Macbeth resources

Here is a summary of some resources for study and revision of Macbeth, starting with our own.  

(Updated April 2019)

• Seven revision podcasts, including:-
  
  • The crucial moment : the soliloquy in Act I scene vii before the murder.
  • The real Lady Macbeth.
  • King Macbeth - law and order in Scotland.
  • Malcolm the hero?
  • The Witches and the Supernatural.
  • A quotation auto-test.
  • Macbeth's tragic end - 'Tomorrow, and tomorrow ...'
  • And all seven are also on Soundcloud here.  
• 6 Quizlet quotation tests for retrieval practice (the 6th one combines all five Acts). 
• A series of 20 ShowMe analyses of key moments in the play, using video and audio annotation. 
• A quotation auto-test [written] to prompt some thoughts. 
• The Swiss Army Knife technique for embedding quotations.
• The whole text of the play in a variety of formats - put it on your computer/tablet/e-reader for easy access.
• Notes from a thought-provoking talk on the play given by the playwright Frank McGuinness at the Abbey Theatre.
• BBC Bitesize microsite for revision (level - GCSE).
• Shakespeare Searched: a 'Google for Shakespeare' - terrific resource for looking up quotations, self-testing and so on.
• Royal Shakespeare Company Learning Zone on Macbeth, with resources at different levels.
• 'Macbeth in Monaghan' series on RTÉ radio [podcasts].

Macbeth quotation practice: all 5 Acts

This Quizlet combines all five previous quotation sets to provide 98 quotations for learning practice. In each case it is important that you also think about the use of each quotation in providing evidence on comments about characters, themes and ideas.

Macbeth quotation test, Act v Quizlet

Macbeth quotation test, Act 4 Quizlet

Macbeth quotation test, Act 3 Quizlet

Macbeth quotation test, Act 2 Quizlet

Macbeth quotations, Act 1 Quizlet

The first of five sets of Quizlet flashcards on Macbeth to embed knowledge of quotations. College pupils can also see these on Firefly.

Some basic principles of quotations -

• Quotations are the knowledge-base and evidence-base for all answering.
• Quotations are used to back up a point.
• Options: organise by scene / character / theme. Many quotations will have multiple uses.
• ‘Tag’ quotations with a system. Make connections.
• Re-reading quotations (and notes) is a bad learning strategy.
• Use flashcards / Quizlet / a questioning partner.
• Write down what you know. What gaps?
• Go back again and again over spaced time: embed them so you can retrieve automatically.
• Little and often. Keep going, especially while you’ve finished the play.