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Year 10
Eduqas

'Macbeth': An exploration of Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7

I can explain what happens in Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7 of ‘Macbeth’ and begin to evaluate the character of Lady Macbeth.

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Year 10
Eduqas

'Macbeth': An exploration of Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7

I can explain what happens in Act 1, Scenes 5 to 7 of ‘Macbeth’ and begin to evaluate the character of Lady Macbeth.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The play is set in a patriarchal society
  2. Lady Macbeth hears about the prophecies and wants to commit regicide
  3. Lady Macbeth is worried that Macbeth is too kind to kill Duncan
  4. Lady Macbeth summons demonic spirits to make her strong and act less feminine
  5. Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into killing Duncan by questioning his masculinity and loyalty to her

Keywords

  • Patriarchal - A patriarchal society is one in which men are in charge.

  • Regicide - If you kill your monarch, you commit the crime of regicide.

  • Deceive - If you deceive someone, you make them believe something that is not true - often for personal gain.

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

  • Femininity - Femininity refers to qualities which are seen as characteristic of women or girls.

Common misconception

The Macbeths invite Duncan to their castle so they can kill him.

King Duncan is honouring the Macbeths by staying with them; he is honouring them because of Macbeth's performance in the recent battle.

There have been countless powerful portrayals of Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in 1.5. Consider how they could support an interpretation of her initial presentation.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
'Macbeth' was first performed in 1606. What is the most precise term for the play's first audiences?
Victorian.
Elizabethan.
Scottish.
Correct answer: Jacobean.
Shakespearean.
Q2.
What is one of 'Macbeth's' central themes?
Scotland.
Battle.
Prophecy.
Jacobean.
Correct answer: Ambition.
Q3.
In Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', what do the witches tell Macbeth and Banquo?
That their children will be kings.
Correct answer: That Macbeth will be king.
That Macbeth will betray King Duncan.
That Macbeth will commit regicide.
That they are supernatural.
Q4.
Starting with the first scene, order these plot points from Act 1, Scenes 1 to 4 of 'Macbeth'.
1 - Witches prepare to meet Macbeth.
2 - An account of Macbeth’s bravery in battle; Macbeth promoted.
3 - The witches give the prophecies.
4 - Previous Thane of Cawdor killed.
Q5.
Why does Macbeth have a good reputation at the start of 'Macbeth'?
He is the Thane of Cawdor.
He is told he will be King.
Correct answer: He is a noble warrior.
The witches think highly of him.
Correct answer: He is a loyal Thane.
Q6.
How does Shakespeare signal that the supernatural will be an important feature of 'Macbeth'?
Correct answer: The play begins with witches, suggesting their power.
The witches help Duncan win the battle.
The witches promote Macbeth.
Correct answer: The witches give Macbeth and Banquo prophecies.
The witches kill the Thane of Cawdor so Macbeth can take his title.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A society is one which is run by men.
Correct Answer: patriarchal, Patriarchal, Patriarchal., patrairchal., 'patriarchal'
Q2.
In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth calls Lady Macbeth his 'dearest partner of greatness'. What might this suggest about their relationship?
That it is patriarchal.
That it is deception.
That it is femininity.
That is is hierarchical.
Correct answer: That it is equal.
Q3.
Match the scenes from Act 1 of 'Macbeth' to their plot points.
Correct Answer:Act 1, Scene 5,Lady Macbeth hears of the prophecies.

Lady Macbeth hears of the prophecies.

Correct Answer:Act 1, Scene 6,Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan while plotting regicide.

Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan while plotting regicide.

Correct Answer:Act 1, Scene 7,Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into regicide.

Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into regicide.

Q4.
Which adjectives could describe Lady Macbeth in Act 1 of 'Macbeth'?
Correct answer: Supportive.
Correct answer: Ambitious.
Correct answer: Deceptive.
Patriarchal.
Femininity.
Q5.
Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth' starts with a long soliloquy from Macbeth in which he contemplates regicide. What does he decide at the end of the soliloquy?
That he will commit regicide.
That he will frame the guards.
That Duncan looks too much like his father to kill.
Correct answer: That he won't commit regicide.
That he will kill Banquo.
Q6.
In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to return so she can 'pour my into thine ear; And chastise with the valour of my tongue'.
Correct Answer: spirits, 'spirits', spirits., Spirits., Spirits