'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4
I can explain what happens in Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4 of ‘Macbeth’ with a focus on the significance of the porter and the play’s settings.
'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4
I can explain what happens in Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4 of ‘Macbeth’ with a focus on the significance of the porter and the play’s settings.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Act 2, Scene 3 starts with a drunk porter who pretends to be the gatekeeper to hell
- References to regicide and equivocation were topical for Jacobeans because of The Gunpowder Plot
- King Duncan’s murder is revealed in Act 2, Scene 3
- King Duncan’s sons flee Scotland
- The unnatural events in Scotland suggest that Macbeth’s reign is illegitimate
Common misconception
Macbeth is next in line to the throne.
Malcolm has been named Duncan's heir. However, he flees to England and thus Macbeth is crowned King.
Keywords
Porter - A porter is employed to carry the bags of passengers or guests.
Equivocate - If you equivocate, you speak in an ambiguous way that allows you to conceal the truth.
Jacobean - ‘Macbeth’ was first performed in 1606 when James I was King of England (1603-1624). The people he ruled were called Jacobeans.
The Gunpowder Plot - The Gunpowder Plot was a failed attempt to kill King James I in 1605.
Setting - Setting is the location where an event takes place. In literature, setting can tell us something about the story or characters.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
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
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Lady Macbeth hears of the prophecies.
Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan to the castle.
Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into regicide.
Macbeth hallucinates a dagger and commits regicide.
Lady Macbeth frames the guards; Macbeth regrets the regicide
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The porter’s Scene.
The regicide is revealed.
Malcolm and Donalbain flee Scotland.
Scotland experiences unnatural weather.