Learning Objectives: By the end of this unit, students should be able to determine what makes Macbeth such a timeless and popular work; define and describe the play’s central...

So you’re going to teach William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth, a classic drama that has been a mainstay in English classes for generations. Whether it’s the first or hundredth time you...

As the play begins, three witches appear in a lonely, deserted place, accompanied by thunder and lightning. What are some words you would use to describe the atmosphere and mood of this first...

Macbeth was commissioned for a specific purpose: the accession of Elizabeth’s Scottish cousin, James, to the throne following her death in March 1603. Did Shakespeare in some ways model the...

Character Revealed Through Literary Motifs:  This lesson plan focuses on Shakespeare’s use of literary motifs in developing the character of Lady Macbeth. Students will examine several...

This quiz contains reading comprehension questions for Macbeth.

Macbeth as a Dynamic Character (Act 2, Scene 1):  This lesson plan focuses on how Macbeth develops as a dynamic character in regard to the internal conflict he experiences in...

This activity gives students an opportunity to practice examining and analyzing metaphors. Metaphors express images, emotions, actions, experiences, and nuances through direct and indirect...

Through viewing Orson Welles’s, Roman Polanski’s, and Michael Bogdanov’s film versions of Shakespeare's Macbeth, students will see how one director interprets the text of the play. Students will...

This worksheet gives students an opportunity to practice identifying and analyzing allusions. Allusions broaden the scope of a text and imbue passages with deeper meaning by subtly drawing on...

Through dialogue, playwrights reveal a character’s motivations, personality traits, and relationships with other characters. Diction (word choice) plays an essential role in writing dialogue...

Authors use specific words to establish atmosphere and tone in their stories, poems, and plays. Words are not randomly put on the page but carefully crafted to contribute to a story’s...

Choose a character and discuss his or her ambition. Banquo is a confident character who is not driven by ambition or what other people think about him. The manner in which Banquo acts when Macbeth...

Macbeth: Character Identification Quiz Match these lines from the play with the characters who said them. A. Macbeth B. Lady Macbeth C. Banquo D. Duncan E. Malcolm F. Macduff ____1. “I laid their...

What do the witches predict for Banquo in Macbeth? Ross and Angus find Macbeth and Banquo and give them what news? Since one of the witches’ predictions has come true, what is Macbeth thinking...

The Tragedy of Macbeth Final Test Directions: Multiple choice. 2 points each. Match the quote with the speaker. Notice that some of the letters are used for different people. A. Macbeth B. Lady...

In Act III, to persuade the two murderers to kill Banquo, Macbeth tells them A. he will make them officials of the court B. they will be given large sums of money and a place to live C. that Banquo...

What is the central theme of Macbeth ACT I? A. The price of fame B. the supernatural C. betrayal D. loyalty in battle What seems to be Macbeth’s character flaw so far in the play? A. an obsessive...

Write a play review of Macbeth. There are reasons why the play has remained popular for so many years. What do you think those reasons are? Think about the play—both the written and film...

Break your students into groups of three or four. Present each group with one of the scenes below. It is not necessary that each group have a unique prompt. The improvisational format will enable...

Art Trading Card On-going Assignment English 20-1 Macbeth Art trading cards are playing card sized pieces of art. You will reflect your understandings of the play in your cards. You may use your...

Create a tabloid newsletter about Macbeth. Three of your articles must be about the characters. You must include direct quotes and/or direct reference to the text in all of your articles. One of...

Anticipation Guide: Macbeth Instructions: Please answer the following questions regarding Macbeth based on your personal opinions, experiences, worldview and/or upbringing. There are no right or...

Layer C: 60 points possible/maximum Interview a character from the play excluding Macbeth or Lady Macbeth. Write down five questions you would ask. Answer the five questions as the character would...

Macbeth Final Project Options If you desire, you make take a traditional final exam, which will be part Scantron and part essay. Otherwise, please feel free to choose from the following examples or...

Exercise: Witches’ Chant *Teacher: Bring a bright flashlight or lantern to class. Divide your class into three groups: Witch Group 1, Witch Group 2, Witch Group 3. Send them to three corners of...

I. Write the letter that best answers the question on the line in front of the number. Whom does Lady Macbeth frame for Duncan’s murder? A) Macbeth; B)Malcolm; C) Duncan’s guards; D) Banquo; E)...

Assignment on Free Will In-Class Writing Prompt: You are at a restaurant and have already eaten a wonderful meal. The waiter asks if you want desert and shows you a tray with the most delicious...