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Year 10 - English

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 1, Scenes 1-4

Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian villain

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and analyse 'Macbeth' by focusing on the role of Lady Macbeth in the tragedy. They start by reading the full play, before moving on to a close analysis of key characters and themes. They then zoom in on Lady Macbeth and develop an essay on her as a Machiaevellian villain.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what happens in Act 1, Scenes 1 to 4 of 'Macbeth', including considering your initial impressions of the main character, Macbeth.

Key Notes

  • The supernatural is a key theme of the play
  • At the start of the play, Macbeth is presented as a brave warrior
  • The current Thane of Cawdor is plotting to betray King Duncan
  • The witches prophecy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King
  • The witches prophecy that Banquo's sons will become kings

Vocabulary To Learn

  • ambition: If you have ambition, you have desire and determination to achieve success.
  • regicide: If you kill your monarch, you commit the crime of regicide.
  • Jacobean: 'Macbeth' was first performed in 1606 when James I was King of England (1603-1624). The people he ruled were called Jacobeans.
  • Prophecy: A prophecy is a prediction of what might happen in the future.
  • Thane: Thane is an old Scottish term for a noble warrior. In 'Macbeth', Macbeth is Thane of Glamis at the start of the play.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Macbeth is a Jacobean.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The supernatural is a key theme of the play. At the start of the play, Macbeth is presented as a brave warrior.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'ambition'

If you have ambition, you have desire and determination to achieve success.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Macbeth is a Jacobean. Correction: 'Macbeth' is set in 11th century Scotland. However, it was first performed in 1606 in front of a Jacobean audience.

More Lessons In This Unit

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