'Macbeth': exploring the theme of internal conflict
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a detailed essay plan about how Macbeth is a conflicted character.
Key learning points
- Act 3 is an important scene as it signifies a shift in Macbeth’s behaviour and his relationship with his wife
- Tormented by guilt and fear, he plots Banquo’s murder without informing Lady Macbeth
- The relationship between Macbeth and his wife becomes particularly estranged during Act 3, Scene 4
- Arguably, Macbeth is in conflict with both himself and his wife in Act 3
- Thesis statements should present an overarching argument
Keywords
Tormented - Some who feels tormented is experiencing severe physical or mental suffereing.
Deteriorating - If something is deteriorating it is becoming progressively worse.
Estranged - When a relationship is described as being estranged it is means there is no longer closeness between the couple.
Paradoxical - A situation that is paradoxical is self contradictory or made up of two opposite elements.
Common misconception
Thesis statements have to be very general.
Thesis statements can be specific, but they should offer opportunity to consider different interpretations.
Teacher tip
Prepare examples of thesis statements and topic sentences from other pieces of analytical writing students have covered on different texts.
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
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Macbeth', why is it decided that Banquo must die?
Q2.In 'Macbeth', who decides to murder Banquo?
Q3.In 'Macbeth', how is Banquo killed?
Q4.In 'Macbeth', who or what does Macbeth see sitting in his seat at the banquet?
Q5.What does deteriorating mean in this context: "Macbeth's mental state was deteriorating as his ambition consumed him."
Q6.What does tormented mean in this context: "Macbeth was tormented by guilt and visions of his misdeeds."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete this quotation from 'Macbeth': "O' full of is my mind."
Q2.Complete the quotation from 'Macbeth': "We have scorched the not killed it.”
Q3.In 'Macbeth', which adjective can be used to describe the Macbeth's relationship in Act 3? This word means that the relationship lacks closeness.
Q4.In 'Macbeth', why could Act 3 be described as a shift? Select all appropriate answers.
Q5.In 'Macbeth', which quotation implies the Macbeths are becoming more estranged?
Q6.In 'Macbeth', which quotation implies Macbeth is in conflict with himself?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': exploring the theme of internal conflict, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': exploring the theme of internal conflict, 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.