What's included?

We've covered everything you need to know to develop a solid grasp of this complex play!

  • An extensive range of informative and engaging online lessons developed by Scholarly’s Director and Lead Educator, Jane Sullivan.

  • A downloadable workbook that guides students step-by-step through the play's context, plot, characters and themes.

  • Links to videos of key scenes and helpful online sites to support students' understanding of the play

  • 12-month's access to the course content, accessible via laptop, tablet or even your phone!

  • +BONUS downloadable resource book of quotes (very handy for assessment and exam prep).

What content will we cover?

All lessons are linked explicitly to the QCE English syllabus objectives.

  • Plot

    What happens in the play? What key events contribute to Macbeth's downfall? How does the plot structure contribute to how the audience is posited to view the characters and key themes?

  • Context

    How does the time and place in which the play was written influence the text? Shakespeare's play was inspired by many things: Scottish history, the English monarchy, and even Shakespeare’s desire to flatter the new king James I.

  • Characters

    Who are the key characters and what motivates their actions throughout the play? How does Shakespeare use language to construct these characters?

  • Themes

    What are key themes that underpin this play? How can students discuss these themes in their English assessment and exams?

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to Scholarly

  • 2

    Getting Started

    • Chapter Intro

    • Key Concepts for QCE English

    • Getting to know the author

    • Who was William Shakespeare?

    • Shakespeare in London
  • 3

    Plot Synopsis

    • Video Intro

    • What is Macbeth about?

    • Macbeth in a nutshell - as told by Jane!

    • Animated Synopsis
  • 4

    Cultural Context

    • Video Intro

    • Understanding the Cultural Context
  • 5

    Key Events

    • Video Intro

    • Animated Macbeth

    • Act 1 - Key Events

    • Act 1 - Key Scene - I dare do all that may become a man.

    • Act 2 - Key Events

    • Act 2 - Key Scene - Is this a dagger which I see before me?

    • Act 3 - Key Events

    • Act 3 - Key Scene - Banquo's Ghost

    • Act 4 - Key Events

    • Act 4 - Key Scene - The second prophecy

    • Act 5 - Key Events

    • Act 5 - Key Scene - She should have died hereafter.

    • Quick Quiz
  • 6

    Characters

    • Understanding the Characters

    • The Witches

    • The Witches - Key Scene - First Prophecy

    • Macbeth

    • Macbeth - Key Scene - Only vaulting ambition

    • Macbeth - Key Scene - To be thus is nothing

    • Lady Macbeth

    • Lady Macbeth - Key Scene - Come you spirits

    • Banquo

    • King Duncan

    • Macduff

    • Macduff - Key Scene - Let grief convert to anger

    • Malcolm

    • Character Quiz
  • 7

    Key Themes

    • Video Intro

    • Fate versus Free Will

    • Ambition

    • The Supernatural

    • Appearance versus Reality

    • Gender
  • 8

    Congratulations!

    • Where to from here?

    • Course Evaluation

    • Before you go...

    • +BONUS Resource Book of Quotes

What are you waiting for?

Click here to give yourself a head start on your QCE English studies.

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