1) What do the nurse (gentlewoman) and the doctor see?
2) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!...will these hands never be clean.”
3) What is wrong with Lady Macbeth at this point of the play?
Scene 2
1) What happens in this scene? What new characters are introduced? Why?
2) What is the significance of the scene?
3) What is meant when Caithness says, “Some say he’d mad; others that lesser hate him do call it valiant fury”?
Scene 3
1) How would you describe Macbeth’s attitude and mood in this scene?
2) Why isn’t Macbeth afraid? Do his soldier’s seem afraid? Why or why not?
Scene 4
1) What does Malcolm order the soldiers to do?
Scene 5
1) What is meant when Macbeth says, “She should have died here-after”?
2) What is the significant of the following quote, “Life’s but a walking
shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage
and then is told no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound
and fury signifying nothing.”
Scene 6
1) What is important about this scene?
Scene 7
1) Who does Macbeth kill in this scene? What is significant about this death?
Scene 8
1) What happens in this scene?
2) Why does Macbeth lose heart in the fight against Macduff?
3) Who is named king at the end of the play?
Today we will go over Act 4. We will also discuss your Reader Theater - Reduced Shakespeare - projects.
Each group (3-4 people in a group) will be giving an Act (either 2, 3, or 4). They will need to translate that act into contemporary English and create a script. They will then need to act out the script in a Reader Theater format.
For the project you need the following:
1) A contemporary english translation that is the students (20 points)
2) Translation needs to contain all the major points of each scene (20 points)
3) Acting (not just reading the lines - characters must be true to Shakespeare's intent) - 10 points
Finish reading Act 4, work on study question, and watch the videos below.
Act 4
4.1
1) What are the four visions that Macbeth sees?
2) Which visions does he misread or misunderstand and why?
3) What news does Lennox bring Macbeth?
4) What does Macbeth decide from Lennox’s news?
5) How might this scene be a possible climax for the play?
4.2
1) Why does Shakespeare include a scene with Lady Macduff and her son?
2) What is important about this scene?
3) List one motif or symbol from this scene?
4.3
1) Why has Macduff come to England?
2) What is Malcolm’s fear in lines 10-19?
3) Who does the lamb represent in these lines?
4) What is significant in the lines “Angles are bright still, though the
brightest fell./Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,/
yet grace must still look so.”
5) What is significant in the line, “Bleed, bleed, pour country!”
6) What does Malcolm call Macbeth? What list of adjectives does he use?
7) How has Malcolm changed since Act II?
8) What is the atmosphere of this scene? Why is this important?
9) What news does the doctor bring? How is this symbolic to the scene, especially to Malcolm?
10) How many men did England lend Macduff?
11) What does Macduff mean when he says, “But I must also feel it as a man.”
MACBETH: Study Questions—ACT 5
Scene 1
1) What do the nurse (gentlewoman) and the doctor see?
2) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!...will these hands never be clean.”
3) What is wrong with Lady Macbeth at this point of the play?
Scene 2
1) What happens in this scene? What new characters are introduced? Why?
2) What is the significance of the scene?
3) What is meant when Caithness says, “Some say he’d mad; others that lesser hate him do call it valiant fury”?
Scene 3
1) How would you describe Macbeth’s attitude and mood in this scene?
2) Why isn’t Macbeth afraid? Do his soldier’s seem afraid? Why or why not?
Scene 4
1) What does Malcolm order the soldiers to do?
Scene 5
1) What is meant when Macbeth says, “She should have died here-after”?
2) What is the significant of the following quote, “Life’s but a walking
shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage
and then is told no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound
and fury signifying nothing.”
Scene 6
1) What is important about this scene?
Scene 7
1) Who does Macbeth kill in this scene? What is significant about this death?
Scene 8
1) What happens in this scene?
2) Why does Macbeth lose heart in the fight against Macduff?
3) Who is named king at the end of the play?
Friday: Students need to read Act 4 scene 1, answer study questions, and watch
the videos on the blog
Act 4
4.1
1) What are the four visions that Macbeth sees?
2) Which visions does he misread or misunderstand and why?
3) What news does Lennox bring Macbeth?
4) What does Macbeth decide from Lennox’s news?
5) How might this scene be a possible climax for the play?
4.2
1) Why does Shakespeare include a scene with Lady Macduff and her son?
2) What is important about this scene?
3) List one motif or symbol from this scene?
4.3
1) Why has Macduff come to England?
2) What is Malcolm’s fear in lines 10-19?
3) Who does the lamb represent in these lines?
4) What is significant in the lines “Angles are bright still, though the
brightest fell./Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,/
yet grace must still look so.”
5) What is significant in the line, “Bleed, bleed, pour country!”
6) What does Malcolm call Macbeth? What list of adjectives does he use?
7) How has Malcolm changed since Act II?
8) What is the atmosphere of this scene? Why is this important?
9) What news does the doctor bring? How is this symbolic to the scene, especially to Malcolm?
10) How many men did England lend Macduff?
11) What does Macduff mean when he says, “But I must also feel it as a man.”
MACBETH: Study Questions—ACT 5
Scene 1
1) What do the nurse (gentlewoman) and the doctor see?
2) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!...will these hands never be clean.”
3) What is wrong with Lady Macbeth at this point of the play?
Scene 2
1) What happens in this scene? What new characters are introduced? Why?
2) What is the significance of the scene?
3) What is meant when Caithness says, “Some say he’d mad; others that lesser hate him do call it valiant fury”?
Scene 3
1) How would you describe Macbeth’s attitude and mood in this scene?
2) Why isn’t Macbeth afraid? Do his soldier’s seem afraid? Why or why not?
Scene 4
1) What does Malcolm order the soldiers to do?
Scene 5
1) What is meant when Macbeth says, “She should have died here-after”?
2) What is the significant of the following quote, “Life’s but a walking
shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage
and then is told no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound
and fury signifying nothing.”
Scene 6
1) What is important about this scene?
Scene 7
1) Who does Macbeth kill in this scene? What is significant about this death?
Scene 8
1) What happens in this scene?
2) Why does Macbeth lose heart in the fight against Macduff?
3) Who is named king at the end of the play?
You have a vocabulary quiz today. If you finish early please watch the videos below. We will be going over some of the study questions for Act 3 as well today.
ACT 3 Study Questions
Scene 1
1) What is Banquo’s opening soliloquy about? Please translate it line by line.
2) Why does Macbeth wish Banquo dead (name at least 2 reasons)—look at his speech in lines 50-76?
3) What is significant about the following quote, “For them the gracious
Duncan I have murder;/ Put rancors in the vessel of my peace/ only for
them,”
4) How does Macbeth convince the murders?
Scene 2
1) What is significant about the quote, “We have scotched the snake not
killed it./ She’ll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice/ remains
in danger of the former tooth.” What does Macbeth mean?
2) Why does Macbeth tell his wife, “Be innocent of the knowledge dearest chuck,/ till thou applaud the deed.”?
3) What is significant in the quote, “Come, seeling night, Scarf up the
tender eye of pitiful day,/ and with bloody and invisible hand/ cancel
and tear to pieces that great bond/ which keeps me pale.” What is
Macbeth saying and what is the great bond?
4) Explain the symbolism of crows, night and sleep in this scene. What does it suggest?
Scene 3
1) What happens in this scene? What is botched?
Scene 4
1) What event is most important in this scene?
2) Why does Macbeth say, “There the grown serpent lies; the worm that’s
fled/ hath nature that in time will venom breed,/ no teeth for the
present.” What is he talking about? Who is he talking about?
3) What is significant about Banquo’s ghost? What does it suggest? How
does Macbeth react to it? Is it real or in Macbeth’s mind?
4) Discuss how blood is used in this scene? What does it symbolize?
5) How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth’s visions?
Scene 5
1) Most critics think this scene was placed into Macbeth by a
different/later author (someone other Shakespeare). Do you agree or not?
Why?
Scene 6
1) What does Lennox say in this scene about Fleance and Banquo?
2) What would have happened to Duncan's sons if Macbeth had them under lock and key?
3) Where did MacDuff go?
You have a vocabulary quiz today and then we will get into Act 3.
ACT 3 Study Questions
Scene 1
1) What is Banquo’s opening soliloquy about? Please translate it line by line.
2) Why does Macbeth wish Banquo dead (name at least 2 reasons)—look at his speech in lines 50-76?
3) What is significant about the following quote, “For them the gracious
Duncan I have murder;/ Put rancors in the vessel of my peace/ only for
them,”
4) How does Macbeth convince the murders?
Scene 2
1) What is significant about the quote, “We have scotched the snake not
killed it./ She’ll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice/ remains
in danger of the former tooth.” What does Macbeth mean?
2) Why does Macbeth tell his wife, “Be innocent of the knowledge dearest chuck,/ till thou applaud the deed.”?
3) What is significant in the quote, “Come, seeling night, Scarf up the
tender eye of pitiful day,/ and with bloody and invisible hand/ cancel
and tear to pieces that great bond/ which keeps me pale.” What is
Macbeth saying and what is the great bond?
4) Explain the symbolism of crows, night and sleep in this scene. What does it suggest?
Scene 3
1) What happens in this scene? What is botched?
Scene 4
1) What event is most important in this scene?
2) Why does Macbeth say, “There the grown serpent lies; the worm that’s
fled/ hath nature that in time will venom breed,/ no teeth for the
present.” What is he talking about? Who is he talking about?
3) What is significant about Banquo’s ghost? What does it suggest? How
does Macbeth react to it? Is it real or in Macbeth’s mind?
4) Discuss how blood is used in this scene? What does it symbolize?
5) How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth’s visions?
Scene 5
1) Most critics think this scene was placed into Macbeth by a
different/later author (someone other Shakespeare). Do you agree or not?
Why?
Scene 6
1) What does Lennox say in this scene about Fleance and Banquo?
2) What would have happened to Duncan's sons if Macbeth had them under lock and key?
3) Where did MacDuff go?
Today we are going to go over some of your study questions, review vocabulary, and discuss Act 2.
MACBETH: ACT II Questions
Scene i
1) Who says the following: “Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A
heavy summons lies like lead upon me, and yet I would not sleep. Merciful
powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives away in repose.”
What is significant about the quote? How has the atmosphere of the castle been
changed?
2) Why does Banquo mention his dream of the Weird Sisters? Hint: Ironically
this is his last dream.
3) What does Macbeth say he and Banquo will talk about later in private?
4) Reread lines 42-70. Briefly summarize what Macbeth is saying in this
soliloquy.
5) How does the illusion of the dagger play into the mindset of either
witchcraft or Macbeth losing it.
Scene ii
1) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “That which hath made them drunk
hath made me bold”?
2) Symbolically what does the fatal bellman toll? More than one thing here. And
who is the fatal bellmen—the one Lady Macbeth hears?
3) How do you read the lines, “Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I
had done ‘t.” What does this say about Lady Macbeth?
4) Sleep is an important symbol in this play. Please keep a list of all the
times (with line numbers) that sleep is mentioned in Act II. Attach and turn
this list in with these questions.
5) What is meant when Macbeth says, “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep”?
6) Why is Lady Macbeth upset with Macbeth towards the end of scene ii?
7) What is symbolic about the knocking that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hear?
8) What does Lady Macbeth say about washing of hands at the end of the scene?
Do you believe her?
Scene iii
1) How is the Porter a humorous character? What does he say about drink? How
does he metaphorical set the atmosphere of the scene?
2) Who is at the gates? (more than 1 person)
3) What does Macduff mean when he says, “Confusion now hath made his
masterpiece!”?
4) How does Macbeth react to the news of the king’s murder? How does Lady
Macbeth react?
5) Where do Donalbain and Malcolm decide to go? Why?
Scene iv
1) What is meant by the old man when he says, “On Tuesday last, a falcon,
tow’ring in her pride of place, was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed”?
What is symbolically suggested here? Hint: Relate the birds to scene ii.
2) What does Macduff say about Malcolm and Donalbain?
3) What does Macduff say about Macbeth?
4) What is meant by the line, “Lest our old robes sit easier than our new”?
1) Who says the following: “Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A
heavy summons lies like lead upon me, and yet I would not sleep. Merciful
powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives away in repose.”
What is significant about the quote? How has the atmosphere of the castle been
changed?
2) Why does Banquo mention his dream of the Weird Sisters? Hint: Ironically
this is his last dream.
3) What does Macbeth say he and Banquo will talk about later in private?
4) Reread lines 42-70. Briefly summarize what Macbeth is saying in this
soliloquy.
5) How does the illusion of the dagger play into the mindset of either
witchcraft or Macbeth losing it.
Scene ii
1) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “That which hath made them drunk
hath made me bold”?
2) Symbolically what does the fatal bellman toll? More than one thing here. And
who is the fatal bellmen—the one Lady Macbeth hears?
3) How do you read the lines, “Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I
had done ‘t.” What does this say about Lady Macbeth?
4) Sleep is an important symbol in this play. Please keep a list of all the
times (with line numbers) that sleep is mentioned in Act II. Attach and turn
this list in with these questions.
5) What is meant when Macbeth says, “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep”?
6) Why is Lady Macbeth upset with Macbeth towards the end of scene ii?
7) What is symbolic about the knocking that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hear?
8) What does Lady Macbeth say about washing of hands at the end of the scene?
Do you believe her?
Scene iii
1) How is the Porter a humorous character? What does he say about drink? How
does he metaphorical set the atmosphere of the scene?
2) Who is at the gates? (more than 1 person)
3) What does Macduff mean when he says, “Confusion now hath made his
masterpiece!”?
4) How does Macbeth react to the news of the king’s murder? How does Lady
Macbeth react?
5) Where do Donalbain and Malcolm decide to go? Why?
Scene iv
1) What is meant by the old man when he says, “On Tuesday last, a falcon,
tow’ring in her pride of place, was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed”?
What is symbolically suggested here? Hint: Relate the birds to scene ii.
2) What does Macduff say about Malcolm and Donalbain?
3) What does Macduff say about Macbeth?
4) What is meant by the line, “Lest our old robes sit easier than our new”?
You need to read Act 2 scenes 1-2 and do the study questions below. If you finish before the end of class please begin studying vocabulary words. You have a quiz on FRIDAY
MACBETH: ACT II Questions
Scene i
1) Who says the following: “Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A
heavy summons lies like lead upon me, and yet I would not sleep. Merciful
powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives away in repose.”
What is significant about the quote? How has the atmosphere of the castle been
changed?
2) Why does Banquo mention his dream of the Weird Sisters? Hint: Ironically
this is his last dream.
3) What does Macbeth say he and Banquo will talk about later in private?
4) Reread lines 42-70. Briefly summarize what Macbeth is saying in this
soliloquy.
5) How does the illusion of the dagger play into the mindset of either
witchcraft or Macbeth losing it.
Scene ii
1) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “That which hath made them drunk
hath made me bold”?
2) Symbolically what does the fatal bellman toll? More than one thing here. And
who is the fatal bellmen—the one Lady Macbeth hears?
3) How do you read the lines, “Had he not resembled my father as he slept, I
had done ‘t.” What does this say about Lady Macbeth?
4) Sleep is an important symbol in this play. Please keep a list of all the
times (with line numbers) that sleep is mentioned in Act II. Attach and turn
this list in with these questions.
5) What is meant when Macbeth says, “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep”?
6) Why is Lady Macbeth upset with Macbeth towards the end of scene ii?
7) What is symbolic about the knocking that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hear?
8) What does Lady Macbeth say about washing of hands at the end of the scene?
Do you believe her?
Scene iii
1) How is the Porter a humorous character? What does he say about drink? How
does he metaphorical set the atmosphere of the scene?
2) Who is at the gates? (more than 1 person)
3) What does Macduff mean when he says, “Confusion now hath made his
masterpiece!”?
4) How does Macbeth react to the news of the king’s murder? How does Lady
Macbeth react?
5) Where do Donalbain and Malcolm decide to go? Why?
Scene iv
1) What is meant by the old man when he says, “On Tuesday last, a falcon,
tow’ring in her pride of place, was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed”?
What is symbolically suggested here? Hint: Relate the birds to scene ii.
2) What does Macduff say about Malcolm and Donalbain?
3) What does Macduff say about Macbeth?
4) What is meant by the line, “Lest our old robes sit easier than our new”?
Today we will review your study questions for Act 1 scenes 2-3. We will also finish Act 1 and give you time to work on both the study questions and your vocabulary.
VOCABULARY (from Macbeth)
1) Mirth
2) Liege
3) Parricide
4) Verity
5) Avarice
6) Avaunt
7) Posterity
8) Homage
9) Cloistered
10) Equivocator
11) Eminence
12) Avouch
13) Thralls
14) Malevolence
Shakespeare: Tragedy
“The poem, the song, the picture is only water drawn from the well of people and it should be given back to them in a cup of beauty so that they may drink— and in drinking, understand themselves.” --Lorca
This
unit will give students a chance to look at Shakespeare from a personal
and cultural perspective. The class will break of the structure of the
play Macbeth and discuss how metaphor and symbol, plot and theme work
in conjunction with the development of characters and ideas. Macbeth
is a play about the corruption of power, about the moralistic failings
of blind ambition, about the difference between appearance and reality
(things are not as they seem), about superstition and how it affects
human behavior, about the individual vs. society (or how an individual
revolts against society for personal gain). Ultimately students will be
asked to relate Macbeth to contemporary times and to write an essay.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of this unit students will be able to
Knowledge:
1) List the five elements of tragedy 2) List the five elements of a tragic hero 3)
Define theme, plot, setting, foreshadow, oxymoron, soliloquy,
personification, dramatic foil, metaphor (three types), symbol, simile
Comprehension:
4) Identify a metaphor (direct, implied, extended), simile, pun or symbol within the play 5) Give a brief description of all the characters and their roles in the play 6) Given a line of dialogue identify the speaker 7)
Outline the plot and break in up into exposition, inciting event,
rising action, climax, falling action and catastrophe (or resolution) 8) Summarize each scene into a headline 9) Identify the tragic hero and his/her tragic flaw 10) Discuss the motivations of all major characters (why they do the things they do)
Application
11) Demonstrate an understanding of a scene in a drawing 12) Demonstrate a relation of characters to contemporary times through a simulation 13)
Demonstrate an understanding of characters and acting techniques by
writing out a script (including the lines, subtext, emotion or tone, and
blocking) and acting out the scene from memory 14) Demonstrate an
understanding of the play by writing journal entries and in-class
writing assignments including a Dear Abbey Letter, interviews, diary
entries from characters’ perspective, personal responses, and in-class
presentations on characters. 15) Demonstrate an understanding of parts of the play by translation Shakespeare’s lines into contemporary English 16) Write a poem or a rap about Macbeth 17) Research a character: the different critical views and present findings to class
Analysis
18) Write a analysis paper on some element or question of Macbeth
Macbeth
Unit Learning goal: At the end of this Unit students will be able to
analysis a motif found in Macbeth, create a thesis, and connect the
motif to the meaning of the play as a whole by writing a short 2-3 page essay.
Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:
4 – The student is able to combine more than one motif into a thesis
statement, and answer it by evaluating the text and using specifics to
back up his/her position.
3 – The student can choose a motif, develop it into a thesis statement,
and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.
2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can choose a
motif, develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using
specific evidence to back up their position.
1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to choose a
motif, or develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using
specific evidence to back up their position.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of this unit students will be able to
•List the five elements of tragedy
•List the five elements of a tragic hero
•Discuss Macbeth’s tragic flaw
•Discuss who wins in Macbeth and why? Who is the hero?
•Define soliloquy and monologue and point to examples from Macbeth
•Outline
the plot according to the six elements of plot: exposition, inciting
event, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution (give at least
three events for the rising and falling action)
•Identify the following characters and discuss they roles in the play (Who they are, What they do, Why the do what they do)
MacbethMacduffThe Porter
Lady MacbethLady MacduffThe Witches
DuncanLennoxThe Doctor
MalcolmRossThe Bloody Captain
DonalbainSeytonFleance
BanquoMenteithSiward
•Discuss and give examples of the following THEMES:
--Blind Ambition
--The Corruption of Power
--Appearance vs. Reality
--Superstition and how it affects human behavior
--Good vs. Evil
•Discuss the following symbols/motifs (what people and/or ideas the represent and connect them to a theme)
--washing of hands--blood
--planting of seeds, things growing
--the atmosphere of Macbeth’s castle
--spells or chants and supernatural beings
--weather--daggers
--spirits, scorpions, snakes and things in the mind
--birds and flying: EaglesCrows SparrowsGeese OwlWren Martlet Falcon
•Identify the speaker and the significant of important and famous quotes from the following characters:
Witches, Apparitions, Banquo, Duncan, Macduff, Malcolm, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, The Bloody Captain, Lady Macduff, Ross
•Know and
review your study questions for each Act (you should have done these
for homework). Some of these questions will be on the test.
•Act out from memory a scene of at least sixteen lines
Macbeth Study Questions
Scene 1: 1)
The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter.
What does this tell us about the mood of the play? What do the witches
symbolize beyond just superstition? Do you really believe that they
are witches? 2)
What doe the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul, and foul is
fair”? What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the
play? 3) How can a battle be “Lost and won”? What foreshadow might this set-up? What is the real battle in this play? 4)
Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad). What does
this suggest about the action of the play? What might they symbolize?
Scene ii 1) What does the bloody man report? 2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel? 3)
What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to
describe Macbeth and Banquo? What is significant about these
descriptions? 4)
“Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another
Golgotha.” What is the allusion? What is significant about the
statement? What does it suggest? Please keep in mind the
religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented. 5) Who was Scotland fighting?
Scene iii
1)Why do the witches talk in poetry?
2)What do the witches predict for Macbeth? What is the dramatic irony involved?
3)What do they witches predict for Banquo? What irony is involved in this promise?
4)What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii? What is your first impression of Banquo?
5)How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions? What does this tell us about their characters?
6)What message does Ross bring?
7)“But
‘tis strange! And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of
darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in
deepest consequence.” Who speaks the above quote? What is the
significance or meaning of the quote?
Scene iv
1)What is Malcolm’s description of Cawdor’s execution?
2)What is the King’s response to this description?
3)Who does the King name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this information?
4) “Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep
desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, which the eye
fears, when it is done, to see.” Who speaks this quote and what is the
significance of it? Questions for scenes 5
1. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him?
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing?
3. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
Scene 6
1. What do the Marlets represent?
2. Why has Duncan come to Macbeth's castle?
Scene 7
1. Summarize Macbeth's soliloquy. What is he struggling with?
Today we are going to continue to read Macbeth. I will also give you some time to look up the new vocabulary.
Macbeth Study Questions
Scene 1: 1)
The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter.
What does this tell us about the mood of the play? What do the witches
symbolize beyond just superstition? Do you really believe that they
are witches? 2)
What doe the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul, and foul is
fair”? What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the
play? 3) How can a battle be “Lost and won”? What foreshadow might this set-up? What is the real battle in this play? 4)
Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad). What does
this suggest about the action of the play? What might they symbolize?
Scene ii 1) What does the bloody man report? 2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel? 3)
What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to
describe Macbeth and Banquo? What is significant about these
descriptions? 4)
“Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another
Golgotha.” What is the allusion? What is significant about the
statement? What does it suggest? Please keep in mind the
religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented. 5) Who was Scotland fighting?
Scene iii
1)Why do the witches talk in poetry?
2)What do the witches predict for Macbeth? What is the dramatic irony involved?
3)What do they witches predict for Banquo? What irony is involved in this promise?
4)What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii? What is your first impression of Banquo?
5)How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions? What does this tell us about their characters?
6)What message does Ross bring?
7)“But
‘tis strange! And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of
darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in
deepest consequence.” Who speaks the above quote? What is the
significance or meaning of the quote?
Scene iv
1)What is Malcolm’s description of Cawdor’s execution?
2)What is the King’s response to this description?
3)Who does the King name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this information?
4) “Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep
desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, which the eye
fears, when it is done, to see.” Who speaks this quote and what is the
significance of it? Questions for scenes 5
1. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him?
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing?
3. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
Scene 6
1. What do the Marlets represent?
2. Why has Duncan come to Macbeth's castle?
Scene 7
1. Summarize Macbeth's soliloquy. What is he struggling with?
Today we will be discussing Macbeth, taking notes and reading Act 1 Scene 1.
VOCABULARY (from Macbeth)
1) Mirth
2) Liege
3) Parricide
4) Verity
5) Avarice
6) Avaunt
7) Posterity
8) Homage
9) Cloistered
10) Equivocator
11) Eminence
12) Avouch
13) Thralls
14) Malevolence
Shakespeare: Tragedy
“The poem, the song, the picture is only water drawn from the well of people and it should be given back to them in a cup of beauty so that they may drink— and in drinking, understand themselves.” --Lorca
This
unit will give students a chance to look at Shakespeare from a personal
and cultural perspective. The class will break of the structure of the
play Macbeth and discuss how metaphor and symbol, plot and theme work
in conjunction with the development of characters and ideas. Macbeth
is a play about the corruption of power, about the moralistic failings
of blind ambition, about the difference between appearance and reality
(things are not as they seem), about superstition and how it affects
human behavior, about the individual vs. society (or how an individual
revolts against society for personal gain). Ultimately students will be
asked to relate Macbeth to contemporary times and to write an essay.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of this unit students will be able to
Knowledge:
1) List the five elements of tragedy 2) List the five elements of a tragic hero 3)
Define theme, plot, setting, foreshadow, oxymoron, soliloquy,
personification, dramatic foil, metaphor (three types), symbol, simile
Comprehension:
4) Identify a metaphor (direct, implied, extended), simile, pun or symbol within the play 5) Give a brief description of all the characters and their roles in the play 6) Given a line of dialogue identify the speaker 7)
Outline the plot and break in up into exposition, inciting event,
rising action, climax, falling action and catastrophe (or resolution) 8) Summarize each scene into a headline 9) Identify the tragic hero and his/her tragic flaw 10) Discuss the motivations of all major characters (why they do the things they do)
Application
11) Demonstrate an understanding of a scene in a drawing 12) Demonstrate a relation of characters to contemporary times through a simulation 13)
Demonstrate an understanding of characters and acting techniques by
writing out a script (including the lines, subtext, emotion or tone, and
blocking) and acting out the scene from memory 14) Demonstrate an
understanding of the play by writing journal entries and in-class
writing assignments including a Dear Abbey Letter, interviews, diary
entries from characters’ perspective, personal responses, and in-class
presentations on characters. 15) Demonstrate an understanding of parts of the play by translation Shakespeare’s lines into contemporary English 16) Write a poem or a rap about Macbeth 17) Research a character: the different critical views and present findings to class
Analysis
18) Write a analysis paper on some element or question of Macbeth
Macbeth
Unit Learning goal: At the end of this Unit students will be able to
analysis a motif found in Macbeth, create a thesis, and connect the
motif to the meaning of the play as a whole by writing a short 2-3 page essay.
Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:
4 – The student is able to combine more than one motif into a thesis
statement, and answer it by evaluating the text and using specifics to
back up his/her position.
3 – The student can choose a motif, develop it into a thesis statement,
and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.
2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can choose a
motif, develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using
specific evidence to back up their position.
1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to choose a
motif, or develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using
specific evidence to back up their position.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of this unit students will be able to
•List the five elements of tragedy
•List the five elements of a tragic hero
•Discuss Macbeth’s tragic flaw
•Discuss who wins in Macbeth and why? Who is the hero?
•Define soliloquy and monologue and point to examples from Macbeth
•Outline
the plot according to the six elements of plot: exposition, inciting
event, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution (give at least
three events for the rising and falling action)
•Identify the following characters and discuss they roles in the play (Who they are, What they do, Why the do what they do)
MacbethMacduffThe Porter
Lady MacbethLady MacduffThe Witches
DuncanLennoxThe Doctor
MalcolmRossThe Bloody Captain
DonalbainSeytonFleance
BanquoMenteithSiward
•Discuss and give examples of the following THEMES:
--Blind Ambition
--The Corruption of Power
--Appearance vs. Reality
--Superstition and how it affects human behavior
--Good vs. Evil
•Discuss the following symbols/motifs (what people and/or ideas the represent and connect them to a theme)
--washing of hands--blood
--planting of seeds, things growing
--the atmosphere of Macbeth’s castle
--spells or chants and supernatural beings
--weather--daggers
--spirits, scorpions, snakes and things in the mind
--birds and flying: EaglesCrows SparrowsGeese OwlWren Martlet Falcon
•Identify the speaker and the significant of important and famous quotes from the following characters:
Witches, Apparitions, Banquo, Duncan, Macduff, Malcolm, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, The Bloody Captain, Lady Macduff, Ross
•Know and
review your study questions for each Act (you should have done these
for homework). Some of these questions will be on the test.
•Act out from memory a scene of at least sixteen lines
Macbeth Study Questions
Scene 1: 1)
The play opens with thunder and lightning as the three witches enter.
What does this tell us about the mood of the play? What do the witches
symbolize beyond just superstition? Do you really believe that they
are witches? 2)
What doe the witches mean when they say, “Fair is foul, and foul is
fair”? What does this tell you about what is likely to go on during the
play? 3) How can a battle be “Lost and won”? What foreshadow might this set-up? What is the real battle in this play? 4)
Graymalkin and Paddock are familiars (a cat and a toad). What does
this suggest about the action of the play? What might they symbolize?
Scene ii 1) What does the bloody man report? 2) Why is Macdonwald a worthy rebel? 3)
What similes or metaphors does the captain (the bloody man) use to
describe Macbeth and Banquo? What is significant about these
descriptions? 4)
“Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, or memorize another
Golgotha.” What is the allusion? What is significant about the
statement? What does it suggest? Please keep in mind the
religious/superstitious images/symbols already presented. 5) Who was Scotland fighting?
Scene iii
1)Why do the witches talk in poetry?
2)What do the witches predict for Macbeth? What is the dramatic irony involved?
3)What do they witches predict for Banquo? What irony is involved in this promise?
4)What is your first impression of Macbeth in scenes ii-iii? What is your first impression of Banquo?
5)How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their reactions to the witches predictions? What does this tell us about their characters?
6)What message does Ross bring?
7)“But
‘tis strange! And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of
darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in
deepest consequence.” Who speaks the above quote? What is the
significance or meaning of the quote?
Scene iv
1)What is Malcolm’s description of Cawdor’s execution?
2)What is the King’s response to this description?
3)Who does the King name as his successor? How does Macbeth react to this information?
4) “Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep
desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be, which the eye
fears, when it is done, to see.” Who speaks this quote and what is the
significance of it? Questions for scenes 5
1. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him?
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is missing?
3. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
Scene 6
1. What do the Marlets represent?
2. Why has Duncan come to Macbeth's castle?
Scene 7
1. Summarize Macbeth's soliloquy. What is he struggling with?
