New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Conceptualising guilt in 'Macbeth'
I can understand the concept of guilt and begin to reflect on its significance in 'Macbeth'.
New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Conceptualising guilt in 'Macbeth'
I can understand the concept of guilt and begin to reflect on its significance in 'Macbeth'.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Guilt is an uncomfortable feeling with the purpose of aligning one with their moral compass.
- The theme of guilt is central to 'Macbeth'.
- Shakespeare exposes the destructive force of guilt in 'Macbeth'.
- Shakespeare may have centered the play on guilt to warn against regicide and treachery.
- King James I was a patron of Shakespeare's company; guilt may have been used as a device to please the King.
Keywords
Moral - relating to the standards of good and bad behaviour
Conscience - a person's moral sense of right and wrong
Cautionary - serving as a warning
Common misconception
Pupils may only recognise the destructive force of ambition in the play.
It is also possible to consider the destructive force of guilt as central to the play.
Depending on how recently you have studied 'Macbeth' with your class, you may want to go over a brief recap of plot before the practice task in Learning Cycle 1.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is a conscience?
part of the brain that contributes to decision making
an external influence that forces people into accepting their morals
Q2.
How might we define guilt?
feeling resentment that you do not have someone else's achievements
being embarrassed about being foolish
Q3.
In which scenario might someone feel guilt?
winning a prize for excellent homework
falling over in front of other people
Q4.
In the play 'Macbeth', what does Macbeth initially feel guilty about?
being a fearless and brutal soldier
betraying his wife
Q5.
Which monarch was on the throne at the time 'Macbeth' was written?
Queen Elizabeth I
King Edward I
Q6.
What is 'regicide'?
betraying one's good friend
overthrowing the government
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
In Act 3, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth', what haunts Macbeth that could symbolise his guilt?
a bloody dagger
a vision of his own death
Q2.
How does Lady Macbeth's guilt manifest itself in 'Macbeth'?
she publicly admits to committing the murder of Duncan and Banquo
Q3.
What is not a likely purpose of the emotion of guilt?
to help people reconnect and repair relationships
to realign someone with their moral compass
Q4.
In 'Macbeth, what effect does guilt have on Macbeth?
it makes him repent and cease committing his heinous crimes
it repairs his relationship with Lady Macbeth
Q5.
Why might Shakespeare have chosen to centre 'Macbeth' around guilt?
to expose the conscience as a made up construct, in line with his religious view
to show how much power guilt can give to those bold enough
Q6.
We could describe 'Macbeth' as a play.
treacherous
redeeming