Exploring the character of Puck in Acts 2 and 3 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
I can explain how the character of Puck is presented and how audiences might respond to him, focusing on his actions in Acts 2 and 3 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
Exploring the character of Puck in Acts 2 and 3 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
I can explain how the character of Puck is presented and how audiences might respond to him, focusing on his actions in Acts 2 and 3 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In Elizabethan folklore, the word ‘puck’ meant a fairy, often one that was malicious and associated with the devil.
- In Elizabethan folklore, Robin Goodfellow was associated with a mischievous fairy who also helped with housework.
- Shakespeare emphasises Puck’s ability to transform himself physically.
- Shakespeare emphasises Puck’s ability to transform his attitude and dialogue depending on who he is talking to.
- Audiences may have different reactions to the character of Puck at different points in the play.
Keywords
Folklore - stories and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation; these are not written down, but told verbally
Elizabethan - a person alive when Elizabeth I was on the throne (1558-1603); the first audiences of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ were Elizabethan
Robin Goodfellow - a name from Elizabethan folklore, a character connected with practical jokes and helpfulness
A puck - in Elizabethan folklore, this was a general term for a fairy, but they also associated pucks with the devil and evil deeds
Transform - change
Common misconception
Oberon asks Puck to turn Bottom's head into that of a donkey.
Puck follows Oberon's orders, but in his own time, he gets up to his own mischief. He decides to transform Bottom and Oberon does not set out for Titania to fall in love with this particular character.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. However, the relevant extracts for this lesson can also be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
stories and traditions that are passed down, often verbally
a person alive when Elizabeth I was on the throne
a character connected with practical jokes and helpfulness
a general term for a fairy, also associated with the devil and evil