Shakespeare's Macbeth: Exploring the Historical Context

Shakespeare's Macbeth: Exploring the Historical Context

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the connection between the storyline of Macbeth and the historical period in which Shakespeare lived.

What do you already know about William Shakespeare's Macbeth and the time period he lived in?

Introduction to Macbeth

Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the early 17th century. It is one of his most famous plays.

Plot Summary

Macbeth tells the story of a Scottish nobleman who becomes consumed by his ambition for power after encountering three witches.

What is Macbeth about?

1. A love story set in Italy
2. A comedy about mistaken identities
3. A Scottish nobleman consumed by ambition for power
4. A historical account of the Roman Empire

Shakespeare's Life

William Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616 during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, a time of great cultural and artistic development in England.

Social and Political Context

During Shakespeare's time, England experienced political instability, religious conflicts, and the rise of the British Empire.

Themes in Macbeth

Macbeth explores themes of ambition, power, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Language and Style

Shakespeare's use of language and poetic techniques in Macbeth reflects the linguistic richness of his time.

Reflection

Reflect on the connection between the storyline of Macbeth and the historical period in which Shakespeare lived.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.