'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth's death in Act 5
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use different parts of the play to justify my opinions of Macbeth.
Key learning points
- Some may argue that Macbeth shows remorse before his death
- Others may argue Macbeth’s death is a consequence of his hubris
- Audiences may feel differently about Macbeth’s death
- Tracking ideas across a text help create a more thorough analysis
- Discourse markers are useful when tracking ideas
Keywords
Noble - If you have fine personal qualities or high moral principles, you may be described as noble.
Chivalric code - The chivalric code was a set of standards for knights to follow.
Remorseful - If you are remorseful you are sorry for what you have done.
Defiant - Someone who shows open resistance or disobedience could be described as being defiant.
Futility - Futility means pointlessness or uselessness.
Common misconception
All audiences will feel the same about Macbeth's death.
Remind pupils that the joy of literature is exploring different responses to the same text. Use LC1 to identify these differences.
Teacher tip
To get your pupils to explore different responses to Macbeth's death, ask pupils on a scale of 1-10 how much they thought Macbeth had learnt from the error of his ways before his death.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Macbeth', what ultimately causes Macbeth's death?
Q2.In 'Macbeth', who kills Macbeth in Act 5?
Q3.What does 'noble' mean in this sentence: "Arguably, Macbeth dies a noble death"?
Q4.What does tracking mean in this sentence: "We are tracking a theme across a text"?
Q5.In 'Macbeth', what does Macbeth believe makes him invincible in Act 5 of the play?
Q6.What are the three apparitions that the witches conjure in Act 4 of "Macbeth"?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which discourse markers are useful for signposting an idea from the start of a text? Select all that apply.
Q2.Which discourse markers are useful for signposting an idea from the end of a text? Select all that apply.
Q3.Which word, meaning open resistance or disobedience, could be used in this sentence: "Macbeth dies in battle, , determined to fight until the end."?
Q4.Which word, beginning with 'f', could be used in this sentence: In his soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth laments the of his relentless pursuit of power"?
Q5.Read the following quotation from 'Macbeth': "I'll fight till from my bones my flesh be hack'd." (Act 5, Scene 3). What could you infer about Macbeth from this quotation? Select all that apply.
Q6.Read the following quotation from 'Macbeth': "tale told by an idiot [...] signifying nothing." (Act 5, Scene 5). What could you infer about Macbeth from this quotation? Select all that apply.
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth's death in Act 5, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth's death in Act 5, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Macbeth: A Tragic Hero unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.