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

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

If you deceive someone, you make them believe something that is not true - often for personal gain.

If you goad someone, you provoke them into doing something.

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

'Macbeth': An exploration of Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7

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.

In this unit, pupils read and analyse 'Macbeth' by focusing on the role of Lady Macbeth in the tragedy. They start by reading the full play, before moving on to a close analysis of key characters and themes. They then zoom in on Lady Macbeth and develop an essay on her as a Machiaevellian villain.

Shakespeare: first reading

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

A {{ }} society is one which is run by men.

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

Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan while plotting regicide.

Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into regicide.

Match the scenes from Act 1 of 'Macbeth' to their plot points.

Which adjectives could describe Lady Macbeth in Act 1 of 'Macbeth'?

That Duncan looks too much like his father to kill.

Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth' starts with a long soliloquy from Macbeth in which he contemplates regicide. What does he decide at the end of the soliloquy?

In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to return so she can 'pour my {{ }} into thine ear; And chastise with the valour of my tongue'.

'Macbeth' was first performed in 1606. What is the most precise term for the play's first audiences?

What is one of 'Macbeth's' central themes?

In Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', what do the witches tell Macbeth and Banquo?

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

Starting with the first scene, order these plot points from Act 1, Scenes 1 to 4 of 'Macbeth'.

Why does Macbeth have a good reputation at the start of 'Macbeth'?

The play begins with witches, suggesting their power.

The witches give Macbeth and Banquo prophecies.

The witches kill the Thane of Cawdor so Macbeth can take his title.

How does Shakespeare signal that the supernatural will be an important feature of 'Macbeth'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz