'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare Macbeth and Banquo to explore how Shakespeare presents the importance of the chivalric code.
Key learning points
- Banquo acts a foil to Macbeth because his loyalty outweighs his ambition.
- Banquo's son, Fleance, acts as a stark reminder of Macbeth's own lack of heir.
- King James I was believed to be a direct ancestor of the real Banquo.
- Shakespeare uses Macbeth's relationship with Banquo to warn against disobeying the natural order.
- Fleance's survival can be viewed as a reward for Banquo's loyalty.
Keywords
Chivalric code - the chivalric code is an informal code of conduct that many men agreed to live by. It included honour, honesty and loyalty
Aside - an aside is a stage direction where dialogue is intentionally delivered to be heard by the audience, but not the other characters on stage
Scepticism - people show scepticism when they doubt the truth of something
Fervour - fervour means intense or passionate feeling.
Apocalyptic - if something is described as apocalyptic it is catastrophic as it is being compared to the end of the world
Common misconception
Banquo's main purpose in the play is to act as a foil, highlighting Macbeth's treachery.
Explore the purpose of Fleance, by asking pupils how they think events would have unfolded if Fleance had been killed too.
Teacher tip
When discussing what could be included in an essay about Banquo, be prepared to reference ideas pupils may have used in other Macbeth essays they have written for you, highlighting how each essay does not always require new ideas.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the extract taken from Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth' which is available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Macbeth' what is the witches' prophecy for Banquo?
Q2.Which of the statements below best describes Macbeth's initial reaction to the witches' prophecies in 'Macbeth'?
Q3.In 'Macbeth' when Banquo says the witches are 'instruments of darkness', what language device is Shakespeare using?
Q4.An 'aside' is a stage direction, but what does it mean?
Q5.Match the character from 'Macbeth' to the fate they suffer.
is killed in his sleep by Macbeth
is murdered by assassins, on the instruction of Macbeth
escapes from the murderers sent by Macbeth
is murdered in a violent battle by Macduff
Q6.Select the best inferences about the significance of Banquo's ghost in 'Macbeth'.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The four values of the chivalric code are, honour, honesty, valour and .
Q2.Starting with the first, put the three steps of an excellent introduction in order.
Q3.Which of the quotations below are from Banquo's reaction to the witches' prophecies in 'Macbeth'?
Q4.What does 'fervour' mean?
Q5.Select the ways in which Banquo is used as a construct in 'Macbeth'.
Q6.Select the best inferences about the importance of Banquo in 'Macbeth'.
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code, 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 and masculinity: the struggle for power unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.