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Year 8 - English

How is Puck presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?

'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 explain how Puck is presented in Act 2, Scene 2 of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • It isn't important that Puck's mistake is genuine.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key 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.

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

someone from Athens.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: It isn't important that Puck's mistake is genuine. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

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