Macbeth Context

This comprehensive teaching resource focuses on providing students with a thorough understanding of the contextual elements surrounding William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. The resource is available in PDF format, consisting of a lesson plan, a student workbook, and additional reading comprehension exercises.

Topics
What is context: Explore the importance of contextual understanding in literature.
Gun Powder Plot: Investigate the historical event and its influence on Macbeth.
Globe Theatre: Gain insight into the theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were performed.
Political Tensions: Analyze the political climate during the time Macbeth was written.
King James I: Examine the monarch’s role and his connection to Macbeth.
Moral of the Play: Discuss the overarching moral message conveyed in the play.
Medicine: Explore medical practices during Shakespeare’s era and their relevance to Macbeth.
Divine Right of Kings: Understand the concept and its significance in Macbeth.
Macbeth as a Tragedy: Analyze the key characteristics of tragedy in the play.
Good vs Evil: Examine the central theme of the battle between good and evil in Macbeth.
Tragic Hero / Tragic Waste: Explore the tragic hero archetype and its portrayal in the play.
External and Internal Conflict: Discuss the various conflicts faced by the characters in Macbeth.
Catharsis and the Supernatural: Explore the role of supernatural elements in the play and their impact on the audience.
Lack of Poetic Justice and Comic Relief: Analyze the absence of poetic justice and the use of comic relief in Macbeth.
The Norse Invasion: Explore the historical context of the Norse invasion and its influence on the play.
Witchcraft and the Supernatural: Investigate the belief in witchcraft during Shakespeare’s time and its representation in Macbeth.
King James I and Witchcraft: Examine King James I’s fascination with witchcraft and its connection to the play.
The Gowie Conspiracy: Explore the conspiracy that inspired the subplot in Macbeth.
Moreover, the resource includes modeled exam answers to assist students in understanding how to approach exam-style questions. It also features a quiz/assessment section to evaluate students’ comprehension of the topics covered.

With this comprehensive teaching resource, students will develop a deep understanding of the contextual elements surrounding Macbeth, enabling them to appreciate the play’s themes and messages on a more profound level.