The character of Puck in Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
I can explain how Puck is introduced in Act 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, and common Elizabethan beliefs about this character.
The character of Puck in Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
I can explain how Puck is introduced in Act 2 of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, and common Elizabethan beliefs about this character.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Oberon’s servant has two names: Puck and Robin Goodfellow.
- In Elizabethan folklore, ‘puck’ was a general term for a fairy.
- Elizabethan folklore also connected the word ‘puck’ with malevolence and the devil.
- Robin Goodfellow is a name from Elizabethan folklore, a character connected with practical jokes and helpfulness.
- When Puck is first introduced, we are told about many of his practical jokes.
Keywords
Mischievous - naughty, badly behaved
Malevolent - cruel, malicious, evil
Folklore - stories and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation; these are not written down, but told verbally
Foreshadow - an indication or clue of a future event in a story
Elizabethan - a person alive when Elizabeth I was on the throne (1558-1603); the first audiences of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ were Elizabethan
Common misconception
There is one interpretation of Puck (either malevolent or mischievous) and you have to work out which one is correct.
A play, and its characters, can be interpreted in many different ways. Different performances will draw out particular interpretations.
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
- Depiction or discussion of nudity
- 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).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
I am out and about at night time.
I make Oberon laugh with my practical jokes.
I lie in people's drinks.
After pretending to be a chair, I disappear from under someone.