Exploring the motif of sleep in 'Macbeth'

English

Conceptualising guilt in 'Macbeth'

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 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

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

What word beginning with 'i' means having trouble falling and staying asleep?

Why does Macbeth say he will sleep no more after committing regicide in 'Macbeth'?

In 'Macbeth', Macbeth cannot sleep, this means he can't gain ...

God has withheld sleep as a punishment; sleep was often seen as a gift from God

he is having nightmares based on his repressed guilt

God is protecting Macbeth from sin by not granting him sleep

In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', what could provide an interesting religious interpretation of Macbeth's insomnia?

so that we talk about only one use of the motif

so that we trace the full use of a motif throughout a text

to show a superficial understanding of a motif

Why is it important to use discourse markers when writing about motifs in a text?

After Macbeth commits regicide in the play 'Macbeth', he can no longer do what in Act 2, Scene 2?

 What happens to Lady Macbeth by Act 5, Scene 1 o? 'Macbeth'?

whilst he enters grounds Macbeth's castle

In what state is Duncan murdered in 'Macbeth'?

What is Macbeth troubled by in Act 3, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth'?

Exploring the motif of sleep in 'Macbeth'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance