Evaluating the character of Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can evaluate Shakespeare’s presentation of Lady Macbeth.
Key learning points
- Shakespeare's presentation of Lady Macbeth could appear revolutionary
- However, the play could also serve to warn women not to disobey the social order and the patriarchy
- Interpretations which regard Lady Macbeth as evil can be rooted in misogyny
Keywords
Revolutionary - If you are a revolutionary, you do something that rebels against the status quo.
Unconventional - If you are unconventional, you do not follow accepted norms or standards.
Status quo - The status quo is the term for the accepted standards and rules by which a community lives.
Patriarchal - A patriarchal society is one in which men are in charge.
Misogyny - Misogyny is the dislike of women; misogynists are prejudiced against women.
Common misconception
Shakespeare was a misogynist or, conversely, Shakespeare was a feminist.
We don't know about Shakespeare's political or social beliefs. The text is there for us to interpret, not define Shakespeare's views.
Teacher tip
Consider in LC2 how you will manage the discussion about whether Lady Macbeth deserves her punishment.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What happens to Lady Macbeth in Act 5 of 'Macbeth'?
Q2.In what ways is Lady Macbeth presented as unconventional in 'Macbeth'?
Q3.How is the status quo restored at the end of 'Macbeth'?
Q4.In Act 5, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth is preoccupied with imaginary blood on her hands. What does this preoccupation symbolise?
Q5.In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth calls Lady Macbeth his 'dearest partner of greatness'. What might this symbolise?
Q6.In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth asks 'spirits' to 'take my [breast]milk for ' thus rejecting ideas of motherhood.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Macbeth', which words describe the type of society which Lady Macbeth inhabits?
Q2.There is not just one interpretation of Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth'. There are many. Which of the below are just some of the valid interpretations?
Q3.In 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth's presentation could be seen as revolutionary, or one which reinforces the status quo. Match the interpretations to the appropriate evidence.
She is presented as ambitious.
She is presented as rejecting feminine norms.
Macbeth calls her his 'dearest partner of greatness'.
She is punished for rejecting feminine norms.
She is a dutiful wife, supporting Macbeth's quest for power.
She shares attributes with the witches; thus an evil threat.
Q4.In 1.5 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth asks 'spirits' to 'unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full. Of direst .'
Q5.In what ways might 'Macbeth's' first Jacobean audiences have interpreted Lady Macbeth's fate?
Q6.In Act 5 of 'Macbeth', Malcolm characterises Lady Macbeth as ' -like'.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Evaluating the character of Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Evaluating the character of Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’, 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian villain unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.