Macbeth Act 2 scene 3

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through Act 2 scene 3 of Macbeth and the aftermath of the murder. The language associated with hell and the role of the porter speaking accidental truths is considered to begin with, then followed by the references to portents that signify unnatural deeds taking place. The discovery of the murder, the rash actions of Macbeth and his grief-stricken outbursts are also studied along with the other characters’ reactions to them. Duplicity and equivocation play a key part in this scene, with some of the language spoken by Macbeth in earnest also taking on more sinister import through the dramatic awareness of the audience. The lesson asks students to consider the references that link nature and the king (as well as the contextual idea of the divine right of kingship); they then explore Macbeth’s actions in this scene in the context of Lady Macbeth’s advice in previous scenes. The lesson closes with three exam-style questions suitable for students undertaking GCSE courses with AQA, OCR and Edexcel examination boards. 16 slides.