We can't get our head around Macbeth. Any advice?

[Macbethhelp]

I'm helping my son revise as he's not been very well over the previous months and we have some catching up. We seem to be doing well with the Christmas Carol but struggling with Macbeth. Can anyone recommend advice or resources that could help or any tips. I'm actually struggling trying to understand too.

Thanks so much 🙏

Try cliffs notes, they do great videos

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/m/macbeth/macbeth-at-a-glance

Mr Bruff videos

York notes?

Mr Bruff videos are good.
Macbeth for the Literature exam is quite a big topic. If there are specific areas your son is struggling with, we might be able to signpost to more specific resources.

My absolutely favourite Shakespeare play! Next to Othello. Once you get it, you will love it!

goodticklebrain.com/macbeth-b

Try Mr Everything English on YouTube. Really good

When I used to teach it to y8, I would begin by “telling” them the story rather than reading the play. Nowadays, there is also a nice resource https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/english-ks2-macbeth/zdt42sg for younger kids which helps get the basics in. I think that would be a starting point even for older students. Then enjoy the play and use GCSE Yorks notes or similar to delve deeper. Loads of film adaptations to explore too.

Try YouTube in general, loads of uploads re Macbeth there. Good luck!

What is the issue?
Does he know the basic plot
Can he talk about the key characters throwing in the odd quote
Can he talk about the main themes throwing in the odd quote

Try watching one of the films. Our English teacher always did this when we started Shakespeare and it makes it much easier to grasp. The 2015 version starring Michael Fassbender is excellent and free to watch on Prime.

Oh is it? Fab I shall look that up!!!

Barely!! I reckon we can do that in the time left though!

You could try this too https://www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeare-learning-zone/macbeth not looked at it myself.

First make sure he knows the plot of the play thoroughly. Get him to write down the plot as he sees it. Them go to York notes or similar to fill in the gaps
Let him try again with the plot later

Next write down all the characters he can think of
It is easier if he writes them down in chronological order. Again check and fill in the gaps
Then the themes. Look at your notes or similar. Underline appropriate quotations which he can memorise to fit in with the themes

Look at character of Macbet/lady Macbeth/banquo
Macbeth's madness/guilt washing of hands ect

Lady Macbeth...is she more evil than Macbeth ...or not? Use quotations then explain/analyse them..eg ...yes more evil ...she taunts him

..'art thou a man'
No not as evil he does the killing and admits 'I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent except vaulting ambition' so he knows he's doing wrong and overturning the divine order.
Just a few thoughts and I'm idling time sitting in the garden. Also check whether or not the particular board he is doing are expecting him to focus on a few particular scenes or not 😄

Ha was just going to say RSC shorts, YouTube and watch a film first - and always read a brief summary of the plot and main characters before watching the film etc.

I wouldn't watch a film version at this point as its fundamental to understand it as a play.
I'd focus on 3 key quotes for each character and then see how many themes can be linked to it.
It's also important to have a good understanding of the plays relationship with James I.

The recent film version isn’t like the original play at all - it might confuse him.

I had to do this for O level many many years ago. None of us could get our heads round it until we actually saw it, I think they played a film over several lessons. Then it actually made sense.
How about a synopsis first and then start watching it in bite size chunks?

I meant a film of the play...

These resources are useful -

https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/english-revision/gcse-aqa/macbeth/

If he just wants to pass with a 4, could he get that with a quote from each character, character knowledge and have an understanding of the story?
His Christmas Carol knowledge is alot better.

CGP guides!

Thank you!!!