Macbeth Act 5 scenes 6-9

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through the closing scenes of the play, Act 5 scenes 6-9, linking the events to the framework of the apparitions and the degeneration of Macbeth’s rule and control. The language of the attacking forces is compared to Macbeth’s, emphasising as it does that right is on their side. They speak and act valiantly. The class are asked to consider the position of Macbeth as he realises his error in trusting the words of the witches through their apparitions. The real meaning of the final riddle is explained in the confrontation between Macbeth and Macduff. Some context is explored - references to bear baiting on Bankside near the Globe, the convention (and censor’s role) in presenting the death of kings on stage, and the background to the significant decision on the part of Shakespeare to have Lady Macbeth end her own life. The lesson closes with three exam-style questions suitable for students taking GCSE courses with AQA, Edexcel or OCR. 14 slides.