describes a violation of something that is sacred

Writing a response about 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

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which word describes a violation of something that is sacred?

Which part of a multiple paragraph plan provides an overarching argument about the whole text?

'Ultimately, Shakespeare uses their insomnia to warn the audience of the peace that is withheld after committing regicide.' Which part helps us know that the paragraph has come to a conclusion?

your supporting details come from across the text

your supporting details are one word quotations

your supporting details link to the topic sentence

What should you ensure when selecting supporting details for an essay?

"It is the bloody business which informs thus to mine eyes"

Which supporting detail could be used in a paragraph about insomnia?

In an essay, concluding sentences ought to ...

Sleep, blood and light are all examples of recurring images in 'Macbeth'. What is the technical term for a recurring image in a text or piece of art?

In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', which of these is considered a symbol of Macbeth's guilt?

Macbeth has destroyed his own innocence after committing regicide.

Macbeth has too much adrenaline to sleep after committing regicide.

Macbeth cannot sleep whilst he has been imprisoned for regicide.

What does the quote "Macbeth does murder sleep" from Act 2, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth' suggest?

outlines the arguments of each paragraph 

summarises the argument in each paragraph

Match each part of a multiple paragraph outline to the correct definition.

Through the description of the dagger and Banquo's ghost in 'Macbeth', the supernatural is paired with images of ...

to warn the audience of the severe consequences of regicide and treachery

to celebrate the rejection of one's conscience

to educate the audience on how guilt is a precursor to power

Why might Shakespeare have wanted to portray Macbeth's extreme guilt in the play 'Macbeth'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

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

Writing a response about guilt in 'Macbeth'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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