The Descent of Macbeth: Lesson on Act 3 Scenes 1 & 2

This engaging lesson explores Macbeth’s psychological descent in Act 3, Scenes 1 & 2. Students will analyse Macbeth’s increasing corruption and guilt, especially through key quotes like “full of scorpions is my mind.” This is ideal for students reading these scenes for GCSE/IGCSE or for key stage 3 students approaching the play.

This Resource Includes

• A summary of Act 2, Scene 4 to discuss supernatural events.
• Abridged readings of Act 3, Scene 1 & 2.
• Comprehension questions and class discussions on Macbeth’s actions and moral descent.

Learning Objective: Analyse Macbeth’s Evil Descent in Act 3 Scenes 1 & 2.

Learning Outcomes:
- Students will read a summary and discuss the strange events in Act 2 Scene 4.

• Students will independently and as a class explore Act 3 Scenes 1 and 2.
• Students will consider how Macbeth is changing psychologically and consider his abhorrent behaviour.

Lesson Overview:

• Do it now: Recall task about what the students know about the Jacobean beliefs in witches and the supernatural.
  Starter: Students read summary of Act 2 Scene 4 and translate the Shakespearean English to work out the unnatural events that have been happening. Class discussion about what this means.
  Activity one: Read an abridged version of Act 3 Scene 1 (worksheet). Students complete comprehension questions followed by class discussion.
  Activity two: Class discussion on which is more evil: Macbeth killing the King or a friend.
  Activity three: Read and discuss abridged version of Act 3 Scene 2 and explore quote ‘full of scorpions is my mind’.
  Plenary: Summarise Act 3 Scenes 1 and 2 in 2 sentences and draw a picture to represent the scorpion quote.

Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.

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