| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | English |
| What topic | Theme of ambition in the play Macbeth |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Doesn't matter |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Theme of Ambition in the Play Macbeth
Secondary School (Ages 14-16)
English Literature
30 minutes
20 students
This lesson aligns with the national curriculum for English Literature, focusing on the analysis of literary texts and themes.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 mins | Introduce the theme of ambition; brief overview of "Macbeth"; engage students with a question on ambition. |
| 2 | Reading Excerpts | 10 mins | Distribute excerpts from "Macbeth"; read in pairs; underline phrases related to ambition. |
| 3 | Group Discussion | 7 mins | In small groups, discuss how ambition affects Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's actions; use guided questions. |
| 4 | Class Sharing | 5 mins | Groups share key points from their discussions; highlight common themes and insights. |
| 5 | Reflection Writing | 2 mins | Hand out reflection writing template; students write their thoughts on ambition as portrayed in the play. |
| 6 | Homework Assignment | 1 min | Assign homework related to the theme of ambition in "Macbeth"; provide guidelines but do not collect in class. |
“Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to explore the intriguing theme of ambition in Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. Before we delve into the text, I'd like to ask you a question to get us thinking: What does ambition mean to you? Take a moment to think about it and turn to your partner to share your thoughts.”
[Allow 1-2 minutes for students to discuss.]
“Alright, let’s bring our focus back. Ambition can drive people to achieve great things, but it can also be dangerous. In Macbeth, we see how ambition shapes the characters’ lives. Let’s get into the text and see how this theme unfolds.”
“Now, I will distribute some excerpts from Macbeth. I would like you to read these pieces with a partner. While you read, I want you both to underline any phrases or lines that you think relate to ambition. Pay special attention to how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth express their ambitions and the effects those ambitions have on their actions.”
“You have 10 minutes for this task. Begin reading!”
[Distribute excerpts and circulate while students read.]
“Now that you’ve read the excerpts, let’s break into small groups for a discussion. Each group should focus on how ambition motivates the actions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. I have provided you with some guided questions to help spark your discussion:
You will have 7 minutes to discuss these points, so make sure every voice in your group is heard!”
[Monitor the groups and provide support as needed during the discussion period.]
“It's time to share what you've discussed with the class. I’d like each group to share one key point or insight from your discussion about ambition in Macbeth. Let’s highlight any common themes or differing perspectives you encountered.”
[Call on each group to share, ensuring all participate and take notes of interesting points made.]
“Now, let’s take a moment for some personal reflection. I’ll hand out a reflection writing template. I want you to think about how ambition is portrayed in Macbeth and write a few sentences on your thoughts and feelings about this theme. Consider how these characters' ambitions affect their outcomes and what that means for you or society as a whole.”
“You have 2 minutes for this activity. Begin writing!”
[Distribute reflection templates and give students time to write.]
“For homework, I’d like you to further reflect on the theme of ambition and its consequences in Macbeth. You will need to write a short paragraph on this topic. Think about how ambition shaped both Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth's characters and what the implications of their ambitions are.
Please remember, you don’t need to prepare anything to present in the next class; we will collect your written reflections next lesson. If you have any questions or need clarification on the assignment, feel free to ask me after class.”
“Thank you for your participation today! Your insights were valuable, and I look forward to reading your reflections. Have a great day!”
Define ambition in your own words. How does your definition compare to the portrayal of ambition in Macbeth?
Identify and explain at least two specific instances in Macbeth where ambition drives a character's actions. How do these moments shape the plot?
Discuss the role of Lady Macbeth in influencing Macbeth's ambition. What tactics does she use to spur his ambition, and what are the consequences of her influence?
What are the consequences of unchecked ambition as depicted in Macbeth? Provide examples of at least two consequences seen in the play.
Reflect on how ambition is portrayed differently between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Are their ambitions motivated by the same factors, or do they stem from different desires?
Consider the overall message that Shakespeare conveys about ambition through the fates of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. What warnings does the play offer regarding the pursuit of ambition?
Write a short paragraph summarising your thoughts on how ambition can be both a driving force for achievement and a destructive force, using examples from the play to support your viewpoint.