Macbeth Act 2, Scene 3: Tension-Building Lesson

This one-hour lesson focuses on how Shakespeare uses the Porter’s scene to build tension in Act 2, Scene 3 of Macbeth. Perfect for engaging students in critical analysis, this lesson explores dramatic irony, pathetic fallacy, and comic relief to enhance their understanding of how Shakespeare builds tension.

This resource includes:

• A ready-to-teach PowerPoint with full instructions.
• A worksheet to guide reflection on tension in the scene.

Learning Objective: Analyse how Shakespeare uses structure to build tension in Act 2 Scene 3.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will read Act 2 Scene 3 and analyse the use of tension-building techniques in the scene such as dramatic irony, pathetic fallacy and comic relief.
• Students will independently choose quotes from the scene that use the techniques.
• Students will consider where else they have seen the use of these tension-building techniques.

Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Read these quotes on use of tension and laughter and infer what we will be studying today.
Starter: Watch the short video and discuss the techniques used by Shakespeare to build tension.
Activity 1: Read act 2 scene 3 and discuss the questions.
Activity 2: Worksheet reflection on class discussion and peer assessment.
Plenary: Can you think of an example of pathetic fallacy, dramatic irony or comic relief from another book or movie you’ve enjoyed?

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