If a scene or character parallels another, it means they are similar in some way. The slight differences will help us notice something new.

If a scene or character mirrors another, it reflects what has come before. The slight differences will help us notice something new.

When you personify something, you give something non-human human characteristics.

Humanity is the quality that people possess which makes them kind, compassionate and connected to their fellow humans.

Exploring the presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 3 of ‘Macbeth’

English

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 1, Scenes 1-4

'Macbeth': An exploration of Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 1 to 3

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 4 to 6

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 4, Scenes 1 to 3

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 5, Scenes 1 to 5

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 5, Scenes 6 to 9

Exploring the opening of ‘Macbeth’

The witches in Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Macbeth’

The presentation of the witches in Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Macbeth’

The presentation of Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 5 of ‘Macbeth’

The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of ‘Macbeth’

Lady Macbeth’s character development across Act 1 of ‘Macbeth’

How does Lady Macbeth undermine Macbeth in Act 1 of 'Macbeth'?

Exploring the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, ‘Macbeth’

Exploring Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘Macbeth’: characterisation and foreshadowing

Act 3, Scene 4, ‘Macbeth’: Macbeth’s fears, and Lady Macbeth’s diminishing power

Lady Macbeth's feelings of guilt in ‘Macbeth’

Lady Macbeth's role in the downfall of Macbeth in 'Macbeth'

Evaluating the character of Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’

Planning an analytical essay about Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’

Writing an analytical essay about Lady Macbeth as a Machiavel in ‘Macbeth’

‘Macbeth’: exploring evidence and including context in an essay on Lady Macbeth

In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils focus on the role that Lady Macbeth plays in the downfall of her husband. In 'Macbeth: A Tragic Hero', pupils become more critical of Macbeth's own decisions, evaluating whether he could be considered a tragic hero.

In 'Othello', pupils explore the role that Desdemona played in her husband's downfall. In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils analyse the impact of Lady Macbeth's manipulation.

In this unit, pupils read and analyse 'Macbeth' by focusing on the role of Lady Macbeth in the tragedy. They start by reading the full play, before moving on to a close analysis of key characters and themes. They then zoom in on Lady Macbeth and develop an essay on her as a Machiaevellian villain.

Shakespeare: first reading

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

In Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says, 'Our fears in {{ }} stick deep.'

In Act 3 of 'Macbeth', how does Lady Macbeth describe her feelings as monarch?

In 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in 1.5 and Macbeth's speech in 3.2 reveal they want to rid themselves of a particular quality. Which quality?

He indicates diminished power, as she tries (and fails) to dissuade Macbeth.

He indicates some vulnerability, as she asks Macbeth 'What is to be done?'.

He indicates an ability to emasculate Macbeth: she asks 'What is to be done?'.

He indicates Lady Macbeth no longer controls Macbeth who plots the murder alone.

Through the plot line of Banquo's murder in Act 3 of 'Macbeth', how does Shakespeare indicate a change in Lady Macbeth's relationship with Macbeth?

Both scenes reveal Lady Macbeth's dominance over Macbeth.

Both scenes reveal Macbeth's hesitancy about murder.

Both scenes see the couple working together.

Both scenes see a character reject their humanity.

In what ways does Act 3, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth' mirror Act 1, Scene 5?

Macbeth: 'Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond Which keeps me pale!'

Which line from 3.2 of 'Macbeth' most closely mirrors Lady Macbeth's desire that 'night... Stop up the access and passage to remorse, That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose.'

Macbeth is angry that Banquo called him spellbound by the prophecies.

Lady Macbeth asks him to in order to secure the throne.

The witches prophesied that Banquo's children would be kings.

In Act 3 of 'Macbeth', why does Macbeth want to kill Banquo and Fleance?

He is self-interested, and doesn't care about her.

He isolates himself from her, telling her only what is necessary.

Which best describe Macbeth's relationship with Lady Macbeth in Act 1 of 'Macbeth'?

He is described as 'rap't' by the prophecies.

He invites Duncan to his castle so he can kill him.

He immediately tells Lady Macbeth of the prophecies.

He has a number of asides in which he contemplates the idea.

He wishes the witches would leave so he can think without their malign presence.

In Act 1 of 'Macbeth', what indications do we have that Macbeth is interested in the idea of being King of Scotland?

They had a child, but Lady Macbeth 'dash'd' its brains out.

We don't know if they had children, although there is a suggestion they did.

Malcolm is their child; he flees Scotland after the regicide.

We know they had children, but Macbeth didn't want them to inherit his legacy.

In regards to 'Macbeth', which statements are valid in relation to the Macbeths and their children?

In Act 1, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says, 'Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.' Which is the most powerful literary device used in this quotation?

In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth says she is excited about the idea of monarchy, thinking about 'sovereign sway and {{ }}'.

Exploring the presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 3 of ‘Macbeth’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance