Being an outsider is an important idea, particularly to Shakespeare. An outsider is a character who is not accepted by society.

In the context of ‘Macbeth’, the witches are genderless characters: they neither present nor behave in a way this society expects of women.

If you conform, you accept rules or standards.

If you are subversive you don’t accept rules or standards.

Femininity refers to qualities which are seen as characteristic of women or girls.

The witches in Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

Maintaining a high standard of education.

Obeying men, particularly a father or husband.

What qualities should an ideal Jacobean woman adhere to? 

Outsiders are introduced first in a text.

Which quotation best expresses Macbeth's confusion about the witches in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?

What device does Shakespeare use to explore the idea of disorder and chaos in 'Macbeth'?

Which statements best explain why Macbeth and Banquo are confused by the witches in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?

It conveys the witches' subversive nature.

In Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', Banquo compares the witches to 'bubbles' and 'things'. Which statements best describe the effect of this language?

What is the name of the character who, with Macbeth, hears prophecies from the witches in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?

Which adjective best describes the atmosphere of the opening scene of 'Macbeth'?

That Duncan will leave the throne to him.

That he should kill King Duncan in order to become king.

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

They arrange to help Macbeth kill King Duncan.

What happens after the witches deliver the prophecies in Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth'?

He banned the play, 'Macbeth' for a period of time.

James I, the monarch when 'Macbeth' was first written and performed, believed in witches. What **two** things did he do to show this belief? 

Yes. Other unpleasant and violent things happen but nothing else unnatural.

Yes. The unnatural event starts the play but only to foreshadow ominous events.

No. Many unnatural occurrences punctuate the play. 

No but the only other unnatural event is when Hecate appears.

Is the witches' appearance in Act 1 of 'Macbeth' the only unnatural event to occur in the play?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

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

The witches in Act 1, Scene 3 of ‘Macbeth’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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