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Year 8 - English

The impact of the magical potion in '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 evaluate how the magical potion is used by Oberon and Puck, and the impact it has on different characters in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

Key Notes

  • The magical potion is used twice in Act 2, Scene 2.
  • Oberon has malicious intentions; Puck is trying to carry out Oberon's orders.
  • Lysander falls in love with Helena, who believes Lysander is mocking her.
  • Titania falls in love with Bottom, and makes him stay with her in the forest.
  • When writing about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', connect different moments of the play together.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • malicious: deliberately cruel
  • vile: horrible
  • anoint: to apply or put something on someone
  • mock: to make fun of
  • consequence: result, outcome, effect

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Oberon knows Titania will fall in love with Bottom.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The magical potion is used twice in Act 2, Scene 2. Oberon has malicious intentions; Puck is trying to carry out Oberon's orders.

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

deliberately cruel.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Oberon knows Titania will fall in love with Bottom. Correction: Oberon hopes Titania will fall in love with something "vile" but he doesn't know about Bottom, or his transformation, until Puck tells him the joke he has played.

More Lessons In This Unit

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