Starter quiz
- After Macbeth commits regicide in the play 'Macbeth', he can no longer do what in Act 2, Scene 2?
- eat
- sleep ✓
- look anyone in the eyes
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- What is true of sleep?
- it is vital for human function ✓
- humans do not need it
- it represents chaos
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- What happens to Lady Macbeth by Act 5, Scene 1 o? 'Macbeth'?
- she is killed
- she is plotting to kill Macbeth
- she is sleepwalking ✓
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- In what state is Duncan murdered in 'Macbeth'?
- just as he is eating dinnner
- whilst he enters grounds Macbeth's castle
- as he is sleeping ✓
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- What is a discourse marker?
- a word that describes an action
- a word that organises writing ✓
- the very first word of each paragraph
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- What is Macbeth troubled by in Act 3, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth'?
- his hallucination of a dagger
- threats from Macduff
- terrible dreams ✓
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Exit quiz
- What word beginning with 'i' means having trouble falling and staying asleep?
- 'insomnia' ✓
- Why does Macbeth say he will sleep no more after committing regicide in 'Macbeth'?
- it has given him an adrenaline rush
- guilt torments him ✓
- he is forced out of his living quarters
-
- In 'Macbeth', Macbeth cannot sleep, this means he can't gain ...
- power
- peace ✓
- knowledge
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- In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', what could provide an interesting religious interpretation of Macbeth's insomnia?
- God has withheld sleep as a punishment; sleep was often seen as a gift from God ✓
- he is having nightmares based on his repressed guilt
- God is protecting Macbeth from sin by not granting him sleep
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- Why is it important to use discourse markers when writing about motifs in a text?
- so that we talk about only one use of the motif
- so that we trace the full use of a motif throughout a text ✓
- to show a superficial understanding of a motif
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- What is a repressed feeling?
- a feeling you do not express ✓
- a feeling you do express
- a positive feeling
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Sleep is a motif in 'Macbeth' associated with innocence.
- Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer with lack of sleep (insomnia) and nightmares.
- Insomnia is associated with guilt in the play.
- Insomnia might be considered a punishment that either God or the conscience inflicts.
- We can use discourse markers to help us trace different uses of a motif across a text.
Common misconception
Students may be familiar with the function of sleep, but less aware of the symbolism and connotations.
Whilst sleep is vital for healing and serves a restorative function, it also symbolises innocence and vulnerability.
Keywords
Insomnia - difficulty falling or staying asleep
Repressed - describes a feeling that you do not express
Manifestation - an object that embodies something abstract
Assuage - make an unpleasant feeling less intense
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