Understanding themes, characters and plot in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'
I can explain how Shakespeare demonstrates key themes through character and plot action.
Understanding themes, characters and plot in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'
I can explain how Shakespeare demonstrates key themes through character and plot action.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The play ‘Macbeth’ is a tragedy set in Scotland during the medieval period.
- A theme is a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with.
- The key themes in ‘Macbeth’ are ambition, power, manipulation, betrayal and guilt.
- The plot tells of Macbeth, a Scottish general, and his bid to kill others in order to become the King of Scotland.
Common misconception
'Macbeth' solely depicts the triumph of evil.
Shakespeare depicts the intricacies of the human condition and the multifaceted motivations behind characters' actions.
Keywords
Theme - a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with
Play - a dramatic work originally intended for the stage
General - a senior officer in an army
Monarch - a ruler who holds supreme and hereditary power over a state or territory, often referred to as a king or queen
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Macbeth becomes fixated on becoming king.
Macbeth attempts to eliminate threats to his reign.
Lady Macbeth begins to suffer from guilt-induced madness.
Macbeth is ultimately killed by Macduff.