'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 4 to 6
I can explain what happens in Act 3, Scenes 4 to 6 of ‘Macbeth’ including comparing the character of Macbeth to the character of King Duncan.
'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 4 to 6
I can explain what happens in Act 3, Scenes 4 to 6 of ‘Macbeth’ including comparing the character of Macbeth to the character of King Duncan.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Act 3 sees Shakespeare explore Macbeth’s illegitimate reign over Scotland
- At a public feast, Macbeth hallucinates Banquo’s ghost
- Macbeth reveals that he spies on his Thanes
- Macbeth decides to go and see the three witches again
- Macduff, a Scottish Thane, goes to England to try and raise an army against Macbeth
Keywords
Reign - When a monarch (King or Queen) reigns over a country, it means they rule that country.
Tyrant - A tyrant is someone who uses their power in an unjust way.
Illegitimate - If your power or status is illegitimate, it is not legal or valid.
Court - A monarch’s court is made up of loyal and noble followers (subjects). It is the centre of power.
Hallucination - A hallucination is when you see, smell, taste, touch or hear something that appears to be real, but is only in your mind.
Common misconception
Macbeth is a tyrannical ruler, and enjoys his tyranny.
Macbeth is a tyrant, but doesn't enjoy his reign. He is also self-aware: "I am in blood Stepp'd so far" or calling the witches "the worst".
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 4 to 6, 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 4 to 6, 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 sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Macbeth plots Banquo and Fleance's murders.
Lady Macbeth is unhappy and isolated from Macbeth.
Banquo is murdered; Fleance escapes.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Macbeth plots Banquo and Fleance's murder.
Lady Macbeth is unhappy and isolated.
Banquo is murdered; Fleance escapes.
Macbeth hallucinates Banquo's ghost.
Hecate meets the three witches.
Two Thanes discuss Macbeth's reign.