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A Shakespearean Writing Challenge: Was Macbeth’s End His Fate or His Own Fault?

Was Macbeth a victim of fate or was his tragic end a self-fulfilling prophecy? Choose your answer and write a persuasive argument to convince us.
Tracy Lambert
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(235)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours
Assessment
Informal assessment during class

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 6
(Don’t worry if you’re a budding Shakespearean aficionado, or if you’ve never seen or read Macbeth. Prior knowledge of the play is not needed to join this class). 

Picture the scene: You’re a hero on your way back from a victorious battle and encounter three strange creatures- the Wyrd Sisters (AKA The Three Witches). They give you an outrageous prophecy about your future- one that lifts you to a higher level than you could ever hope to reach. King!
You go home, share the encounter with your wife- and then things seem to spiral out of control. You commit deeds you never thought you could so that you can gain - and keep - the throne.

It all ends horribly, of course. 
But… did it need to?

In this one time class, learners examine the evidence and events and decide whether Macbeth was caught up in events that were going to happen anyway, or if they only happened because he acted on the prophecy.
Learners will then write their persuasive argument to convince others of their point of view.

During class we will:
Have a brief overview of the main events.
Look at Macbeth’s meeting with the Wyrd Sisters in its original form and find out what it means.
Look at some of the other important passages.
Discuss the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy.
Discuss both sides of the argument 
and
Look at what makes an effective piece of persuasive writing.

Students will create their persuasive writing and will be encouraged to share their work in class (time permitting). There is no pressure to do so, however, and students may choose to upload their writing to the classroom, share their ideas in the chat feature, or send their work to me if they like.
Learning Goals
Students will:
gain a basic over-all view of the play Macbeth
look at short extracts as written and begin to understand them in a contemporary way
begin to understand the concept of a self-fulfilling prophecy 
apply critical thinking skills to facts they are presented with
understand features of effective persuasive writing
be able to form their own written argument.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The events of the play will be referred to (the murders that Macbeth commits, Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness, etc) but the focus will be on the matter of whether Macbeth was a puppet of fate, or if he caused the events to happen himself.
Supply List
A notebook or paper and something to write with, or device to use for writing.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined September, 2020
4.9
235reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Writing is my passion and I majored in English and Theatre Arts at university (where I took part in an intensive Shakespeare course in Stratford On Avon, exploring backstage and onstage at the RSC Theatre and taking part in a workshop with actor Brian Cox). I've almost 20 years of experience in teaching English in primary schools. Over those years, I have worked regularly with groups of children specifically on English writing skills and teaching creative writing online. I’m just as passionate about Shakespeare and breaking down pre-conceived ideas to help make the plays more accessible and fascinating to younger generations. I’ve led writing and drama workshops with 9 – 11 year olds on Shakespeare’s plays- including Macbeth, as well as having played a Wyrd Sister onstage.
I’ve been lucky enough to watch the Royal Shakespeare Company perform Macbeth at the Globe Theatre in London and enjoy bringing the inspiration from the performance into classes. 

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$13

per class
Meets once
55 min

Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
1-6 learners per class

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