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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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
Common misconception
'Macbeth' solely depicts the triumph of evil.
Shakespeare depicts the intricacies of the human condition and the multifaceted motivations behind characters' actions.
Licence
Lesson 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.