1 a midsummer night's dream

William Shakespeare

I have a story, strange but true,That I would like to share with you.I set the stage to begin my show,In Athens, Greece, so long ago.Now let me take you back in time,When a Duke named Theseus was in his prime.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

midsummer

night

dream

• the longest day, hot, fun, holiday, adventure, pagan celebration

• dark, secretive, spooky, witching hour

• fantasy, takes you away from reality, anything is possible, escape who you are and become what you want to be

The CharactersDuke Theseus

Hippolyta

Hermia

Lysander

Helena

Demetrius

Nick Bottom

Oberon

Titania

Puck (Robin Godfellow)

• Duke of Athens

• Queen of the Amazons

• Young lady, loves Lysander

• A nobleman, loves Hermia

• Hermia’s friend, loves Demetrius

• Another nobleman, loves Helena

• A weaver, actor in a theatre

• King of the fairies

• Queen of the fairies

• A hobgoblin, Oberon’s sprite (servant)

Duke Theseus ruled Athens and was top in command;He governed his people with a firm , steady hand.A Queen , named Hippolyta, would soon share his life;In just four days, they’d be husband and wife.Throughout this great city, the excitement grew;A huge feast was proposed. Entertainment too!These arrangements were made at a feverish rate. But the business of governing would not wait.

Duke Theseus and Hippolyta

Demetrius And Helena In the old days, there was a stupid law. Girls had to marry whoever their father picked or their heads would get chopped off their necks! Hermia’s father did not think Lysander was good for her. He ordered her to marry Demetrius.

Drawing and Story by Alison (age 7)

“You’ve got to be kidding!” Helena cried;I know it’s Hermia you want for your bride.”

“Not a chance!” said Lysander “It’s you I love!”“Who would not change a raven for a dove?”

“The course of true love never did run smooth”

Pupil’s book, pg34 - Extract from Act IIRead and Answer 1.What does Oberon order Puck to find?2.What does the juice from the flower do?3.What does Puck do to Nick?

works like a dream

• Activity 1: The scene you read in your book is an introduction to the magical world of fairies. Draw a picture of Puck as you imagine him to look like and write a paragraph about him and his world.

works like a dream

• Activity 2: Puck’s Diary

Imagine you are Puck. Write your diary for the day Oberon asks you to find the magic flower and play a trick on Titania. You should write about:

•why Oberon is angry•how he plans to get revenge on Titania•your journey to find the flower•how you used the flower•how you think you’ve done everything Oberon asked you to do