If you have ambition, you have desire and determination to achieve success.

If you kill your monarch, you commit the crime of regicide.

‘Macbeth’ was first performed in 1606 when James I was King of England (1603-1624). The people he ruled were called Jacobeans.

A prophecy is a prediction of what might happen in the future.

Thane is an old Scottish term for a noble warrior. In ‘Macbeth’, Macbeth is Thane of Glamis at the start of the play.

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 1, Scenes 1-4

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

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Macbeth is told he will be King by three witches

Macbeth asks the witches for further prophecies

Match the Act from 'Macbeth' to the plot points.

An account of Macbeth's bravery in battle; Macbeth promoted

Match the first four scenes of 'Macbeth' to their plot points

If you kill your monarch, you commit the crime of {{ }}.

he used his sword to 'carve' through the enemy

he killed the Thane of Cawdor to get his title

he displayed an enemy's head on battlements as a warning

he was distracted as he was 'rap't' by the witches prophecies

In Act 1, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth' what are we told about Macbeth's actions in the recent battle?

that Macbeth will be promoted to Thane of Cawdor

What do the witches' prophesy in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?

He kills the Thane of Cawdor so he can get promoted

He has a number of asides which reveal his interest in the throne

He immediately decides to commit regicide

He is described as 'rap't' by the prophecies by Banquo

After receiving the prophecies in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', how does Macbeth act?

'Macbeth' is a play. Which of the following are features of plays?

What was William Shakespeare famous for writing?

Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616. He experienced life under two monarchs. Which monarchs?

'Macbeth' is a tragedy. Which of the below are also considered Shakespearean tragedies?

'Macbeth' is a tragedy. Which of the following are features of Shakespearean tragedies?

It is designed to signal the supernatural themes

It is designed to signal it is a play about a hero

'Macbeth' starts with terrible weather - thunder and lightening - and three witches. What inferences could we make about this opening?

Content guidance

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.

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 1, Scenes 1-4

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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