Midsummer Night's Dream

Question

by William Shakespeare

PUCK:

If we shadows have offended,

Think but this, and all is mended:

That you have but slumbered here,

While these visions did appear;

And this weak and idle theme,

No more yielding but a dream,

Gentles, do not reprehend.

If you pardon, we will mend.

And, as I’m an honest Puck,

If we have unearned luck

Now to ’scape the serpent’s tongue,

We will make amends ere long;

Else the Puck a liar call:

So, good night unto you all.

Give me your hands, if we be friends,

And Robin shall restore amends.

Use the passage to answer the question.

What purpose does Puck’s closing monologue serve?

(1 point)
Responses

The monologue explains matter-of-factly why Puck and the other fairies did what they did.
The monologue explains matter-of-factly why Puck and the other fairies did what they did.

The monologue playfully reassures the audience that what they have just seen was all in good fun, and no one got hurt.
The monologue playfully reassures the audience that what they have just seen was all in good fun, and no one got hurt.

The monologue’s serious tone answers any remaining questions the audience might have about what they have just witnessed.
The monologue’s serious tone answers any remaining questions the audience might have about what they have just witnessed.

The monologue explains in detail what the audience should understand after witnessing the events in the play.

Answer 1

The purpose of Puck’s closing monologue serves primarily to:

The monologue playfully reassures the audience that what they have just seen was all in good fun, and no one got hurt.

This captures the light-hearted and whimsical nature of the play, and Puck seeks to engage with the audience while emphasizing the dreamlike quality of the events they've witnessed.