'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 5, Scenes 1 to 5
I can explain what happens in Act 5, Scenes 1 to 5 of ‘Macbeth’ with a focus on the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 5, Scenes 1 to 5
I can explain what happens in Act 5, Scenes 1 to 5 of ‘Macbeth’ with a focus on the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In Act 5, Scene 1, Lady Macbeth is presented as consumed by guilt.
- Her inability to sleep could symbolise her feelings of guilt.
- Her desire to continually wash her hands could symbolise her guilt.
- Macbeth prepares for battle but is very isolated.
- The English army use branches from Birnam wood as camouflage so they can approach Macbeth’s castle.
Keywords
Guilt - Guilt is an emotion you feel when you have done something bad. Guilt makes you feel worried and unhappy.
Symbol - If something is a symbol, it represents or expresses an idea. In 'Macbeth', sleep is a symbol of innocence.
Isolated - If you are isolated from others, you are apart from them. You are alone.
Camouflage - Camouflage is a disguise used by soldiers to help them blend into their surroundings. This means the enemy won’t see them approach.
Tyrant - A tyrant is someone who uses their power in an unjust way.
Common misconception
The imaginary blood on Lady Macbeth's hands could symbolise Duncan's blood.
Symbols represent an idea that doesn't have a physical existence. Guilt is not a physical thing so the object, blood, is used.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 5, Scenes 1 to 5, 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 5, Scenes 1 to 5, 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 violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Excited by the prophecies; plots the regicide.
Helps commit the regicide including framing Duncan's guards.
Reigns over Scotland as Queen; increasingly isolated.
Does not appear.
Begins the Act: presented as consumed by guilt.
Lady Macbeth is consumed by guilt.
Soldiers prepare to defeat Macbeth.
Ten thousand troops approach Macbeth's castle.
Soldiers use branches from Birnam wood as camouflage.
Lady Macbeth is reported as dead.