'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 4, Scenes 1 to 3
I can explain what happens in Act 4, Scenes 1 to 3 of ‘Macbeth’ with a focus on the character of Macbeth and the setting, Scotland.
'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 4, Scenes 1 to 3
I can explain what happens in Act 4, Scenes 1 to 3 of ‘Macbeth’ with a focus on the character of Macbeth and the setting, Scotland.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Scotland is unstable under Macbeth’s leadership
- In Act 4, Scene 1, the witches give Macbeth further prophecies
- Macduff is a loyal Scottish Thane whose family is killed by Macbeth
- Macbeth feels the witches’ prophecies make him invincible
- Malcolm and Macduff prepare to go to war with Macbeth in order to restore Scotland to strength and stability
Keywords
Precarious - If something is precarious, it is insecure or unstable.
Malevolent - If you are malevolent, you want to do harm to others.
Contrast - Contrast is a synonym for difference.
Stable - Something stable is secure or solid. It is the opposite of something precarious.
Invincible - If someone is invincible, they can’t be defeated or killed.
Common misconception
Malcolm is an immoral person.
Malcolm pretends he is filled with lust and greed, but this is to test Macduff's loyalty.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 4, 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 4, 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 William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Macbeth seeks the witches; they give further prophecies.
Lady Macduff and her son are killed by hired murderers.
Malcolm and Macduff prepare an army to overthrow Macbeth.