New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Exploring the motif of light in 'Macbeth'
I can explore the significance of the motif of light in 'Macbeth'.
New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Exploring the motif of light in 'Macbeth'
I can explore the significance of the motif of light in 'Macbeth'.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 'Macbeth', Shakespeare repeatedly uses the motif of light alongside the themes of innocence, guilt and sin.
- Macbeth initially wants darkness to conceal his sin from God, demonstrating his guilt.
- Shakespeare uses light imagery to describe the macrocosm, suggesting the wider repercussions of Macbeth's guilt.
- As the play progresses, Macbeth's alignment with darkness may show his moral compass becoming tainted.
- The light imagery associated with the murder of Banquo could represent the murder of innocence.
Keywords
Microcosm - a society or place that has the same characteristics with something larger than it
Macrocosm - the whole of a complex structure, especially the world or the universe
Dunnest - thickest, murkiest
Tainted - contaminate or pollute something
Common misconception
Light is only referenced and significant in Macbeth's 'Stars, hide your fires' soliloquy taken from Act 1, Scene 4.
If we look closely at what could be considered 'minor' scenes in the play, we can begin to build a clear and nuanced idea of the motif of light throughout.
Learning Cycle 2 offers a good opportunity to comment on the structure of the play. You can consider how the motif of light has developed over the course of the play and how this links to Macbeth's change in character.
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 regicide?
the murder of one's kinsman
rejection from God
Q2.
What did Jacobeans believe about regicide?
that it was acceptable as it was the only way to secure great power
that it could win you honour
Q3.
In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', why does Macbeth decide to have Banquo murdered?
Macbeth is worried that Banquo will usurp his place on the throne.
Macbeth hates how much his wife loves Banquo.
Q4.
What is a moral compass?
a devil that sits on one's shoulder and tells a person to commit sins
a section of the bible that tells you how to get into heaven
Q5.
Which sentence uses the word 'tainted' correctly?
"Happy memories tainted my chilhood."
"The book is tainted with pages."
Q6.
How is Banquo used as a device in 'Macbeth'?
Banquo can be seen as Duncan's foil.
Banquo can be seen as an archetype of a knight in shining armour.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
"Stars hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires." This quote from Act 1, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth' could reflect ...
Macbeth embracing sin and hell.
Macbeth's lack of guilt.
Q2.
Across Act 1, Scene 4 and 5 of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth …
use the motif of light to signal their innocence.
show remorse for plotting to kill the king.
Q3.
During the Jacobean era, what did people believe about society?
that regicide was an acceptable way to gain more power.
that the microcosm and macrocosm were unrelated.
Q4.
What is significant about the Old Man’s description of the world in Act 2, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth'?
It shows people turning against Macbeth.
It shows that the patriarchy has fallen.
Q5.
By Act 3, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth', how has Macbeth’s relationship with darkness and light changed?
By Act 3, Scene 2, Macbeth begs God for forgiveness.
By Act 3, Scene 2, Macbeth has eradicated darkness from his conscience.
Q6.
As Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' progresses, darkness comes to reflect …
Macbeth's increasing innocence.
Macbeth's uncertainty.