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Year 8 - English

The character of Oberon in Act 2, Scene 1 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 explore how the character of Oberon is presented in Act 2, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

Key Notes

  • In Oberon's and Puck's first dialogue, Oberon speaks 27 lines and Puck speaks 3.
  • Oberon commands that Puck get him the magical potion so he can use it on Titania.
  • Puck obeys Oberon without question.
  • When writing about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', you could link quotations together to develop your ideas.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Cupid: the Roman god of love, usually shown holding a bow and arrow
  • imperious: arrogant, dominant
  • contrast: difference
  • sinister: threatening, menacing
  • commands: orders

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Oberon's commands, status and dominance in the dialogue mean he can only be interpreted as powerful.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

In Oberon's and Puck's first dialogue, Oberon speaks 27 lines and Puck speaks 3. Oberon commands that Puck get him the magical potion so he can use it on Titania.

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

the Roman god of love, usually shown holding a bow and arrow.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Oberon's commands, status and dominance in the dialogue mean he can only be interpreted as powerful. Correction: There is much to suggest Oberon's power in this scene, but dialogue can be interpreted in many ways, and performance can affect how we perceive a character. There is no single reading of the play.

More Lessons In This Unit

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