Being in a state of hesitancy means being in a state of uncertainty.

If you emasculate someone, you undermine their masculine identity or role.

Manipulation is when you use tactics to control or influence another person, often for personal gain.

Emotional blackmail is a way of getting what you want. It involves making threats or demands, and is damaging to the victim.

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

The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 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

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

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of sexual or domestic abuse or violence, including  threats of or the aftermath of.

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Which words best describe Macbeth at the very start of Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth'?

There are two reasons that King Duncan will be suspicious of him.

There are two reasons that he should kill King Duncan.

There are two reasons he trusts King Duncan.

There are two reasons he owes protection to King Duncan.

There are two reasons King Duncan trusts him.

In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says of King Duncan: 'He's here in double trust'. What does this mean?

'this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek'

'pity... Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye'

'I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent'

'Vaulting ambition, which o'er leaps itself And falls on the other'

Which quotation, from Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', best speaks to Macbeth's worries about the potential aftermath of King Duncan's death?

Once the regicide has been committed, Macbeth can never again be a loyal Thane.

Macbeth finally realises the regicide is a terrible idea.

Macbeth's life will be forever and irreversibly altered.

Lady Macbeth has been successful in her scheme.

No longer unsure, Macbeth is about to take decisive action.

At the end of Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says, 'I am settled to this terrible feat'. Why might this mark a turning point in the play?

Because he no longer calls her his 'dearest partner of greatness'.

Because he was drunk when he told her he would kill King Duncan.

Because he told her about the witches' prophecies via letter, not face to face.

Because he is no longer committed to killing King Duncan.

Because he didn't tell her he also wanted to kill Banquo.

In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', why does Lady Macbeth say she will question the constancy of Macbeth's love for her?

In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth states he would be happy to kill King Duncan if 'the assassination could trammel up the {{ }}' - that is, there would be no repercussions or fall out.

Which best describes Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth'?

He is attracted by the prophecies, but has made no definite decisions.

He writes a letter to Lady Macbeth to tell her about what the witches said.

When Macbeth hears the prophecies in Act 1 of 'Macbeth', what are his first reactions? 

Which of the following describe Macbeth at the start of the play 'Macbeth'?

In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth calls Lady Macbeth his 'dearest {{ }} of greatness'.

In 'Macbeth', what quality of Macbeth's does Lady Macbeth see as getting in the way of his achieving the 'golden round'?

Lady Macbeth: 'Leave all the rest to me.'

Which line of dialogue finishes Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', signalling that this character is ready to plot a regicide?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Adult supervision required

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

The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of ‘Macbeth’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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