The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of ‘Macbeth’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth'.
Key learning points
- At the start of Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth is arguably conflicted
- Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into killing Duncan - arguably by emasculating him
- Lady Macbeth emotionally blackmails her husband
- This scene could be interpreted as a turning point in the play. Macbeth's decision is made
Keywords
Hesitancy - Being in a state of hesitancy means being in a state of uncertainty.
Emasculate - If you emasculate someone, you undermine their masculine identity or role.
Manipulation - Manipulation is when you use tactics to control or influence another person, often for personal gain.
Emotional blackmail - Emotional blackmail is a way of getting what you want. It involves making threats or demands, and is damaging to the victim.
Goad - If you goad someone, you provoke them into doing something.
Common misconception
There is just one reason that Macbeth doesn't want to commit regicide - his loyalty to Duncan.
Macbeth's soliloquy explores crime but significantly earthly punishment. For Macbeth, the consequence on earth is what frightens him.
Teacher tip
Whilst looking at Macbeth's soliloquy, question why Macbeth has experience of traitors who have been punished (i.e. the previous Thane of Cawdor).
Equipment
You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which best describes Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth'?
Q2.When Macbeth hears the prophecies in Act 1 of 'Macbeth', what are his first reactions?
Q3.Which of the following describe Macbeth at the start of the play 'Macbeth'?
Q4.In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth calls Lady Macbeth his 'dearest of greatness'.
Q5.In 'Macbeth', what quality of Macbeth's does Lady Macbeth see as getting in the way of his achieving the 'golden round'?
Q6.Which line of dialogue finishes Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', signalling that this character is ready to plot a regicide?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which words best describe Macbeth at the very start of Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth'?
Q2.In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says of King Duncan: 'He's here in double trust'. What does this mean?
Q3.Which quotation, from Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', best speaks to Macbeth's worries about the potential aftermath of King Duncan's death?
Q4.At the end of Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says, 'I am settled to this terrible feat'. Why might this mark a turning point in the play?
Q5.In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', why does Lady Macbeth say she will question the constancy of Macbeth's love for her?
Q6.In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth states he would be happy to kill King Duncan if 'the assassination could trammel up the ' - that is, there would be no repercussions or fall out.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of ‘Macbeth’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 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.
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.