'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 1, Scenes 1-4
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what happens in Act 1, Scenes 1 to 4 of ‘Macbeth’, including considering my initial impressions of the main character, Macbeth.
Key learning points
- The supernatural is a key theme of the play
- At the start of the play, Macbeth is presented as a brave warrior
- The current Thane of Cawdor is plotting to betray King Duncan
- The witches prophecy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King
- The witches prophecy that Banquo's sons will become kings
Keywords
Ambition - If you have ambition, you have desire and determination to achieve success.
Regicide - If you kill your monarch, you commit the crime of regicide.
Jacobean - ‘Macbeth’ was first performed in 1606 when James I was King of England (1603-1624). The people he ruled were called Jacobeans.
Prophecy - A prophecy is a prediction of what might happen in the future.
Thane - Thane is an old Scottish term for a noble warrior. In ‘Macbeth’, Macbeth is Thane of Glamis at the start of the play.
Common misconception
Macbeth is a Jacobean.
'Macbeth' is set in 11th century Scotland. However, it was first performed in 1606 in front of a Jacobean audience.
Teacher tip
Consider whether watching these first four scenes would aid student understanding.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'Macbeth' is a play. Which of the following are features of plays?
Q2.What was William Shakespeare famous for writing?
Q3.Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616. He experienced life under two monarchs. Which monarchs?
Q4.'Macbeth' is a tragedy. Which of the below are also considered Shakespearean tragedies?
Q5.'Macbeth' is a tragedy. Which of the following are features of Shakespearean tragedies?
Q6.'Macbeth' starts with terrible weather - thunder and lightening - and three witches. What inferences could we make about this opening?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the Act from 'Macbeth' to the plot points.
Macbeth is told he will be King by three witches
The Macbeths commit regicide
Macbeth is an unhappy monarch
Macbeth asks the witches for further prophecies
Macbeth is killed
Q2.Match the first four scenes of 'Macbeth' to their plot points
The witches prepare to meet Macbeth
An account of Macbeth's bravery in battle; Macbeth promoted
The witches give the prophecies
Previous Thane of Cawdor killed
Q3.If you kill your monarch, you commit the crime of .
Q4.In Act 1, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth' what are we told about Macbeth's actions in the recent battle?
Q5.What do the witches' prophesy in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?
Q6.After receiving the prophecies in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', how does Macbeth act?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 1, Scenes 1-4, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 1, Scenes 1-4, 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.