When used as a noun, a familiar is a term which refers to  a witch’s demon.

If something is foreboding, it gives the impression that  something bad is going to happen.

Staging is how a play is presented on stage. Staging is  influenced by stage directions and directorial decisions.

Pathetic fallacy is the use of weather to reflect the  mood and tone of characters and their situation.

If something is ominous, it give the impression that  something bad is going to happen.

Exploring the opening 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.

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Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.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

In 'Macbeth', how many times do the witches appear?

What word best describes the atmosphere in Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth'?

Thought to be able to control the weather.

Thought to make potions out of body or animal parts.

Which of these was not a common Jacobean belief about witches?

What is the name of the device which sees the weather reflect the mood or tone of events and/or characters?

Shakespeare's witches {{ }} common Jacobean beliefs about witches.

Which quotation from Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth' begins Shakespeare's exploration of the theme of appearances versus reality?

In 'Macbeth', the witches tell Macbeth things about his future. What are these called?

Macbeth hears another set of prophecies from the witches.

Lady Macbeth asks 'spirits' to 'unsex' her.

What supernatural event occurs in Act 3 of 'Macbeth'?

Three witches give prophecies to Macbeth and Banquo.

Lady Macbeth helps convince Macbeth to kill King Duncan.

Macbeth kills King Duncan and is then crowned King of Scotland.

Macbeth demands further prophecies from the witches.

Malcolm is crowned the new and rightful king of Scotland.

Starting with the first event, sort the plot points of 'Macbeth' into chronological order. 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

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

Exploring the opening of ‘Macbeth’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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