The following essay is an analysis of Shakespeare’s Puck and the way he is presented in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The first topic to deal with is that of Puck’s background, the history of the hobgoblin before and after Shakespeare. After that, the main focus will be laid on Shakespeare’s presentation of Puck’s character in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Potential differences between the Shakespearean and the folklore Puck are also to be pointed out. Since Puck is an ambivalent figure, the characterisation is to be a try to find out wheatear Puck is presented as a more positive or a more malignant figure. The last point focuses Puck’s functions in the play, since it is undoubted that he has more than one. Since his ‘official’ function is that of Oberon’s servant and jester, Puck’s relationship to his master will also be shortly examined in that chapter.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Main Part
- 2.1. Background and Tradition
- 2.2. Character
- 2.3. Functions
- 3. Summary and Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes Shakespeare's portrayal of Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. The analysis examines Puck's background in folklore, compares his presentation in Shakespeare's play to his traditional image, and explores his multiple functions within the play's narrative. The essay also aims to determine whether Shakespeare presents Puck as predominantly positive or negative.
- Puck's background and tradition in English folklore
- Shakespeare's characterization of Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Comparison between the folkloric and Shakespearean Pucks
- Puck's multifaceted roles and functions within the play
- Evaluation of Puck's overall moral ambiguity
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter provides context for the analysis of Puck in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. It establishes the play's historical background and briefly introduces the complexity of its plot, which features humans, mechanicals, and fairies. The chapter highlights the enduring fascination with fairies and magic, emphasizing Puck's iconic status as Shakespeare's most famous fairy and his continued presence in modern adaptations. The introduction outlines the essay's structure, focusing on Puck's background, characterization, comparison with his folkloric counterpart, and his multifaceted functions within the play.
2. Main Part: This section delves into a comprehensive analysis of Puck's character and role in A Midsummer Night's Dream. It begins by exploring Puck's origins and evolution in English folklore, tracing his presence across different cultures and time periods, and investigating his various names and associated characteristics, from mischievous trickster to malevolent spirit. The analysis then shifts to Shakespeare's presentation of Puck, noting the potential differences and similarities between the folkloric image and the character presented in the play. It concludes by examining Puck's various functions within the plot, noting his relationship to Oberon, while considering whether Shakespeare presents Puck primarily as a benevolent or malicious figure.
2.1. Background and Tradition: This subchapter extensively details Puck's background in English folklore, exploring the various names by which he was known (Puck, Robin Goodfellow, etc.) across geographical regions and historical periods. It explores the inconsistencies in his portrayal, ranging from a helpful household spirit to a mischievous, even malevolent, being. The chapter examines different depictions of his physical appearance, connecting them to his functions as a household spirit, Will-o'-the-Wisp, and figure associated with witchcraft. This section provides a foundation for understanding Shakespeare's adaptation and transformation of this pre-existing, rich folkloric character. It emphasizes the complexities of Puck's image before Shakespeare, establishing a baseline against which Shakespeare's contribution can be evaluated. Medieval woodcuts and ballads are analyzed as evidence of prevailing interpretations.
Keywords
Puck, Robin Goodfellow, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare, folklore, hobgoblin, trickster, fairy, mythology, character analysis, literary analysis, Elizabethan era, supernatural, ambivalent character.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Puck in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic essay analyzing Shakespeare's portrayal of Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main themes explored in the essay?
The essay explores Puck's background in English folklore, compares his presentation in Shakespeare's play to his traditional image, and examines his multiple functions within the play's narrative. A key focus is determining whether Shakespeare presents Puck as predominantly positive or negative, highlighting his moral ambiguity.
What topics are covered in each chapter?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Provides context, introduces the play's background, highlights Puck's iconic status, and outlines the essay's structure. Chapter 2 (Main Part): A detailed analysis of Puck's character and role, exploring his folkloric origins, Shakespeare's portrayal, and his functions within the play's plot. This chapter includes a subchapter (2.1) specifically dedicated to Puck's background and tradition in English folklore. Chapter 3 (Summary and Conclusion): Summarizes the findings and offers concluding remarks on the analysis of Puck.
What aspects of Puck's character are analyzed?
The analysis examines Puck's background and tradition in English folklore, including various names (Puck, Robin Goodfellow), inconsistencies in his portrayal (helpful spirit to malevolent being), physical appearance, and functions as a household spirit, Will-o'-the-Wisp, and figure associated with witchcraft. The essay also compares the folkloric image of Puck to Shakespeare's characterization in A Midsummer Night's Dream, examining his roles and functions within the play's narrative and assessing his overall moral ambiguity.
What sources are used in the analysis?
The analysis draws upon English folklore, including medieval woodcuts and ballads, to understand the pre-existing image of Puck. The essay then compares this with Shakespeare's presentation in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Puck, Robin Goodfellow, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare, folklore, hobgoblin, trickster, fairy, mythology, character analysis, literary analysis, Elizabethan era, supernatural, ambivalent character.
What is the intended audience for this document?
This document is intended for academic use, supporting the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
Where can I find the complete essay?
The complete essay is not included in this preview document. This is a preview providing an overview of the essay's content and structure.
- Quote paper
- Jelena Vukadinovic (Author), 2008, The Figure of Puck in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/126098
