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

The Divine Right of Kings is the belief that a monarch is chosen by God; the belief that a monarch is God’s representative on Earth.

When James I was King of England (1603-1624), the people he ruled over were called Jacobeans.

A hallucination is when you see, smell, taste, touch or hear something that appears to be real, but is only in your mind.

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

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2

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

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Banquo and Fleance meet in the pitch black.

Macbeth pretends he hasn’t thought about the witches.

Macbeth regrets regicide; Lady Macbeth frames the guards.

Match the scenes from Act 2 of 'Macbeth' to their plot points

The {{ }} Right of Kings is the belief that a monarch is chosen by God; the belief that a monarch is God’s representative on Earth.

After committing the regicide in Act 2 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth is worried that he will no longer be able to say '...'

She wants Macbeth to do it to prove his love for her.

She never intended to - it was always going to be Macbeth.

She had to entertain Duncan for the evening.

In Act 2 of 'Macbeth', what reason does Lady Macbeth give for not committing the regicide herself?

In 'Macbeth', what does blood symbolise in the play?

'Was the hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself?'

'look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under't'.

'yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full of the milk of human kindness'.

In Act 2, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth worries 'Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?' How does Lady Macbeth reply?

In Act 1 of 'Macbeth', who is King of Scotland in the world of the play?

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

Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan then goads Macbeth to regicide.

Match the first seven scenes of 'Macbeth' to their plot points.

In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth asks 'spirits' to fill her with 'cruelty' and 'stop up the access and passage to...'

He's not sure if it will please Lady Macbeth.

He desires the crown, but isn't sure that's a good enough reason to kill Duncan.

In Act 1 of 'Macbeth', why is Macbeth conflicted about committing regicide?

He forgives the Thane of Cawdor for his treachery.

He prepares for Scotland's future by saying Malcolm is his heir.

In Act 1 of 'Macbeth', in what ways does Shakespeare suggest that King Duncan is a good king?

At the end of Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', after Lady Macbeth has emasculated Macbeth, Macbeth resolves to commit regicide, stating, 'I am settled, and bend up...to this {{ }} feat'.

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.

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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