Evaluating the character of Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’
I can evaluate Shakespeare’s presentation of Lady Macbeth.
Evaluating the character of Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’
I can evaluate Shakespeare’s presentation of Lady Macbeth.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian villain unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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.