‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Shakespeare and the supernatural
I can explore how the supernatural is presented in a number of Shakespeare’s plays and use this exploration to explain why the character of Puck is a comic figure.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’: Shakespeare and the supernatural
I can explore how the supernatural is presented in a number of Shakespeare’s plays and use this exploration to explain why the character of Puck is a comic figure.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shakespeare explored the supernatural in many of his plays.
- Sometimes Shakespeare presents the supernatural as clearly evil.
- In ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, the character of Puck is presented in an ambiguous way.
- Despite this ambiguous presentation, Puck is central to making ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ a comedy.
Common misconception
You should only ever consider one Shakespearean play at a time. Comparing plays and characters is irrelevant and confusing.
Comparing characters can be an excellent way to deepen your understanding of Shakespeare as a writer, and to understand the significance of how a particular character has been created.
Keywords
Supernatural - things that can’t be explained by the laws of nature
Folklore - stories and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation; these are not written down, but told verbally
Ambiguous - open to interpretation
Shakespearean comedy - a play designed to make you laugh, often involving misunderstandings and ending in marriage
'Macbeth' - a play written by Shakespeare which includes the supernatural; it is a tragedy with a sad, violent ending
Equipment
You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. However, the extracts required for this lesson can also be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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).
Video
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