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Year 10 - English

Act 3, Scene 4, 'Macbeth': Macbeth's fears, and Lady Macbeth's diminishing power

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 explore Act 3, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth', with a focus on Macbeth's fears and Lady Macbeth's diminishing power.

Key Notes

  • Act 3, Scene 4 sees the Macbeths hold an important feast
  • Macbeth sees Banquo's Ghost
  • As in earlier scenes, Lady Macbeth could be interpreted as trying to emasculate her husband
  • However, Macbeth appears less susceptible to her emasculation
  • Lady Macbeth appears to lose control over her husband

Vocabulary To Learn

  • appearance versus reality: Appearance versus reality is an important theme in literature. If how things appear is different to reality, there is disorder.
  • emasculate: If you emasculate someone, you deprive them of their masculine role or identity.
  • legitimate: If your power is legitimate, it is legal and valid.
  • Diminishes: If something diminishes, it reduces in importance.
  • blunt: If your speech is blunt, it is direct.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Banquo's ghost is definitely a figment of Macbeth's imagination.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Act 3, Scene 4 sees the Macbeths hold an important feast. Macbeth sees Banquo's Ghost.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'appearance versus reality'

Appearance versus reality is an important theme in literature. If how things appear is different to reality, there is disorder.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Banquo's ghost is definitely a figment of Macbeth's imagination. Correction: It's up to directors whether Banquo's ghost should appear on stage; an actor could play this part, or Macbeth could be scared of nothing.

More Lessons In This Unit

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