Exploring blood as symbol of guilt in 'Macbeth'

English

In this unit, pupils learn about the importance of guilt in 'Macbeth'. They first conceptualise guilt within 'Macbeth', before exploring light, the supernatural, sleep and blood as symbols of guilt in the play. They finally write a nuanced and tentative argument about the role of guilt in the play.

Shakespeare: the third deep dive

Physical illness or injury, medical procedures, blood.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

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

Which word beginning with 'm' refers to a recurring idea in a literary work?

Lady Macbeth appears impervious to guilt.

Macbeth appears impervious to guilt throughout the play.

Macbeth is impervious to pain after committing regicide.

Which sentence uses impervious correctly to describe Act 2, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth'?

He has become stained with blood and thus guilt.

He can conquer anyone as he has got away with the biggest crime.

He has successfully rid himself of his conscience.

In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth', what does Macbeth acknowledge?

She feels that she can rid herself of guilt easily.

She may feel guilt but doesn't let it get her down.

What does the phrase "Out damned spot" suggest about Lady Macbeth’s feelings of guilt in Act 5, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth'?

both are mentally weakened by guilt and want to regain control

What is true of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's relationship with guilt by the end of 'Macbeth'?

What does Macbeth see in Act 2, Scene 1 of the play 'Macbeth'?

In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth', what does Lady Macbeth say to reassure Macbeth after the murder of Duncan?

What symbolic meaning does blood seem to take in 'Macbeth'?

Banquo, referring to the murder of Fleance

Macbeth, referring the blood on his hands after regicide

Lady Macbeth, hallucinating bloodstains on her hands

In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', which character says "out damned spot" and what are they referring to?

They consumed the weather for over an hour.

The car consumed through the busy traffic.

He was consumed with jealousy after seeing his sister's birthday gift.

Which sentence uses the word 'consumed' correctly?

"Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear"

Which quote depicts Banquo’s ghost as being covered in blood in 'Macbeth'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

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