'Macbeth' Act 2 Scene 1: the dagger hallucination
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 to justify my opinions on Macbeth.
Key learning points
- Act 2, Scene 1 is could be seen as crucial in creating the idea that Macbeth is influenced by the supernatural and evil
- Macbeth does recognise the dagger as a hallucination - counter evidence that he is being influenced by the supernatural
- Macbeth uses the hallucination as justification for killing Duncan
- A dagger is symbolic of treachery - representing betrayal at close range
Keywords
Hallucination - The experience of seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling something that does not exist is called a hallucination.
Soliloquy - A soliloquy is a speech in a play that the character speaks to themself or to the audience, rather than to the other characters.
Subsequent - Subsequent means when something comes after something else or a result of something else.
Common misconception
Students become over-reliant on the quotation: "Is this a dagger which I see before me?"
Draw attention to other quotations which both illustrate Macbeth can see a dagger, but also demonstrate the flaws in his character.
Teacher tip
During learning cycle 2, you could ask pupils whether they agree with Jun or Izzy. Stage a debate where pupils have to use quotations from A2, S1 as evidence.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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.In 'Macbeth', Macbeth sees a vision of which weapon, shortly before killing Duncan?
Q2.Put the following events of Act 1 and Act 2 of 'Macbeth' in order.
Q3.In 'Macbeth', why does Macbeth choose to kill King Duncan? Choose all that apply.
Q4.A sentence which starts a paragraph, clearly outlining the purpose of your paragraph is called a...?
Q5.What does embedding a quotation mean?
Q6.What does subsequent mean in the following sentence? "Subsequent to Duncan's murder, Macbeth's guilt intensified."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Identify which sentences correctly embed quotations. Select any correct answers.
Q2.Select everything you would expect to see in a good topic sentence. Select all appropriate answers.
Q3.A is a speech in a play that the character speaks to themself or to the people watching, rather than to the other characters.
Q4.In 'Macbeth', which of the following quotations can be used to justify the idea that the hallucination of the dagger is the work of the supernatural?
Q5.In Macbeth, which of the following quotations can be used to justify the idea that the hallucination of the dagger is the result of Macbeth's own thoughts and desires?
Q6.In 'Macbeth', what is the significance behind Macbeth hallucinating and seeing a dagger, rather than a sword?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth' Act 2 Scene 1: the dagger hallucination, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth' Act 2 Scene 1: the dagger hallucination, 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: A Tragic Hero unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.