'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 1 to 3
I can explain what happens in Act 3, Scenes 1 to 3 of ‘Macbeth’, focusing on the character development of Macbeth.
'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 1 to 3
I can explain what happens in Act 3, Scenes 1 to 3 of ‘Macbeth’, focusing on the character development of Macbeth.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The witches prophesied that Banquo's children would be kings in Act 1, Scene 3
- Macbeth, now King of Scotland, is paranoid about Banquo and his son, Fleance
- Macbeth arranges to have Banquo and Fleance murdered
- The murderers kill Banquo, but Fleance, his son, escapes
- Neither Macbeth nor Lady Macbeth seem to enjoy their status as monarchs
Keywords
Legacy - A legacy is something that is passed on following someone’s death. This could be money, property or a title.
Barren - If something is barren, it is unproductive or infertile - cannot produce offspring or children.
Sceptre - A sceptre is a long stick made of metal. A sceptre is an object which is given to monarchs. It is meant to be a symbol of their power.
Metaphor - A metaphor is a literary device which describes something by comparing it to something else.
Scorpion - A scorpion is a small creature with eight legs and a tail filled with poison that can sting you.
Common misconception
Macbeth is solely worried about Banquo and Fleance in this scene.
Macbeth's focus is Banquo and his son, but his language reveals his worries about the regicide, his soul and his immediate future.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 1 to 3, 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 3, Scenes 1 to 3, 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 need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Macbeth hallucinates a dagger and commits regicide.
Macbeth regrets regicide; Lady Macbeth frames the guards.
The porter's scene; regicide revealed.
Macbeth crowned; Duncan's sons flee Scotland.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Banquo and Macbeth are suspicious of each other.
Macbeth arranges Banquo and Fleance’s murder.
Macbeth hides his plans from Lady Macbeth.
Banquo is murdered; Fleance escapes.