Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth' through the lens of guilt
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth' through the lens of guilt.
Key learning points
- Macbeth's initial reaction to the witches' prophecies could reflect his guilt at contemplating regicide.
- Shakespeare may depict Macbeth's overwhelming sense of guilt because he was violating two important codes of conduct.
- Macbeth's soliloquy can be interpreted through a lens of guilt, offering an interesting alternative interpretation.
- Nuanced, critical understanding of texts include alternative interpretations and consideration of a writer's intentions.
Keywords
Usurp - take a position of power illegally or by force
Violate - break or act against something
Treachery - betrayal of trust
Common misconception
Guilt is only observable in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after the murder of King Duncan.
We can look at early scenes in the play through the lens of guilt since Shakespeare has a clear motive for centering the play on guilt.
Teacher tip
In Learning Cycle 1, you could take some more time to unpick the Feudal System and Divine Right of Kings if this is something your class needs to recap in more detail.
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.Which sentence uses the word 'usurp' correctly?
Q2.What is Macbeth's reaction to hearing the prophecy that he will become king in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?
Q3.What time period was 'Macbeth' set in?
Q4.What era was 'Macbeth' performed in?
Q5.What is the Divine Right of Kings?
Q6.What was the Gunpowder plot?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why is Banquo alarmed at Macbeth's reaction to the prophecy that he will become king in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?
Q2.Why might Macbeth feel guilty in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?
Q3.In 'Macbeth', what could Macbeth's "seated heart" symbolise?
Q4.What may help you to form a nuanced, critical understanding of a text?
Q5.By committing regicide, what does Macbeth violate in the play 'Macbeth'?
Q6.What could Shakespeare's intention be in presenting Macbeth's guilt so early on in 'Macbeth'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth' through the lens of guilt, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth' through the lens of guilt, 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: the role of guilt unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.