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Year 11 - English

Exploring the supernatural as a symbol of guilt in 'Macbeth'

Macbeth: the role of guilt

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the importance of guilt in 'Macbeth'. They first conceptualise guilt within 'Macbeth', before exploring light, the supernatural, sleep and blood as symbols of guilt in the play. They finally write a nuanced and tentative argument about the role of guilt in the play.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore how the supernatural has been used to symbolise Macbeth's guilt and divine retribution in 'Macbeth'.

Key Notes

  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are haunted by supernatural phenomena after committing crimes.
  • Perhaps Lady Macbeth and Macbeth suffer such supernatural punishment due to the extent of their "unnatural deeds".
  • A common Renaissance belief was there were no limits to God's vengeance.
  • In the Renaissance, people believed that the conscience was a tool imposed by God to inflict punishment.
  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's hallucinations can be read as a symbol of their guilt as well as divine retribution.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • conjure: make something appear from nowhere
  • vengeance: action against someone to punish that person
  • retribution: punishment imposed for purposes of repayment for the wrong committed
  • impervious: unable to be affected by

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students may have only perceived the hallucinations in the play as summoned by the witches.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are haunted by supernatural phenomena after committing crimes. Perhaps Lady Macbeth and Macbeth suffer such supernatural punishment due to the extent of their "unnatural deeds".

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

make something appear from nowhere.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students may have only perceived the hallucinations in the play as summoned by the witches. Correction: We can read the same elements of the play through many different lenses. All interpretations are valid.

More Lessons In This Unit

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