take a position of power illegally or by force

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

English

Conceptualising guilt in 'Macbeth'

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

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

Mabeth seems scared despite receiving good news.

Why is Banquo alarmed at Macbeth's reaction to the prophecy that he will become king in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?

because he killed the previous King of Scotland

because he knows he will have to betray his wife

because he entertains treacherous thoughts

Why might Macbeth feel guilty in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?

In 'Macbeth', what could Macbeth's "seated heart" symbolise?

exploring a scene through an alternative lens

considering the significance of a character's presentation 

What may help you to form a nuanced, critical understanding of a text?

By committing regicide, what does Macbeth violate in the play 'Macbeth'?

to warn the audience not to contemplate violating moral boundaries 

to show the power someone can receive when aligning with the supernatural

to expose the Divine Right of Kings as meaningless

What could Shakespeare's intention be in presenting Macbeth's guilt so early on in 'Macbeth'?

Lady Macbeth usurps Macbeth's masculinity.

Which sentence uses the word 'usurp' correctly?

He is calm because he knows fate will run its course.

He is sceptical as he is unsure whether to trust the witches.

What is Macbeth's reaction to hearing the prophecy that he will become king in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?

the belief that the king was chosen by God

the belief that the king was undefeatable

a plot in which people tried to overthrow the government in 1605

a plan created to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I

the belief that the king had the same authority as God

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

Lesson outcome

Content guidance