MACBETH ACT 2, SCENE 2
Starting with this conversation, explore how Shakespeare presents the
relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Write about:
• how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract
• how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth in the play as a whole. [30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]
Indicative content
Examiners are encouraged to reward any valid interpretations. Answers might,
however, include some of the following:
AO1
• details of Lady Macbeth taking control of the situation in the extract and
elsewhere
• Lady Macbeth’s determination that Macbeth should be king – would go to any
lengths
• Macbeth’s shielding Lady Macbeth from the planned murder of
Banquo/Fleance
• the relationship drifting apart towards the end
AO2 • contrast between language of Macbeth/Lady Macbeth in the extract •
before he returns to the castle, language showing the strength of Lady Macbeth’s
determination that Macbeth should be king • relevant exploration of methods in
the persuasion scene [1.7] • tracking the change in the relationship – almost
switching roles
AO3 • gender issues/roles within their relationship: shifts of power/control
• ideas about conscience in relation to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth – maybe
connected to religion
• ideas about marriage/stereotypical roles
Starting with this conversation, explore how Shakespeare presents the
relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Write about:
• how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract
• how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth in the play as a whole. [30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]
Indicative content
Examiners are encouraged to reward any valid interpretations. Answers might,
however, include some of the following:
AO1
• details of Lady Macbeth taking control of the situation in the extract and
elsewhere
• Lady Macbeth’s determination that Macbeth should be king – would go to any
lengths
• Macbeth’s shielding Lady Macbeth from the planned murder of
Banquo/Fleance
• the relationship drifting apart towards the end
AO2 • contrast between language of Macbeth/Lady Macbeth in the extract •
before he returns to the castle, language showing the strength of Lady Macbeth’s
determination that Macbeth should be king • relevant exploration of methods in
the persuasion scene [1.7] • tracking the change in the relationship – almost
switching roles
AO3 • gender issues/roles within their relationship: shifts of power/control
• ideas about conscience in relation to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth – maybe
connected to religion
• ideas about marriage/stereotypical roles
