How is Puck presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’?
I can explain how Puck is presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
How is Puck presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’?
I can explain how Puck is presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In Act 2, Scene 2, Puck tries to fulfil Oberon’s orders but he makes a mistake.
- Puck’s mistake creates much confusion and chaos, a key aspect of Shakespearean comedy.
- However, Shakespeare makes it clear that Puck’s mistake is genuine, despite his reputation as a practical joker.
- When writing about ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, link different moments of the play together to deepen your analysis.
Common misconception
It isn't important that Puck's mistake is genuine.
Without understanding what happens, and why, in Act 2, Scene 2, we won't have an accurate understanding of Shakespeare's characterisation of Puck which deepens and develops throughout the play.
Keywords
Athenian - someone from Athens
Monologue - in a play, a speech by one character expressing their thoughts, often directly to the audience
Fulfil - to carry out, to complete
Analysis - in English, this means looking at a text closely, considering what it might mean and why it was written in that way
Shakespearean comedy - a play designed to make you laugh, often involving misunderstandings and ending in marriage
Equipment
You need access to a copy of William 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
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
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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