a society or place that has the same characteristics with something larger than it

the whole of a complex structure, especially the world or the universe

Exploring the motif of light in 'Macbeth'

English

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

Macbeth wanting to shield his sin from God and remain innocent.

"Stars hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires." This quote from Act 1, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth' could reflect ...

use the motif of light to signal their innocence.

show remorse for plotting to kill the king.

use the motif of light to signal their guilt.

Across Act 1, Scene 4 and 5 of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth …

that regicide was an acceptable way to gain more power.

that the microcosm and macrocosm were unrelated.

that the lives of men would be reflected in the wider universe.

During the Jacobean era, what did people believe about society?

It shows how darkness in Macbeth's psyche is reflected in wider world.

What is significant about the Old Man’s description of the world in Act 2, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth'?

By Act 3, Scene 2, Macbeth seems to fully embrace darkness and sin.

By Act 3, Scene 2, Macbeth begs God for forgiveness.

By Act 3, Scene 2, Macbeth has eradicated darkness from his conscience.

By Act 3, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth', how has Macbeth’s relationship with darkness and light changed?

As Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' progresses, darkness comes to reflect …

that it was acceptable as it was the only way to secure great power

that it was the worst sin someone could commit

What did Jacobeans believe about regicide?

Macbeth is worried that Banquo will usurp his place on the throne.

Macbeth hates how much his wife loves Banquo.

Macbeth is worried that Banquo's sons will usurp his place on the throne.

In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', why does Macbeth decide to have Banquo murdered?

a devil that sits on one's shoulder and tells a person to commit sins

a section of the bible that tells you how to get into heaven

Which sentence uses the word 'tainted' correctly?

Banquo can be seen as an archetype of a knight in shining armour.

How is Banquo used as a device in 'Macbeth'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring the motif of light in 'Macbeth'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.