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Students spend a good couple of terms studying Shakespeare in KS3, but rarely if ever does that knowledge directly inform their GCSE responses.
It might be a good way into AO3 to consider how Macbeth relates to its literary and theatrical context, rather than the historical.
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It might be a good way into AO3 to consider how Macbeth relates to its literary and theatrical context, rather than the historical.
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A useful place to start might be considering how some of the key themes in Macbeth can be traced through other Shakspearean texts.
What makes the play Macbeth unique?
How does it offer an alternative view on some of the connecting questions of Shakespeare's work and times?
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What makes the play Macbeth unique?
How does it offer an alternative view on some of the connecting questions of Shakespeare's work and times?
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The question of free will and human agency was keenly debated in Shakespeare's time. Having studied ROMEO AND JULIET, does MACBETH reach similar conclusions about the extent to which human actions can be fated?
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Many Shakespeare plays portray women who challenge patriarchal authority. Having studied R&J or OTHELLO or MIDSUMMER, what makes Lady Macbeth unique as a female character?
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What experience does the ending of MACBETH provide for audiences, in comparison to the deaths of Othello, Hamlet, or the lovers in R&J?
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Having studied THE TEMPEST or HAMLET, how does MACBETH's portrayal of the workings of courtly power share the same ideas?
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You get the idea. I think an examiner would delighted to read a Macbeth answer that includes, perhaps as introduction or conclusion, or in developing a paragraph, a sentence such as:
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"The question of free will was keenly debated in Shakespeare's time. In comparison with another "fated" character such as Romeo, Macbeth does not suffer from bad fortune or tragic coincidences. He seems much more to blame for his own downfall."
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"Lady Macbeth is one of a line of Shakespearean women who challenge patriarchal authority and exploit anxiety over female deviousness. But Lady Macbeth seems more challenging to the audience than a character such as Juliet, because she acts not from love but cruel ambition."
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"As a tragic hero, Macbeth's death is inevitable, but the nihilistic tone of his final moments creates a very different effect to the deaths of tragic figures such as Hamlet or Romeo, who seemed to gain in humanity and life throughout their tragic arc."
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"Shakespeare was fascinated by the ways that rulers exercise power. In comparison to the manipulation and trickery of a character such as Prospero, Macbeth is portrayed as a King who can only enforce power through violence."
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I think this would make a refreshing change from historical context, important as that is. Students SHOULD definitely see Macbeth as one piece of the entire Shakespeare puzzle, and bring knowledge from KS3 to bear on their study at GCSE.
Hope you're enjoying your holiday!
12/12
Hope you're enjoying your holiday!
12/12
