Crown or Corruption Slides
Crown or
Corruption
"Is Macbeth a rightful king or a bloody usurper?"
White Board Accountability Activity
Essential Vocabulary
"Is Macbeth a rightful king or a bloody usurper?"
Corrupt
adjective / verb
Dishonest or immoral behavior, especially by someone in power.
"The promise of power began to corrupt his once-noble heart."
Usurper
noun
A person who takes a position of power illegally or by force.
"The people refused to bow to the usurper who stole the crown."
Keep these definitions in mind as you watch Macbeth's rise to power.
The Big Question
As we watch this preview, you must decide:
Does Macbeth deserve to be King of Scotland?
Markers ready. Boards down for now. I will signal when to write and reveal.
STOP 1
Bravery vs. Fate
Range: 0:00 - 1:58
Embedded media
Watch until the prophecy takes root.
White Board Prompt:
In ONE word, describe Macbeth's reaction to the witches.
RESPONSE TIME 60s
Hold your board against your chest until I tell you to reveal
STOP 2
The Moral Crossroads
Range: 1:58 - 3:03
White Board Prompt:
Who is more responsible for the plan to kill Duncan?
MACBETH or LADY M.
RESPONSE TIME 60s
Hold your board against your chest until I tell you to reveal
Embedded media
Watch the influence of the "Dearest Partner."
STOP 3
The Ghost of Guilt
Range: 3:03 - 4:57
Embedded media
Watch the banquet and Banquo's ghost.
White Board Prompt:
In ONE word, describe Macbeth's state of mind at the banquet.
RESPONSE TIME 60s
Hold your board against your chest until I tell you to reveal
STOP 4
The Descent
Range: 4:57 - 6:30
Embedded media
Watch Macbeth's final tragic end.
White Board Prompt:
Write "K" for Rightful King or "T" for Tyrant.
Based on his final moments, justify your choice in 3 words.
RESPONSE TIME 60s
Hold your board against your chest until I tell you to reveal
The Final Verdict
Does a man who commits murder to gain a throne ever deserve to keep it?
YES
Fate/War
NO
Corruption
WIPE BOARDS. PREPARE TO READ.
Throne Check Teacher Guide
Throne Check
A 15-Minute Video Accountability Facilitation Guide
Lesson: Macbeth Intro
Format: White Board Drill
Video: youtu.be/zt13FbL1xyw
Instructional Goal
Students will analyze Macbeth’s moral decline through four distinct "checkpoints" in the summary video. This session provides space for quick discussion and debate on the central question: Is Macbeth a victim of fate, or a corrupt usurper of the crown?
The 15-Minute Flow
| Time | Action | Prompt Focus |
|---|
| Minute 0 - 2 | Intro & Setup. Vocab Check (Corrupt/Usurper). | Setting the Hook |
| Minute 2 - 5 | Watch to 1:58. Pause for "Prophecy" prompt + debrief. | Initial Reaction |
| Minute 5 - 8 | Watch to 3:03. Pause for "Responsibility" prompt + debrief. | Moral Influence |
| Minute 8 - 11 | Watch 3:03 - 4:57. Pause for "Ghost of Guilt" prompt. | Mental State |
| Minute 11 - 13 | Watch to [End]. Pause for "The Descent" prompt. | Actions & Consequences |
| Minute 13 - 15 | Final Verdict Vote. Wipe boards. Ready to read. | Synthesis |
The Checkpoints
STOP 1: Bravery vs. Fate (0:00 - 1:58)
- Teacher Talk: "Is he a victim of fate or is he already plotting? Did the witches find a garden already growing?"
STOP 2: The Choice (1:58 - 3:03)
- Teacher Talk: "If you talk someone into a crime, is the blood on your hands or theirs? Who pushed harder?"
STOP 3: The Ghost of Guilt (3:03 - 4:57)
- Teacher Talk: "Does seeing the ghost and the second prophecy prove there's still a 'good' man inside, or just a desperate one?"
STOP 4: The Descent (4:57 - End)
- Teacher Talk: "In the final act, is Macbeth a king fighting for his life, or a tyrant facing his sins?"
Facilitation Tips
The Timer: The 60s timer is for writing AND a quick peer-whisper share. Use the final 10s for the countdown to REVEAL.
