Saturday, September 15, 2012

What does Puck look like in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare?

Puck is usually shown as a boy, young man, or teenager, with no beard.  He has no wings, and is clothed in materials that look like they came from the forest.  


Puck is portrayed as a boy because he is Oberon's younger, wilder, more irresponsible servant.  Oberon, king of the fairies, is grave and dignified and plans the tricks he wants to play on the humans.  Puck, by contrast, is impulsive and mischievous, a complete wild card. He is a bit like Peter Pan.  I have also seen him played by a teenaged girl. 


Because Puck is a woodland spirit, he should look woodsy and wild. He is not a fairy, so he should not have wings or look too feminine or flowery.  Usually he is clothed in materials that look like they are made of leaves or moss.  Often he is bare chested.  


For further inspiration about how Puck should look, search for images of the Green Man or of fauns.  

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