Guilt is an emotion you feel when you have done something bad. Guilt makes you feel worried and unhappy.

If something is a symbol, it represents or expresses an idea. In 'Macbeth', sleep is a symbol of innocence.

If you are isolated from others, you are apart from them. You are alone.

Camouflage is a disguise used by soldiers to help them blend into their surroundings. This means the enemy won’t see them approach.

A tyrant is someone who uses their power in an unjust way.

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 5, Scenes 1 to 5

English

In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils focus on the role that Lady Macbeth plays in the downfall of her husband. In 'Macbeth: A Tragic Hero', pupils become more critical of Macbeth's own decisions, evaluating whether he could be considered a tragic hero.

In 'Othello', pupils explore the role that Desdemona played in her husband's downfall. In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils analyse the impact of Lady Macbeth's manipulation.

In this unit, pupils read and analyse 'Macbeth' by focusing on the role of Lady Macbeth in the tragedy. They start by reading the full play, before moving on to a close analysis of key characters and themes. They then zoom in on Lady Macbeth and develop an essay on her as a Machiaevellian villain.

Shakespeare: first reading

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Excited by the prophecies; plots the regicide.

Helps commit the regicide including framing Duncan's guards.

Reigns over Scotland as Queen; increasingly isolated. 

Begins the Act: presented as consumed by guilt.

Match Lady Macbeth's appearances in 'Macbeth' to their Acts.

Ten thousand troops approach Macbeth's castle.

Soldiers use branches from Birnam wood as camouflage.

Match the plots points of the first five scenes of Act 5 of 'Macbeth' to their plot points.

In Act 5, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth is preoccupied with the idea that there is blood on her hands. What could this blood symbolise?

Malcolm, Banquo's son, prepares to become King.

In Act 5, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', how does one of the witches' prophecies come true?

In Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', Ross speaks of Macbeth's brilliant reputation: "every one did bear Thy {{ }} in his [Duncan's] great defence".

In Act 5, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth laments that he is isolated and no-one loves or respects him. He says instead of love and respect he has, "Curses, not loud but deep, {{ }}."

She is wary of trusting the supernatural.

She starts thinking about how to commit the regicide.

She summons evil spirits to help her commit the regicide.

She waits for Macbeth to tell her what he thinks about the regicide.

In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', when Lady Macbeth first hears of the witches' prophecies, how does she respond?

In Act 1 of 'Macbeth', who can Macbeth rely on for support, friendship and love?

That Macbeth is invincible until Birnam wood comes to his castle.

That Lady Macbeth will be consumed by guilt.

That no man can kill him, but a woman could.

In Act 4, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth', what do the witches prophesy?

Bring their families to England for safety.

Start to prepare an army to defeat Macbeth.

Try and lure Macbeth to England with promises of promotion.

After the regicide in Act 2 of 'Macbeth', Malcolm flees Scotland for England. Macduff soon joins him. What do they do there?

In Act 2 of 'Macbeth', after the regicide, Macbeth worries about the blood on his hands. Lady Macbeth is unworried. She says, "A little water {{ }} us of this deed.'"

In Act 2 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth worries about the blood on his hands. There is blood, and he needs to remove it, but this blood is also meant to symbolise which over-whelming emotion?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 5, Scenes 1 to 5

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.