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Year 10 - English

'Macbeth': an exploration of Act 3, Scenes 1 to 3

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 3, Scenes 1 to 3 of 'Macbeth', focusing on the character development of Macbeth.

Key Notes

  • The witches prophesied that Banquo's children would be kings in Act 1, Scene 3
  • Macbeth, now King of Scotland, is paranoid about Banquo and his son, Fleance
  • Macbeth arranges to have Banquo and Fleance murdered
  • The murderers kill Banquo, but Fleance, his son, escapes
  • Neither Macbeth nor Lady Macbeth seem to enjoy their status as monarchs

Vocabulary To Learn

  • legacy: A legacy is something that is passed on following someone's death. This could be money, property or a title.
  • barren: If something is barren, it is unproductive or infertile - cannot produce offspring or children.
  • sceptre: A sceptre is a long stick made of metal. A sceptre is an object which is given to monarchs. It is meant to be a symbol of their power.
  • metaphor: A metaphor is a literary device which describes something by comparing it to something else.
  • scorpion: A scorpion is a small creature with eight legs and a tail filled with poison that can sting you.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Macbeth is solely worried about Banquo and Fleance in this scene.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The witches prophesied that Banquo's children would be kings in Act 1, Scene 3. Macbeth, now King of Scotland, is paranoid about Banquo and his son, Fleance.

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

A legacy is something that is passed on following someone's death. This could be money, property or a title.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Macbeth is solely worried about Banquo and Fleance in this scene. Correction: Macbeth's focus is Banquo and his son, but his language reveals his worries about the regicide, his soul and his immediate future.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.