‘Macbeth’: exploring King Duncan and leadership
I can compare Macbeth and Duncan to explore ideas about leadership.
‘Macbeth’: exploring King Duncan and leadership
I can compare Macbeth and Duncan to explore ideas about leadership.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The motif of nature is used to create a nurturing relationship between Duncan and Macbeth
- A good leader nurtures and grows others
- Malcolm is the rightful heir to the throne
- Duncan is used as a foil to Macbeth
- Duncan, and his narrative arc, is used as a warning against defying the natural order
Keywords
Motif - a recurring image or idea in a text is called a motif.
Nurturing - if you are nurturing you want to care for and protect someone while they are growing.
Foil - a foil is a character who contrasts with another to highlight their differences.
Heir - an heir is someone who inherits money, property or a title after a person’s death.
Natural order - the natural order is the belief that there is a natural way the world is ordered, with laws and rules that should be followed.
Common misconception
Pupils often fail to consider the symbolic importance of Duncan and, in particular, Malcolm in the play.
Ask pupils what the moral message of the play would be if Malcolm did not end the play as king.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Duncan has given Macbeth an opportunity to grow
Duncan will work hard to support Macbeth
Duncan wants to see Macbeth succeed