Macbeth - Lesson 15 - The banquet PowerPoint

The Banquet scene in Macbeth is a pivotal moment in the play, and in Lesson 15, students are set to delve into its complexities. The objectives are twofold: to solidify students' grasp of the unfolding plot and to deepen their comprehension of Macbeth's character. The lesson begins with a series of probing questions that encourage students to consider Macbeth's insecurity as a ruler, the outcome of the attack on Banquo and his son, and the eerie occurrences during the banquet itself. Students are prompted to ponder whether Macbeth's visions are real and to analyse Lady Macbeth's reaction to her husband's unravelling during the scene. They are also asked to speculate on the thoughts of the guests after leaving the castle and to discuss Macbeth's subsequent decisions.

Following a thorough reading of Act Three, Scene Four, the class engages in an interactive 'hotseat' activity. Students break into small groups, with each member taking on the role of a character from the play, such as Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, a murderer, a guest, or a questioner. The questioner challenges each character with questions about the events, prompting them to respond in depth and in character, demonstrating a thorough understanding of their roles. This role-play is designed to encourage detailed exploration of the characters' perspectives and motivations. The lesson concludes with a plenary session where groups can perform their hot seating exercise in front of the class, allowing for a collective discussion and reflection on what has been learned about the play through this deep dive into one of its most dramatic scenes.