Conceptualising guilt in 'Macbeth'

English

Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth' through the lens of guilt

Exploring the motif of light in 'Macbeth'

Exploring the supernatural as a symbol of guilt in 'Macbeth'

Exploring the motif of sleep in 'Macbeth'

Exploring blood as symbol of guilt in 'Macbeth'

Writing a response about guilt in 'Macbeth'

In this unit, pupils learn about the importance of guilt in 'Macbeth'. They first conceptualise guilt within 'Macbeth', before exploring light, the supernatural, sleep and blood as symbols of guilt in the play. They finally write a nuanced and tentative argument about the role of guilt in the play.

Shakespeare: the third deep dive

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

In Act 3, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth', what haunts Macbeth that could symbolise his guilt?

she publicly admits to committing the murder of Duncan and Banquo

How does Lady Macbeth's guilt manifest itself in 'Macbeth'?

to help people reconnect and repair relationships

to drive someone to commit more wrongdoings

to realign someone with their moral compass

What is *not* a likely purpose of the emotion of guilt?

it leads him to commit more violent actions

it makes him repent and cease committing his heinous crimes

it repairs his relationship with Lady Macbeth

In 'Macbeth, what effect does guilt have on Macbeth?

to expose the conscience as a made up construct, in line with his religious view

to show how much power guilt can give to those bold enough

to warn against regicide and thus please King James I 

Why might Shakespeare have chosen to centre 'Macbeth' around guilt?

We could describe 'Macbeth' as a {{}} play.

part of the brain that contributes to decision making

an external influence that forces people into accepting their morals

someone's inner moral sense of right and wrong

feeling resentment that you do not have someone else's achievements

feeling uncomfortable having done something wrong

In which scenario might someone feel guilt?

In the play 'Macbeth', what does Macbeth initially feel guilty about?

Which monarch was on the throne at the time 'Macbeth' was written?

Starter Quiz

What is a conscience?