Exploring the presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 3 of ‘Macbeth’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore Act 3, Scene 4 of ‘Macbeth’, with a focus on Macbeth’s fears and Lady Macbeth’s diminishing power.
Key learning points
- Dramatically, Act 3, Scene 2 mirrors Act 1, Scene 5, with a murder being plotted.
- However, roles have been reversed and Macbeth seems to be in control in this scene.
- Both characters appear uneasy during this scene; power and status have not led to happiness.
- Mirroring Lady Macbeth's "unsex me here", Macbeth seems to want to rid himself of "his bond" with humanity.
Keywords
Parallels - If a scene or character parallels another, it means they are similar in some way. The slight differences will help us notice something new.
Mirrors - If a scene or character mirrors another, it reflects what has come before. The slight differences will help us notice something new.
Personify - When you personify something, you give something non-human human characteristics.
Humanity - Humanity is the quality that people possess which makes them kind, compassionate and connected to their fellow humans.
Common misconception
The murder of Banquo and Fleance (attempted) is the same as the murders that have preceded it.
Macbeth doesn't tell Lady Macbeth his plan, he hires murderers rather than doing it himself, and Fleance is a child.
Teacher tip
Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are unhappy. There are many reasons for this: guilt, isolation, insecurity, but also, for Macbeth, a departure from his previous identity as a noble, loyal Thane. Use LC1 to dwell on the many strands of his unhappiness.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Act 3 of 'Macbeth', why does Macbeth want to kill Banquo and Fleance?
Q2.Which best describe Macbeth's relationship with Lady Macbeth in Act 1 of 'Macbeth'?
Q3.In Act 1 of 'Macbeth', what indications do we have that Macbeth is interested in the idea of being King of Scotland?
Q4.In regards to 'Macbeth', which statements are valid in relation to the Macbeths and their children?
Q5.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?
Q6.In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth says she is excited about the idea of monarchy, thinking about 'sovereign sway and '.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says, 'Our fears in stick deep.'
Q2.In Act 3 of 'Macbeth', how does Lady Macbeth describe her feelings as monarch?
Q3.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?
Q4.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?
Q5.In what ways does Act 3, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth' mirror Act 1, Scene 5?
Q6.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.'
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Exploring the presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 3 of ‘Macbeth’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Exploring the presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 3 of ‘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.
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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.