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GCSE English Literature / Drama: Macbeth - Act 1, Scene 7 - Persuading Macbeth (workshop)

Video summary

Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to change his mind and kill the king.

PLEASE NOTE: This short film contains strong language which some people may find upsetting. Teacher review is recommended prior to use in class.

This short film is from the 鶹Լ series, Shakespeare Unlocked.

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Teacher Notes

This short film could be used as a clear analysis of Lady Macbeth's persuasive techniques and a window to the Macbeth's relationship.

Before watching the workshop, ask your students to think about how people behave when having an argument with someone that they care about.

In pairs, note down suggestions under the following headings:

  • What kinds of things do people say to each other when they quarrel?

  • Do they say things that they don’t mean?

  • Things they wouldn’t normally say?

  • If you were trying to persuade someone you really liked to do something, what kind of strategies would you use to persuade them?

  • Would you get angry if this person changed their mind about a promise they had given you?

All these questions are relevant to the scene.

After watching the workshop, students can decide if the Macbeths behave in the same way as they had predicted.

Ask students to think about words they would use to describe the Macbeth's relationship up to the start of Act 1, Scene 7.

Ask students to select words they would use to describe the Macbeth's relationship in this production.

This short film is suitable for teaching GCSE English literature and drama in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/ 5 in Scotland.

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About the 2011 RSC production. video

A look at the production and how the design is informed by the period in which Macbeth was written.

About the 2011 RSC production

Act 1, Scene 7 - To Kill the King. video

Macbeth debates the murder of King Duncan and decides against it. Lady Macbeth uses a battery of strategies to change his mind.

Act 1, Scene 7 - To Kill the King

Act 2, Scene 2 - Bloody Daggers. video

Macbeth has committed the murder and is overcome with guilt and fear.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Bloody Daggers

Act 2, Scene 2 - Hearing noises (workshop) video

The cast explore how Lady Macbeth takes control as Macbeth struggles with his guilty conscience.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Hearing noises (workshop)

Act 2, Scene 2 - Rhythm of the language (workshop) video

The cast discuss iambic pentameter and explore the rhythm of Shakespeare’s language.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Rhythm of the language (workshop)

Act 2, Scene 2 - The king is dead (workshop) video

The actors and director explore the Macbeths' very different responses to Duncan’s murder.

Act 2, Scene 2 - The king is dead (workshop)

Act 5, Scene 1 - Candle in the dark (workshop) video

The director and actors experiment with the staging of the sleepwalking scene.

Act 5, Scene 1 - Candle in the dark (workshop)

Act 5, Scene 1 - Sleepwalking. video

The doctor and lady-in-waiting witness Lady Macbeth sleepwalking.

Act 5, Scene 1 - Sleepwalking

Act 5, Scene 1 - Sleepwalking Queen (workshop) video

The director investigates how knowledge of Lady Macbeth’s secret changes the lives of others.

 Act 5, Scene 1 - Sleepwalking Queen (workshop)

Act 5, Scene 1 - Unlocking the words (workshop) video

RSC Head of Voice, Lyn Darnley, helps Aislín McGuckin through a series of voice exercises.

Act 5, Scene 1 - Unlocking the words (workshop)

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