Macbeth Context and Themes Mini-Scheme

This eight lesson scheme of work focuses on the Key Themes of Macbeth and is suitable for KS4 or KS5. The lessons are easy to follow and simple to deliver, and include PowerPoints, printable handouts, resources, and four lots of homework. The focus of the scheme is learning and revising the political and social context of Macbeth, as well as the key themes of the play.

Lesson 1: Structure of the Play
Lesson 2 Political Context of Macbeth
Lesson 3: Social Context of Macbeth
Lesson 4: Kingship and Loyalty
Lesson 5: The Supernatural and Appearances vs Reality
Lesson 6: Gender and Ambition
Lesson 7: Guilt and Madness
Lesson 8: Power and Fate vs Fortune

Homework: Four flashcard making exercises, based on the lessons.

Lesson 1: Serves as a general introduction to the play by defining key terms, giving an overview of the structure, and providing a summary of each act. Students are asked to summarise each act, learn key quotes, and then link these quotes to the main themes of the play.

Lesson 2: Focuses on the political context of Macbeth. Students learn about King James I, Bonfire Night, Macbeth and Monarchy, and Macbeth and Equivocation. A handout allows students to keep track of the key information, how this links to Macbeth, and key quotes relevant to each piece of context. Students are asked to summarise learning at end of lesson throught structured task.

Lesson 3: Focuses on the social context of Macbeth. Students learn about The Globe, Witchcraft, and Gender. A handout allows students to keep track of the key information, how this links to Macbeth, and key quotes relevant to each piece of context. Students are asked to summarise learning at end of lesson throught structured task.

Lesson 4: Summarises the place of Kingship and Loyalty in the play by providing students with an overview of the key context, key quotes, and key scenes related to this theme. A revision clock is included.

Lesson 5: Summarises the place of The Supernatural and Appearances vs Reality in the play by providing students with an overview of the key context, key quotes, and key scenes related to this theme. A breakdown worksheet and revision clock are included.

Lesson 6: Summarises the place of Gender and Ambition in the play by providing students with an overview of the key context, key quotes, and key scenes related to this theme. A breakdown worksheet and revision clock are included.

Lesson 7: Summarises the place of Guilt and Madness in the play by providing students with an overview of the key context, key quotes, and key scenes related to this theme. A breakdown worksheet and revision clock are included.

Lesson 7: Summarises the place of Power and Fate vs Fortune in the play by providing students with an overview of the key context, key quotes, and key scenes related to this theme. A breakdown worksheet and revision clock are included.