School Version

30. Oberon spanks Puck

The irate Oberon bends schoolboy Puck over a desk and spanks him for his misdemeanours. In the 50s this was quite common in English-speaking schools, but it should be noted that spanking is an unusual Japanese punishment - the slap is commonly used.

Note that Oberon does slap Puck in the Bar version (Bar 34. Oberon slaps Puck). Perhaps the Schoolroom is meant to be seen, like the Forest of Fantasy, as a place of maximum exposure to 'Otherness'.

Note the use of the desk as a prop in School 18. Lysander withdraws and School 31. Lysander on desk.

A Midsummer Night's Dream