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Year 8 - English

Act 3 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream': disorder in the forest

'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Unit Summary

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.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore Act 3 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', focusing on the disordered relationships between the Athenian nobles and Titania and Bottom.

Key Notes

  • Oberon is pleased that Titania has fallen in love with Bottom.
  • Oberon is angry that Puck put the magical potion on the wrong Athenian man.
  • The relationship between Titania and Bottom is an example of disorder.
  • For Elizabethans, Titania and Bottom's relationship would be seen as especially funny because it disrupts the hierarchy.
  • Elizabethans believed that everyone had their place in a hierarchical system called The Great Chain of Being.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • disorder: confusion, chaos
  • theme: an important idea to a text that is explored through different characters and plot points
  • hierarchy: a system whereby people or things are ranked, with some being higher than others
  • Elizabethans: a person alive when Elizabeth I was on the throne (1558-1603); the first audiences of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' were Elizabethan
  • The Great Chain of Being: a term used by Elizabethans which referred to a system of ranking which they believed was created by God

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Oberon finds the disorder between the Athenian nobles funny.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Oberon is pleased that Titania has fallen in love with Bottom. Oberon is angry that Puck put the magical potion on the wrong Athenian man.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'disorder'

confusion, chaos.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Oberon finds the disorder between the Athenian nobles funny. Correction: As soon as Oberon realises Puck's mistake, he swiftly tries to correct it.

More Lessons In This Unit

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