If you are a revolutionary, you do something that rebels against the status quo.

If you are unconventional, you do not follow accepted norms or standards.

The status quo is the term for the accepted standards and rules by which a community lives.

A patriarchal society is one in which men are in charge.

Misogyny is the dislike of women; misogynists are prejudiced against women.

Evaluating the character of Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’

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.

Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian villain

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

In 'Macbeth', which words describe the type of society which Lady Macbeth inhabits?

There is not just one interpretation of Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth'. There are many. Which of the below are just some of the valid interpretations?

She is presented as rejecting feminine norms.

Macbeth calls her his 'dearest partner of greatness'.

She is punished for rejecting feminine norms.

She is a dutiful wife, supporting Macbeth's quest for power.

She shares attributes with the witches; thus an evil threat.

In 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth's presentation could be seen as revolutionary, or one which reinforces the status quo. Match the interpretations to the appropriate evidence.

In 1.5 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth asks 'spirits' to 'unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full. Of direst {{ }}.'

In what ways might 'Macbeth's' first Jacobean audiences have interpreted Lady Macbeth's fate?

In Act 5 of 'Macbeth', Malcolm characterises Lady Macbeth as '{{ }}-like'.

What happens to Lady Macbeth in Act 5 of 'Macbeth'?

She holds power over Macbeth and his decisions.

In what ways is Lady Macbeth presented as unconventional in 'Macbeth'?

How is the status quo restored at the end of 'Macbeth'?

that she didn't clean her hands after the murder

In Act 5, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth is preoccupied with imaginary blood on her hands. What does this preoccupation symbolise?

In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth calls Lady Macbeth his 'dearest partner of greatness'. What might this symbolise?

In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth asks 'spirits' to 'take my [breast]milk for {{ }}' thus rejecting ideas of motherhood.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

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

Evaluating the character of Lady Macbeth in ‘Macbeth’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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