bottom's head into that of a donkey?

She is prepared to marry Demetrius, even though she doesn't love him.

She disobeys her father, a powerful patriarch.

She marries Lysander without her father's knowledge.

She is determined to run away from Athens by herself.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', how is Hermia presented as brave in Act 1?

Oberon wants Demetrius to fall in love with someone humiliating.

Oberon wants Demetrius to fall in love with Titania.

Oberon wants Demetrius to return Helena's love.

Oberon wants Demetrius to fall in love with Hermia.

Oberon feels sorry for Helena and wants to help her.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why does Oberon tell Puck to put the magical potion on Demetrius's eyes?

Across 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', which characters have the magical love potion put on them?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

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