Macbeth - Lesson 13 - Act Three PowerPoint

The thirteenth lesson on Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' is designed to delve into the complexities of Macbeth's evolving character, particularly in Act Three. The objective is to enhance the students' understanding of the subtle shifts in Macbeth's personality and state of mind as the play progresses. Students are tasked with reading Act Three, Scene One, paying close attention to Macbeth's soliloquy, which is a crucial piece of text that reveals his inner turmoil and mounting paranoia. Through the analysis of Shakespeare's language, students will examine the fear Macbeth harbours towards Banquo, his feelings of inferiority, his discontent with kingship, and his subsequent plans, all of which are pivotal to the development of the plot and Macbeth's character.

In this pivotal scene, Macbeth reveals his intentions to have Banquo and his son, Fleance, murdered. The lesson encourages students to explore the motives behind Macbeth's drastic decision to kill his former ally and the latter's offspring. They are to consider various factors such as greed, power, the influence of evil, fear, ambition, and fate, which drive Macbeth's actions. The lesson culminates in a plenary where students will synthesise their understanding of the text and articulate the reasons behind Macbeth's order to murder Banquo and Fleance in a well-constructed paragraph. This activity not only deepens their comprehension of the narrative but also hones their analytical and writing skills.