a speech in a play where the character speaks to himself or herself

a struggle within a person's mind over a problem or question

the feeling of excitement or nervousness that you have when you are waiting for something to happen

to control something or someone to your advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly

Analysing a scene in the build-up of 'Macbeth'

English

In 'Macbeth', pupils learn about character, plot and theme in a Shakespearean play for the first time. In 'Shakespeare's ’Romeo and Juliet’: Diary and Narrative Writing', pupils will learn how Shakespeare explores multiple key themes throughout a single play.’

In 'The Highwayman: Narrative Writing', pupils developed their understanding of how to create atmosphere and engage the reader using figurative language. In 'Shakespeare's ’Macbeth’: Narrative and Soliloquy Writing', pupils will use figurative language to write a narrative based on Shakespearean tragedy and convey characters' thoughts and feelings through soliloquy writing.

Shakespeare's 'Macbeth': narrative and soliloquy writing

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Macbeth has gone back to his home in Inverness. Who is staying with him and Lady Macbeth?

stage directions that tell the actors what to do

Act I, Scene vii starts with a soliloquy from Macbeth. What is a soliloquy? 

He can't decide whether to kill King Duncan or not. 

He can't decide whether to tell Lady Macbeth about the witches' predictions. 

He can't decide whether to tell Duncan what the witches told him and Banquo.

Why does Macbeth have an internal conflict?

He has just been made Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan. 

What reasons are there for Macbeth **not** to kill Duncan? 

They don't know what will happen next. Will Macbeth kill Duncan, or won't he?

How does the end of Act I leave the audience in suspense?

a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with

the leading character or one of the major characters in a narrative

They spark an interest in him; could he be the king?

He doesn't think they are real - they are a figment of his imagination. 

He is jealous of Banquo because he wants his own sons to be kings. 

How does Macbeth react to the witches' prophecies? 

The three witches plan to meet Macbeth on the heath. 

The witches meet Macbeth and Banquo on the heath. 

The witches predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then the king. 

Macbeth is told he has been made Thane of Cawdor. 

a conclusion drawn from information and evidence in a text

He returns to see the witches on the heath and he asks them to leave him alone. 

He writes to his wife 'Lady Macbeth' to tell her about the witches' prophecies. 

He does nothing and he tries to forget about the witches.

What does Macbeth do before he rides home with King Duncan? 

always thinking of how he can get what he desires

he tries to stop himself having evil thoughts

Match each character trait of Macbeth to the correct piece of evidence from the play. 

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.

Analysing a scene in the build-up of 'Macbeth'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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