1. Is this a dagger I see before me......?

2. Controlled Assessment Task
Explore how Shakespeare presents psychological conflict in Macbeth.

3. From war hero to.... MURDERER

4. How does this scene reveal Macbeth’s conflict?
Act 2 scene 1
How does this scene reveal Macbeth’s conflict?
What more does it reveal about the Macbeth’s relationship?

5. Act 2 scene 2 Stick a copy of Munch’s Scream into your books
Around it write down all the words in one colour that Macbeth utters which point to a breakdown
Around those words, write down in another colour words that Lady Macbeth comes back at him with

6. Act 2 scene 3
What makes it clear in this scene that Macbeth has no sense of guilt about what he has done? Find the evidence to prove your conviction.

7. Homework for Monday
Create a map of Macbeth’s psychological journey in the play up to Act 2 scene 3.
You will need your notes in your exercise book, and copies of Macbeth.
These should be completed in your books, or printed.
They should be of display quality – it would be nice if they were in colour.

8. Sorry (Duncan) Seems To Be The Hardest Word....

9. Macbeth’s first murder as King
Act 3 scene 1
Macbeth’s first murder as King

10. Macbeth commits another crime
Act 3 scene 2
Macbeth commits another crime

11. Torment and pyschological conflict?
Macbeth is growing in evil, and hardening himself to commiting more crimes
What are the clues in what Macbeth says that suggest Macbeth’s psychological conflict?

12. The Fatal Flaw
Shakespeare’s protagonists (main characters) very often have a fatal flaw. This is part of their tragedy.
A fatal flaw is a weakness in their character which ultimately leads to that character’s downfall
Hamlet: indecision
Othello: jealousy
Macbeth: ?

13. The Fallen Nature of Macbeth
Shakespeare demonstrates the depths to which Macbeth has sunk in his conversation with the murderers.
He hates having to talk to them – why?
HOW MIGHT THIS CONTRIBUTE TO HIS INNER CONFLICT?

14. The Murderers kill Banquo
Act III scene 3
The Murderers kill Banquo

15. Act III scene 4
Banquo’s ghost

16. For next Monday
Complete your ‘In the Psychiatrist’s Chair’ task. This can be in your book or as a printed script.
The best tasks will be displayed.
Tasks will be graded.

17. LAYERS OF CONFLICT
Act III scene 5: The witches prepare to meet Macbeth again
Remember: in the world Macbeth, the witches are linked to an absolute idea of evil, which leads to a literal (a real) hell. Only very devout people would believe this today.
Key quotation: ‘and you all know, security is mortals’ chiefest enemy’.

18. Act IV scene 1: The Witches’ Prophecy
Fear Macduff
You cannot be harmed by one born of a woman
You are safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane
Key quotation:
‘Then live Macduff. What need I fear of thee?
But I’ll make assurance double sure,
And take a bond of fate’.

19. Last but not least......

20. Important to your essay because:
It shows Macbeth’s complete confidence in committing evil – he now dictates to the witches
It provides a brilliant contrast to earlier quotations about Macbeth – is he ‘too full o’ the milk of human kindness now?’

21. Important quotations
Write down the quotations that show that Macbeth is NO LONGER IN CONFLICT – he is certain of his deeds

22. What still torments him?
But....
What still torments him?

23. Act 5 scene 3
Macbeth is not afraid

24. Act v scene 4
Birnam Wood moves

25. The Rise and Fall of Macbeth
Status
Macbeth is given the title Thane of Cawdor
Macbeth meets the three witches
Act 1, Scene Act 5, Scene 6
Plot the graph to portray the rise and fall of Macbeth 25

26. Useful Links
An online Macbeth quiz/game
BBC Bitesize Macbeth videos on plot, character and theme
Animated Tales – Macbeth
Polanski’s Macbeth
Shakespeare retold - Macbeth
Click on the links or copy and paste into your browser