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The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of ‘Macbeth’

I can explore the presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth'.

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New
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Year 10
Eduqas

The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of ‘Macbeth’

I can explore the presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth'.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. At the start of Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth is arguably conflicted
  2. Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into killing Duncan - arguably by emasculating him
  3. Lady Macbeth emotionally blackmails her husband
  4. This scene could be interpreted as a turning point in the play. Macbeth's decision is made

Common misconception

There is just one reason that Macbeth doesn't want to commit regicide - his loyalty to Duncan.

Macbeth's soliloquy explores crime but significantly earthly punishment. For Macbeth, the consequence on earth is what frightens him.

Keywords

  • Hesitancy - Being in a state of hesitancy means being in a state of uncertainty.

  • Emasculate - If you emasculate someone, you undermine their masculine identity or role.

  • Manipulation - Manipulation is when you use tactics to control or influence another person, often for personal gain.

  • Emotional blackmail - Emotional blackmail is a way of getting what you want. It involves making threats or demands, and is damaging to the victim.

  • Goad - If you goad someone, you provoke them into doing something.

Whilst looking at Macbeth's soliloquy, question why Macbeth has experience of traitors who have been punished (i.e. the previous Thane of Cawdor).
Teacher tip

Equipment

You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

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).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which best describes Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth'?
unwaveringly plotting
unwaveringly deceptive
Correct answer: unwaveringly ambitious
unwaveringly chaste
Q2.
When Macbeth hears the prophecies in Act 1 of 'Macbeth', what are his first reactions?
He decides to commit regicide.
Correct answer: He wants to know 'more'.
Correct answer: He is attracted by the prophecies, but has made no definite decisions.
Correct answer: He writes a letter to Lady Macbeth to tell her about what the witches said.
He decides to kill Banquo.
Q3.
Which of the following describe Macbeth at the start of the play 'Macbeth'?
Correct answer: a fearless Thane
Correct answer: recently promoted
a defeated warrior
Correct answer: a favoured subject
in league with the Thane of Cawdor
Q4.
In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth calls Lady Macbeth his 'dearest of greatness'.
Correct Answer: partner, Partner
Q5.
In 'Macbeth', what quality of Macbeth's does Lady Macbeth see as getting in the way of his achieving the 'golden round'?
'compassion'
'milk'
'valiant'
Correct answer: 'kindness'
'rap't'
Q6.
Which line of dialogue finishes Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', signalling that this character is ready to plot a regicide?
Macbeth: 'Leave all the rest to me.'
Macbeth: 'We will speak further.'
Correct answer: Lady Macbeth: 'Leave all the rest to me.'
Lady Macbeth: 'We will speak further.'

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which words best describe Macbeth at the very start of Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth'?
emasculated
manipulated
Correct answer: hesitant
goaded
Correct answer: contemplative
Q2.
In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says of King Duncan: 'He's here in double trust'. What does this mean?
There are two reasons that King Duncan will be suspicious of him.
There are two reasons that he should kill King Duncan.
There are two reasons he trusts King Duncan.
Correct answer: There are two reasons he owes protection to King Duncan.
Correct answer: There are two reasons King Duncan trusts him.
Q3.
Which quotation, from Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', best speaks to Macbeth's worries about the potential aftermath of King Duncan's death?
'this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek'
'hath been so clear in his great office'
Correct answer: 'pity... Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye'
'I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent'
'Vaulting ambition, which o'er leaps itself And falls on the other'
Q4.
At the end of Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says, 'I am settled to this terrible feat'. Why might this mark a turning point in the play?
Correct answer: Once the regicide has been committed, Macbeth can never again be a loyal Thane.
Macbeth finally realises the regicide is a terrible idea.
Correct answer: Macbeth's life will be forever and irreversibly altered.
Lady Macbeth has been successful in her scheme.
Correct answer: No longer unsure, Macbeth is about to take decisive action.
Q5.
In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', why does Lady Macbeth say she will question the constancy of Macbeth's love for her?
Because he no longer calls her his 'dearest partner of greatness'.
Because he was drunk when he told her he would kill King Duncan.
Because he told her about the witches' prophecies via letter, not face to face.
Correct answer: Because he is no longer committed to killing King Duncan.
Because he didn't tell her he also wanted to kill Banquo.
Q6.
In Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth states he would be happy to kill King Duncan if 'the assassination could trammel up the ' - that is, there would be no repercussions or fall out.
Correct Answer: consequence