A Midsummer Nights Dream Lesson 5: Language - PowerPoint

In an educational PowerPoint presentation focused on "A Midsummer Night's Dream", students delve into the intricacies of Shakespeare's language, specifically in Act 2, Scene 1. The objective of the lesson is to analyse the Bard's linguistic craft, exploring how he conjures a rich tapestry of mood, character, and theme through his choice of words. The resource guides pupils through an engaging activity involving a Venn diagram, where they are tasked with describing the three distinct groups of characters in the play: aristocrats, labourers, and fairies. The exercise encourages students to consider the unique and overlapping qualities of these groups by placing descriptive words in the appropriate sections of the diagram, such as 'foolish', 'magical', and 'wealthy'.

Further enriching the learning experience, the presentation introduces the concept of poetic imagery, highlighting its role in setting the tone and presenting characters within the play. Students are invited to watch a short video clip provided by the BBC that illustrates the use of language and imagery in Act 2, Scene 1. After viewing, they engage in discussions about the vivid descriptions Shakespeare uses, such as the fairies' enchanting dialogues which paint a picture of nature's beauty and the fantastical elements of the play. The language used by characters like Oberon evokes a sense of wonder, with references to mermaids, harmonious breaths that calm the sea, and a bank where wild thyme and sweet flowers grow, all contributing to the magical ambiance of the narrative. The lesson also points out how even the names of the characters, both craftsmen and fairies, contribute to the play's charming and mystical atmosphere.