This 5-page student Handout includes likely questions and areas of study as well as advice on how to approach a debate about Macbeth. This is a summary of the Handout: Noble Beginnings: Macbeth starts as a valiant and loyal warrior, highly esteemed by King Duncan and his peers, which sets the stage for his tragic descent. Valor and Loyalty: Macbeth’s bravery and loyalty to King Duncan are evident early in the play, highlighting his sense of duty and honour. Influence of the Witches: The witches’ prophecy that Macbeth will become king ignites his latent ambition, leading to his moral and psychological decline. Ambition and Power: Macbeth’s ambition becomes a destructive force as he becomes consumed by the desire for power, which Lady Macbeth further fuels. Relationship with Lady Macbeth: The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth deteriorates as the weight of their actions leads to mutual estrangement and Lady Macbeth’s eventual madness.

This is a Model Answer to the following question: “How far do you agree with the view that Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as an ambitious woman, with influence over her husband?” It is written by a teacher with 30-years experience in the profession and which has been used with many classes and cohorts. The answer contains a plan which students can either use as “scaffolding” to produce their own answer, or the answer can be dissected as a class exercise.

This is a short - 2 page - plot summary of the play. It is useful as a quick guide to the play for students commencing their study of the work, or as an aid to revision at the end of studies, or at the start of a revision programme. All reources written by an teacher with 30-years experience and all tried and tested with many cohorts of students through the years.

This is a 14-slide PowerPoint presentation which includes a video extract from the RSC of the famous soliliquy being performed. It considers the main themes of the Scene but also includes some questions for students to think about and/or discuss, as well as a more detailed analysis of how a particular question might be approached. The presentation focuses on Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It begins by setting the scene and introducing the characters, providing context for the themes discussed later. The main themes explored are appearance vs. reality and madness. Setting the Scene: The scene takes place in the castle of Elsinore, where the characters are gathered to watch a play. The atmosphere is tense due to Hamlet’s erratic behavior. Introduction of Characters: Key characters include Hamlet, Ophelia, Polonius, and the Players. Each character’s role and significance in the play are discussed. Appearance vs. Reality: This theme is explored through Hamlet’s soliloquy and the Players’ performance. Hamlet’s soliloquy reveals his distrust of appearances and his desire for truth, while the Players’ performance highlights how appearances can be deceiving. Madness: The theme of madness is closely linked to appearance vs. reality. The characters’ behavior and dialogue are analyzed to uncover the extent of their mental breakdown. Conclusion: The presentation concludes by emphasizing the intertwined themes of appearance vs. reality and madness, and their significance in Act 3, Scene 1 of Hamlet. Discussion Points: The presentation ends with discussion points to engage the audience in further analysis of the themes and characters.

This is a “model answer” to a question set on the AQA English Literature B (Paper 2A Texts and Genres: Elements of Crime Writing) in June 2023. It is not intended to be a “perfect” answer. Nevertheless it would score very highly in the examination and it can be used as a basis for discussion and/or testing your own answer to the question against this one. The question which this Handout addresses is: “‘Of all the crimes in the play, it is Claudius’ killing of the king which is the most shocking.’” To what extent do you agree with this view? Remember to include in your answer relevant detailed exploration of Shakespeare’s dramatic methods. This is an 1100 word answer which would be useful for any students of the play looking at how to structure their answers.

This Handout is a 7-page exploration of the character of Juliet from Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet”. It is suitable for use with GCSE students and includes questions and discussion points as well as brief suggested answers at the end of the Handout. The discussion considers Juliet’s intelligence, her pragmatism and contrasts her thoughtful approach to Romeo’s more impulsive actions. This discussion is part of a collection of resources on the play and has been tried and tested with many groups of students. Why not look at the other resources provided on “Romeo and Juliet” and use them with your groups. Enjoy!

This is a 3-page (1000 word) summary of the main themes in Tom Stoppard’s play, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”. The play reinterprets Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” through the lens of two enigmatic characters. The play explores themes of absurdity, fate, and identity, offering a rich tapestry of existential queries and philosophical musings. It delves into the randomness and unpredictability of life, the struggle between fate and free will, and the fluid nature of identity. The play also highlights the performative nature of human existence and the profound sense of isolation and alienation experienced by the characters. Through its exploration of these themes, Stoppard offers a profound commentary on the nature of life and the human condition.

This 7-page (1538 words ) student Handout will help any student and/or teacher of the play get started in thinking about themes, characters and examination questions. Written by an Examiner and teacher of 30-years standing. The Guide is structured as follows: Historical Context: Written during the Elizabethan era, “Hamlet” reflects the cultural and political changes of the time, including the Renaissance and the rise of humanism. Shakespeare’s Life and Works: Understanding Shakespeare’s life and other works can provide valuable insights into “Hamlet,” one of his most complex plays. Character Analysis: The guide examines key characters like Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius, Laertes, Horatio, and King Hamlet’s ghost, highlighting their complexities and roles in the narrative. Language and Style: Shakespeare’s use of soliloquies, wordplay, and vivid imagery enhances the play’s emotional and intellectual impact. Study Strategies: Effective study strategies include close reading, performance analysis, discussion, and consulting secondary sources to deepen understanding. Look out for my other resources on Hamlet as well.