The Figure of Puck in Shakespeares `A Midsummer Nights Dream`:Background

Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1,7, RWTH Aachen University, language: English, abstract: The following essay is an analysis of Shakespeares Puck and the way he is presented in A Midsummer Nights Dream. The first topic to deal with is that of Pucks background, the history of the hobgoblin before and after Shakespeare. After that, the main focus will be laid on Shakespeares presentation of Pucks character in A Midsummer Nights 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 Pucks functions in the play, since it is undoubted that he has more than one. Since his official function is that of Oberons servant and jester, Pucks relationship to his master will also be shortly examined in that chapter.