Macbeth - Lesson 13 - A mind to murder Worksheet

In Lesson 13 of a Macbeth study series, students delve into the motivations behind Macbeth's sinister decision to orchestrate the murders of Banquo and his son, Fleance, as depicted in Act Three, Scene One. This worksheet, titled "A mind to murder," prompts students to explore the complex reasons that drive Macbeth to betray his former friend and to ensure that Banquo's offspring never ascend to the throne of Scotland. The exercise encourages students to dissect Macbeth's actions and understand the various factors influencing his drastic shift towards darkness.

The worksheet categorises Macbeth's reasons for plotting the murders into themes such as greed and power, evil, fear, ambition, and fate. It suggests that Macbeth's greed and the desire to protect his power stem from the witches' prophecy that Banquo's lineage will rule Scotland, posing a direct threat to Macbeth's reign and legacy. Additionally, it points to Macbeth's struggle with resisting evil impulses and his fear of Banquo's potential to undermine his authority. His unquenched ambition, even after becoming king, and his belief in fate further fuel his decision to eliminate any threats to his power. Through this analysis, students are prompted to explain how these elements contribute to Macbeth's tragic trajectory and his embrace of a murderous mindset.