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Year 10 - English

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

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

Key Notes

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

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

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

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

At the start of Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth is arguably conflicted. Lady Macbeth goads Macbeth into killing Duncan - arguably by emasculating him.

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

Being in a state of hesitancy means being in a state of uncertainty.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: There is just one reason that Macbeth doesn't want to commit regicide - his loyalty to Duncan. Correction: Macbeth's soliloquy explores crime but significantly earthly punishment. For Macbeth, the consequence on earth is what frightens him.

More Lessons In This Unit

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