'Macbeth': An exploration of Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7
I can explain what happens in Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7 of ‘Macbeth’ and begin to evaluate the character of Lady Macbeth.
'Macbeth': An exploration of Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7
I can explain what happens in Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7 of ‘Macbeth’ and begin to evaluate the character of Lady Macbeth.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The play is set in a patriarchal society
- Lady Macbeth hears about the prophecies and wants to commit regicide
- Lady Macbeth is worried that Macbeth is too kind to kill Duncan
- Lady Macbeth summons demonic spirits to make her strong and act less feminine
- Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into killing Duncan by questioning his masculinity and loyalty to her
Keywords
Patriarchal - A patriarchal society is one in which men are in charge.
Regicide - If you kill your monarch, you commit the crime of regicide.
Deceive - If you deceive someone, you make them believe something that is not true - often for personal gain.
Goad - If you goad someone, you provoke them into doing something.
Femininity - Femininity refers to qualities which are seen as characteristic of women or girls.
Common misconception
The Macbeths invite Duncan to their castle so they can kill him.
King Duncan is honouring the Macbeths by staying with them; he is honouring them because of Macbeth's performance in the recent battle.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': An exploration of Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': An exploration of Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian villain unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Lady Macbeth hears of the prophecies.
Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan while plotting regicide.
Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into regicide.