Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
The Taming of the Shrew in performance wikipedia , lookup
History of the Shakespeare authorship question wikipedia , lookup
Shakespeare in the Park festivals wikipedia , lookup
Ireland Shakespeare forgeries wikipedia , lookup
William Shakespeare wikipedia , lookup
Shakespeare's handwriting wikipedia , lookup
Ständchen, D 889 (Schubert) wikipedia , lookup
Royal Shakespeare Company wikipedia , lookup
Colorado Shakespeare Festival wikipedia , lookup
The Scottish Play Macbeth William Shakespeare Assessment of prior knowledge Objectives: • To revise prior knowledge of Shakespeare • To learn about Shakespeare and the theatrical context of Macbeth William Shakespeare What do you know about Shakespeare? Jot down anything you know about him. William Shakespeare Click the picture above to watch a short film about Shakespeare Over the coming weeks we will be studying the play Macbeth but before we read the play we need to find out a little bit about Shakespeare and the Elizabethan theatre. By the end of today’s lesson you should be a Shakespeare specialist. William Shakespeare William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire in 1564. His father was a glove maker and his mother, Mary Arden, was the daughter of a local landowner. Shakespeare was educated in Stratford's grammar school and married in 1582 to Anne Hathaway, daughter of a farmer. William and Anne had a daughter in 1583 and twins in 1585. Shakespeare was an actor with the Lord Chamberlain's Company, which was renamed the King's Company in 1603 when James I became king. Shakespeare's poetry was first published in 1593, records don’t appear of Shakespeare's plays until 1594. His earliest plays include 'Henry VI' and 'Titus Andronicus'. 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 'The Merchant of Venice' and 'Richard II' which all date from the mid to late 1590s. Some of his most famous tragedies were written in the early 1600s including 'Hamlet', 'Othello', 'King Lear' and 'Macbeth'. His later plays date from 1608 onwards and include 'The Tempest'. Shakespeare spent the last five years of his life in Stratford and he died there on 23rd April 1616. The Theatre The first ‘modern’ theatre as we know it was built at Shoreditch in 1576. Before this time plays were performed in the courtyard of inns, or sometimes, in the houses of wealthy families. However, hosts had to be careful about which plays they allowed to be performed as anything that was controversial or political was likely to get him in trouble with the king. The theatre in Shakespeare’s time had an unsavoury reputation. London authorities refused to allow plays within the city, so theatres opened across the Thames in Southwark, outside the jurisdiction of the local authority. The theatrical context Elizabethan theatres could hold several thousand people, most standing in the open pit before the stage, though rich nobles could watch the play from a chair set on the side of the stage itself. Performances were held in the afternoon, because there was no artificial lighting. Women were permitted to attend plays but often prosperous women would wear a mask to disguise their identity. However, no women performed in the theatres. Female roles were generally performed by young boys. Click on the pictures to get an idea of the Elizabethan theatre experience Check your understanding 1.When was Shakespeare writing his plays? 2.What was a trip to the theatre like at this time? 3.Which were published first, Shakespeare’s plays or poems? 4.Name three of Shakespeare’s plays? 5.Why were London’s theatres situated on the south bank of the river Thames? 6.When did plays take place? Why at this time? 7.What were women not allowed to do in the theatre? How did companies overcome this? Plenary When you have finished discuss your answers with the rest of the class. The Scottish Play Macbeth 2 Language and context Getting things in perspective Objectives: • To introduce Shakespeare’s language • To learn about the social and historical context of Macbeth Shakespeare Insults Shakespeare’s language is incredibly vibrant. His use of words is what made his plays great, however when you read Shakespeare for the first time it can all seem a little confusing. To help us get to grips with the language and have some fun try creating a Shakespearian insult from the lists below: artless base-court apple-john bawdy bat-fowling baggagebe slubbering beef-witted barnacle bootless beetle-headed bladder churlish boil-brained boar-pig cockered clapper-clawed bugbear clouted clay-brained bum-bailey craven common-kissing canker-blossom currish crook-pated clack-dish dankish dismal-dreaming clotpole dissembling dizzy-eyed coxcomb droning doghearted codpiece Shakespeare insults To make an insult simply combine one word from each column. For example.. Thou art a beslubbering, bat-fowling baggage! Witchcraft In the modern world we have scientific knowledge to explain why natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and droughts take place. However in Shakespeare’s time, there was no such science and so people invented all sorts of explanations to explain why bad things happened. One of the ways they accounted for the unexplained was the idea of witches. In Elizabethan England hundreds of thousands of women were tortured and executed in Europe because they were accused of witchcraft. They were blamed for accidents, misfortunes and disasters of all kinds. People thought that witches could see into the future, cast spells, cause storms and bad weather and disguise themselves as other creatures such as cats. In Scotland between 1590 and 1680 (the time when Shakespeare wrote Macbeth) approximately 4400 ‘witches’ were executed. The most well known case is that of the North Berwick witches in 1590-92. They were accused of attempting to murder King James I by placing a wax image of him in a fire. The witches were arrested, interrogated by James I himself and executed. Click on the witch to watch a short film about witches in mediaeval Europe King James I James I was the king of England when Macbeth was written. The case of the North Berwick witches had frightened the king and he wrote a book on the subject entitled ‘Deamonologie’ and appealed to parliament to pass the following act in 1563 which was still a part of English law until 1951! “if any person shall use any invocation or conjuration of any evil or wicked spirit; 2. or shal, covenant with, entertain, employ, feed or reward any evil or cursed spirit to or for any intent or purpose; 3. or take up any dead man, woman or child out of the grave, - or the skin, bone, or any part of the dead person, to be employed or used in any manner of witchcraft, sorcery, charm, or enchantment; 4. or shall use, practice, or exercise any sort of witchcraft, sorcery, charm or enchantment; 5. whereby any person shall be destroyed, killed, wasted, consumed, pined, or lamed in any part of the body; 6. that every such person being convicted shall suffer death.” Witchcraft and Shakespeare 1. Why did people believe that witches were responsible for misfortunes and disasters in the C17th? 2. Name three supernatural powers that people thought witches had. 3. How many witches were executed in Scotland between 1590 and 1680? 4. Who were the North Berwick witches? 5. Who was on the English throne during the writing of Macbeth? 6. What was the king’s feelings about witchcraft? 7. What happened to the majority of women accused of being a witch? Plenary When you have finished discuss your answers with the rest of the class. The Scottish Play Macbeth 3 Dramatic Conventions Macbeth Objectives: To learn about the features of a drama text. To Read Act 1, Scene i and learn how Shakespeare creates atmosphere and establishes setting in the opening scene What is Drama? Drama texts are written for actors who play the characters and perform the dialogue and action. Drama scripts are used for plays, radio performances, television and films and each type of script contains different features. Read the opening scene of Macbeth on the following slide. Macbeth Act 1, Scene 1 SCENE I. A desert place. Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches First Witch: When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain? Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done, When the battle's lost and won. Third Witch: That will be ere the set of sun. First Witch: Where the place? Second Witch: Upon the heath. Third Witch: There to meet with Macbeth. Stage Script - Macbeth First Witch I come, Graymalkin! Second Witch Paddock calls. Third Witch Anon. ALL Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air. Exeunt Performance Click on the link below to watch a film version of Macbeth, Act I, Scene i https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1_I36qHDts What features can you identify? Act 1, Scene 1 SCENE I. A desert place. Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches First Witch: When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain? Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done, When the battle's lost and won. Third Witch: That will be ere the set of sun. First Witch: Where the place? Second Witch: Upon the heath. Third Witch: There to meet with Macbeth. Features of a stage play A play is set out very differently from a novel or a poem and contains different features. Could you explain what these features are? Complete the sentences below. Stage Directions … Characters … Dialogue … Deducing directions Read the opening scene again then complete the sentences below. Think about how an atmosphere of disorder is created. 12th April 10 Act 1, scene i The opening scene contains a number of words that suggest violence and chaos… There are also many opposites and contradictions….. The way the witches speak … The scene is set…… Shakespeare is creating an atmosphere of…. Plenary When you have finished feedback your answers to the rest of the group. The Scottish Play Macbeth 4 Enter Macbeth Enter Macbeth Objective: • To learn how Shakespeare uses stage directions, dialogue and action to create characters • To begin analysis of how Shakespeare presents the character of Macbeth Stage directions, dialogue, action! Can you match up the word with its correct definition? Stage directions What the character says Dialogue What the character does Action notes telling an actor how to look, move and behave Stage directions, Dialogue, Action! Can you match up the word with its correct definition? Stage directions What the character says Dialogue What the character does Action notes telling an actor how to look, move and behave Macbeth Read the captain’s report of the battle in I,ii. What words/phrases are used to describe Macbeth? Macbeth Macbeth is introduced to the audience by the captain in I, ii, but he does not appear until I, iii. Read up to the end of I, iii the answer the following questions: 1. What is Macbeth told by the witches? 2. What do the witches say to Banquo? 3. What does Macbeth ask the witches in this scene? 4. How does Macbeth feel after the events of I, iii? 5. What is Banquo’s reaction to the witches? 6. What news is delivered by Ross? 7. What are the reactions of Macbeth and Ross to the news? So fair and foul a day I have not seen Inner thoughts Look at how Macbeth and Banquo are presented to the audience in this scene. Find quotations from I, iii then explain what is revealed about their characters through the dialogue. Quotation Character Speak, if you can: Macbeth what are you? I neither beg nor fear/Your favours nor your hate What is revealed Macbeth is curious and wants to speak with the witches. His use of commands and questions suggests an authoritive character Macbeth Write a paragraph explaining how Shakespeare presents the character of Macbeth to the audience. You could use some of the sentence starters on the next slide to get you up and running. 12th April 10 Macbeth My first impression of Macbeth is that he is a… Macbeth What are your first impressions of Macbeth? Below are a few sentence starters to help with your paragraph: 12th April 10 Macbeth Macbeth is introduced to the audience in act one … Macbeth is described as … In I, iii we begin to see another side to Macbeth, he is … Shakespeare gives the audience an immediate insight into Macbeth’s character here… The Scottish Play Macbeth 5 Banquo’s letter Banquo’s letter Objective: • To learn how Shakespeare uses dialogue to build imagery, setting and atmosphere • To begin analysis of how Shakespeare presents the character of Banquo The weird sisters Using the description provided by Banquo in I, iii, draw and label the three witches. Banquo’s letter Imagine you are Banquo. Following the events of Act 1, scene 3 you decide to write a letter to a friend about what happened. You will need to include: •What the witches looked like •What they said to you and Macbeth •Macbeth’s reactions and behaviour •Your thoughts and feelings about the predictions and the future Plenary When you have finished read your letter to the rest of the group. The Scottish Play Macbeth 6 Lady Macbeth Lady Macbeth Objective: • To develop understanding of Lady Macbeth’s character • To read I, v and write a paragraph about Lady Macbeth Lady Macbeth Read Act One, Scene Five. What is your first impression of Lady Macbeth? Writing about texts You should always, when writing about any text, use the P.E.E formula. Make a point, find some evidence and then explain the evidence in detail. Point, Evidence, Explain Look at how Lady Macbeth is presented to the audience in Act one through the use of stage directions, dialogue and action. Find examples from Act One, Scene Five then explain what they reveal about her character. Point Evidence Lady Macbeth thinks ‘I fear thy nature; It that her husband is is too full o' the milk of too good a man to human kindness .’ murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth calls upon evil spirits to help her in her wicked plan. There are similarities between Lady Macbeth and the witches. ‘fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty’ Explain Lady Macbeth knows that her husband is an honest and loyal man; it will not be easy to persuade him to murder the king. Don’t forget to explain yourself Use the information from the table to write 5 points about Lady Macbeth. Add a quote and explanation for each point. For example Lady Macbeth … she says: this shows that she is... Plenary Read your paragraph about Lady Macbeth to the rest of the group. Do they agree or disagree with your opinion of her? The Scottish Play Macbeth 7 To kill or not to kill? To kill or not to kill? Objective: • To develop understanding of the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth • To begin a mind map of the themes explored by Shakespeare in the play The Murder In Act 1, Scene 7 Macbeth decides to cancel the plan to kill Duncan but his wife persuades him to change his mind. What are the arguments for and against killing Duncan? We should murder Duncan because… We should not murder Duncan because… The tale of the tortoise and the hare Do you remember the tale of the tortoise and the hare? Click below to remind yourself… Click me! No! No! Click me! What is the message of the story of the tortoise and the hare? Theme Like the story of the tortoise and the hare many texts will explore a subject or issue that the writer wants the audience to think about. This is called the theme. Themes are many and varied and can include subjects such as: Love War Prejudice Growing up What do you think the theme(s) of Macbeth could be? Macbeth themes What themes does the play explore? Create a mind map to show how Shakespeare covers a variety of themes in Macbeth. good & evil power Macbeth ambition order & chaos Plenary Complete your mind map for homework These could be displayed in the classroom. The Scottish Play Macbeth 8 Macbeth’s Diary Macbeth’s diary Objective: • To develop understanding of the relationships between Lady Macbeth, Macbeth and Banquo • To assess understanding of character and plot through diary writing Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Banquo Complete the Venn diagram with words which describe the characters of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Banquo. Where the circles overlap you can place words which apply to more than one character. Macbeth brave warrior suspicious Lady Macbeth Banquo Macbeth’s diary Read up to the end of Act one. Think about what has happened so far. What would Macbeth think and feel about the events of the play so far? Imagine that you are Macbeth writing a diary about the events of Act One. You should include: •the battle •the witches’ predictions •thoughts about Duncan •feelings for your wife •your hopes and fears for the future Plenary Read out your diary entry to a partner then ask them the following questions: What is good about it? How could I improve it? Listen carefully to the suggestions. The Scottish Play Macbeth 9 Lost the plot? Lost the plot? Objective: • To consolidate knowledge and understanding of Act One The story so far Complete the summary of Act One by filling in the gaps Macbeth and his friend _____ are returning from a battle with the _______ where they have just secured a victory for King ______ when they come across three _____. The _____ tell Macbeth that he will become Thane of _____ and _____ of Scotland and say to Banquo that his _____ will be the future kings of Scotland. Almost immediately, the first _____ is fulfilled when Macbeth is rewarded for his _____ in battle with the title Thane of _____. Macbeth sends a _____ to his wife about the witches predictions. She is excited by the prospect of becoming ____ and decides to persuade Macbeth to ____ Duncan when he returns home so that they can take over the throne. Duncan is invited to _____ castle where Macbeth and his wife plan to _____ him. The story so far Complete the summary of Act One by filling in the gaps Macbeth and his friend Banquo are returning from a battle with the Norwegians where they have just secured a victory for King Duncan when they come across three witches. The witches tell Macbeth that he will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland and say to Banquo that his children will be the future kings of Scotland. Almost immediately, the first prediction is fulfilled when Macbeth is rewarded for his bravery in battle with the title Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth sends a letter to his wife about the witches predictions. She is excited by the prospect of becoming queen and decides to persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan when he returns home so that they can take over the throne. Duncan is invited to Macbeth’s castle where Macbeth and his wife plan to murder him. The Comic Strip Create a comic strip version of Act One Banquo and Macbeth meet three witches The Scottish Play Macbeth 10 A dagger of the mind Private and public Objective: • To consolidate knowledge and understanding of the character of Macbeth Macbeth and Banquo Macbeth and Banquo have many similarities but they are also very contrasting characters. How are they similar yet different? Similarities between Macbeth and Banquo Both men are distinguished warriors, loyal to King Duncan at the beginning of the play. Differences between Macbeth and Banquo Banquo is more light-hearted and casual in his conversation with the witches. Both men are given predictions about their future by the witches. What key themes of the play could these characters represent? Macbeth’s soliloquy Below is Macbeth’s soliloquy from Act 2, Scene 1. Look at how Shakespeare uses language here to convey Macbeth’s state of mind. Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this which now I draw. Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going; And such an instrument I was to use. Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses, Or else worth all the rest; I see thee still, And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There's no such thing: Macbeth’s soliloquy Below is Macbeth’s soliloquy from Act 2, Scene 1. Look at how Shakespeare uses language here to convey Macbeth’s state of mind. It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Now o'er the one halfworld Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse The curtain'd sleep; witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate's offerings, and wither'd murder, Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf, Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace. With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives: Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives. A bell rings I go, and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell. Check your understanding Complete the questions below to convey your understanding of Macbeth’s soliloquy. 1. What does Macbeth imagine? 2. Why does Macbeth think he is hallucinating? 3. How does Macbeth interpret this vision? 4. What is the dagger stained with? 5. What time of day is it? 6. What strange and supernatural events does Macbeth refer to? 7. What decision does Macbeth come to by the end of the speech? 8. Why has the castle bell been rung? A Closer Look Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this which now I draw. Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going; And such an instrument I was to use. Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses, Or else worth all the rest; I see thee still, And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There's no such thing: Macbeth’s soliloquy contains a number of references to evil and the supernatural. With a partner highlight words or phrases which refer to witchcraft, murder and secrecy. Macbeth’s soliloquy It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Now o'er the one halfworld Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse The curtain'd sleep; witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate's offerings, and wither'd murder, Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf, Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace. With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives: Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives. A bell rings I go, and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell. Writing about texts When writing about Macbeth remember to use the P.E.E formula. Make a point, find some evidence and then explain the evidence in detail. Is Macbeth evil? Use the P.E.E. formula to answer the following question: Why does Macbeth decide to kill Duncan? Think about the following: Is Macbeth an evil man? Is he ambitious and greedy? Is he easily influenced by others? Is the murder ‘a crime of passion’? Does Macbeth suffer from mental illness? Is he a good man who just makes bad judgements? Plenary Read out your work to the rest of the group. Discuss how you used the P.E.E formula when writing about Macbeth’s soliloquy. The Scottish Play Macbeth 11 Dramatic irony Dramatic irony and theme Objectives: To learn how Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to convey character and theme Macbeth and Banquo Read Act 2, Scene 1 where Macbeth talks to his friend Banquo. How has the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo changed? Find evidence to back up your answers Changes in the friendship between Macbeth and Banquo At the start of the play they are good friends and loyal comrades. Banquo is concerned by Macbeth’s reaction to the witches in I, iii Evidence The captain’s report in Act I, scene ii tells us how they fought bravely side by side for their king. Look, how our partner's rapt. Why is the relationship changing? Dramatic irony Dramatic irony is a situation in which the audience has a fuller knowledge of what is happening in a drama than a character does. Shakespeare uses this technique a number of times in Macbeth to present character and to explore themes. A good example of dramatic irony is used in Act two, scene two when Macbeth and Banquo speak. The use of dramatic irony allows insight into character and adds tension to the scene. Banquo: Who’s there? Macbeth: A friend. Dramatic irony The conversation between Macbeth and Banquo in Act Two Scene two is full of dramatic irony. Complete the table below to show your understanding. Character Quotation Macbeth ‘I think not of them’ Banquo (Duncan) hath been in unusual pleasure…and shut up in measureless content. Macbeth and Banquo Banquo: Who’s there? Macbeth: A friend. Macbeth Why this is dramatic irony Extension Questions 1.Explain how the relationship has changed between Macbeth and Banquo? 2.What is dramatic irony? 3.Why has the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo changed? 4.Is Macbeth a good or evil man? 5.Find an example of dramatic irony in Act II, scene ii and explain its intended effect. The Scottish Play Macbeth 12 Lady Macbeth and Building Tension Lady Macbeth and building tension Objective: • To develop knowledge understanding of Lady Macbeth’s character • To analyse how tension is created in Act 2, scene 2 Lady Macbeth Read Act Two, Scene Two. What additional information can we deduce about her following this scene? Tension at the start of Act Two Read up to the end of Act Two, Scene Two. Act Two scenes one and two contain lots of tension, but how does Shakespeare create and build tension? Pick out examples of dialogue, action and stage directions that help Shakespeare build a dramatic mood in this scene. Plot your findings on a graph to show how tension is built up. An example is shown on the following slide… Climax Very tense Slow tension Banquo: A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE bearing a Calm torch before him Start of Act 2 Draw a graph to show how tension is built up at the start of Act Two in Macbeth. The Scottish Play Macbeth 13 Lost the plot? Lost the plot? Objective: • To consolidate knowledge and understanding of Act Two The story so far Complete the summary of Act Two by filling in the gaps Macbeth has now decided to kill ____ and walks towards his room but as he approaches Duncan’s door he sees an imaginary _____ before his eyes. He follows the dagger to Duncan’s room where he _____ the king. Macbeth returns to his _____ with the daggers covered in Duncan’s _____. ____ _____ sees the daggers and chastises Macbeth for being foolish. Macbeth _____ to go back into Duncan’s room to return the knives so Lady Macbeth takes them from her husband and plants them on the _____. _____ arrives at the castle and discovers Duncan’s _____. Duncan’s sons, _____ and _____, hurry away from the scene, afraid that they will be _____ of killing their father. Banquo proposes a _____ to discuss the situation and at the end of act two Macbeth goes to _____ where he is crowned the new _____ of Scotland. The story so far Complete the summary of Act Two by filling in the gaps Macbeth has now decided to kill Duncan and walks towards his room but as he approaches Duncan’s door he sees an imaginary dagger before his eyes. He follows the dagger to Duncan’s room where he murders the king. Macbeth returns to his bedchamber with the daggers covered in Duncan’s blood. Lady Macbeth sees the daggers and chastises Macbeth for being foolish. Macbeth refuses to go back into Duncan’s room to return the knives so Lady Macbeth takes them from her husband and plants them on the servants. Macduff arrives at the castle and discovers Duncan’s body. Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donaldbain, hurry away from the scene, afraid that they will be suspected of killing their father. Banquo proposes a meeting to discuss the situation and at the end of act two Macbeth goes to Scone where he is crowned the new king of Scotland. The Comic Strip Create a comic strip version of Act Two Macbeth sees an imaginary dagger outside Duncan’s room The Scottish Play Macbeth 14 Act Three Lady Macbeth and building tension Objective: •To develop knowledge understanding of Macbeth’s changing character Macbeth Read Act Three, Scene One. How does this scene show the changing character of Macbeth? Act Three Scene One Below is Macbeth’s soliloquy from Act 3, Scene 1. Look at how Shakespeare uses language here to convey Macbeth’s state of mind. To be thus is nothing; But to be safely thus.--Our fears in Banquo Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature Reigns that which would be fear'd: 'tis much he dares; And, to that dauntless temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour To act in safety. There is none but he Whose being I do fear: and, under him, My Genius is rebuked; as, it is said, Mark Antony's was by Caesar. He chid the sisters When first they put the name of king upon me, And bade them speak to him: then prophet-like They hail'd him father to a line of kings: Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown, And put a barren sceptre in my gripe, Act Three, Scene One Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so, For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd; Put rancours in the vessel of my peace Only for them; and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings! Rather than so, come fate into the list. And champion me to the utterance! Who's there! Macbeth’s soliloquy coveys his increasing paranoia. With a partner highlight words or phrases which show: •That Macbeth is afraid of Banquo •That Macbeth feels inferior to Banquo •How Macbeth feels about being king •What Macbeth plans to do next A mind to murder In Act Three, Scene One Macbeth plans to have Banquo and his son, Fleance murdered. Why does Macbeth plan to kill his former friend and his friend’s son? Reason Explain Macbeth’s actions Greed and power The witches predicted that Banquo’s children will rule Scotland in the future. This is a threat to Macbeth’s power and his legacy. Evil Macbeth finds it difficult to resist the temptation of evil acts… Fear Macbeth feels threatened by Banquo because… Ambition Although Macbeth is now king he remains unsatisfied… Fate Macbeth believes… Plenary Write a paragraph explaining why Macbeth orders the murder of Banquo and Fleance. The Scottish Play Macbeth 15 A Marriage made in hell? A marriage made in hell Objective: •To develop knowledge and understanding of the developments in the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Read Act 3, Scenes 1 and 3. How has the relationship between Macbeth and his wife changed? Act One Act Three Macbeth is dominated by his wife and influenced by her feelings and ambitions. Why is the relationship changing? Macbeth and Lady Macbeth In Act Three we begin to see a change in the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Until now Macbeth had been dominated by his wife but now she appears to have less influence on his actions and behaviour. Read the quotations below. What do they reveal about their relationship? Lady Macbeth Macbeth How now, my lord? Why do you keep alone? Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck What it suggests Plenary Write a paragraph explaining how and why the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth has changed in the first three acts. The Scottish Play Macbeth 16 The Banquet The Banquet Objective: •To consolidate knowledge of the plot •To develop understanding of the character of Macbeth The banquet scene Read Act Three, Scene Four then answer the questions below. 1. Why does Macbeth feel so insecure as king? 2. Explain what happens when the murderers attack Banquo and his son. 3. What happens during the banquet? 4. Do you think what Macbeth sees is real? Explain your answer. 5. How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth in this scene? 6. What would Macbeth’s guests think as they left Macbeth’s castle that evening? 7. What does Macbeth decide to do next? Watch this scene by clicking here In the hotseat Split into groups of four. Each member of the group must assume the identity of a character from the play (either Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, a murderer or a guest at the banquet) or a questioner. The questioner will put forward a series of questions about the events of the play to each of the characters. Characters must respond to the questions in detail and in role, showing a depth of understanding of the character being portrayed. Some ideas for questions are included on the next slide. This weak minded foolishness makes us look ridiculous! Who might say that? That was the strangest evening… I must destroy everything in my way.. Ideas for questions The following are merely suggestions or starting points. Questioners should listen closely, challenge the characters responses and draw out detailed answers from the other members of the group. 1. How were you feeling when the banquet began? 2. How did you feel when Macbeth began to shout and scream? 3. How did you feel when Lady Macbeth sent everyone home? 4. What were your thoughts and feelings at the end of the scene? Plenary One or more groups could perform their hot seating to the class. Audience members could ask questions to the characters. Consider what you have learnt about the play from studying this scene. The Scottish Play Macbeth 17 Lost the plot? Lost the plot? Objective: • To consolidate knowledge and understanding of Act Three The story so far Complete the summary of Act Three by filling in the gaps Macbeth is now king of Scotland but feels _____. He remembers the witches prophecy that stated that Banquo’s _____ would become kings. To protect his power and his legacy Macbeth hires two men to _____ Banquo and his son _____ but the plan goes wrong. Banquo is killed but _____ escapes. Later that night Macbeth hosts a _____ in his castle but at the start of the feast one of the _____ appears and tells Macbeth that they killed Banquo but Fleance escaped. During the banquet the _____ of Banquo appears and sits in Macbeth’s seat. Only Macbeth sees the ghost and he is very _____ by what he sees. In his fear and rage he almost reveals the secret of his _____ to his guests but Lady Macbeth makes ____ for him and sends the guests away. Macbeth decides that he will revisit the ___ and continue to eliminate all opposition to his _____. The story so far Complete the summary of Act Three by filling in the gaps Macbeth is now king of Scotland but feels insecure. He remembers the witches prophecy that stated that Banquo’s children would become kings. To protect his power and his legacy Macbeth hires two men to kill Banquo and his son Fleance but the plan goes wrong. Banquo is killed but Fleance escapes. Later that night Macbeth hosts a banquet in his castle but at the start of the feast one of the murderers appears and tells Macbeth that they killed Banquo but Fleance escaped. During the banquet the ghost of Banquo appears and sits in Macbeth’s seat. Only Macbeth sees the ghost and he is very disturbed by what he sees. In his fear and rage he almost reveals the secret of his guilt to his guests but Lady Macbeth makes excuses for him and sends the guests away. Macbeth decides that he will revisit the witches and continue to eliminate all opposition to his power. The Comic Strip Create a comic strip version of Act Three Macbeth plans the murder of Banquo The Scottish Play Macbeth 18 Something wicked this way comes Something wicked this way comes Objective: • To consolidate knowledge of plot and develop understanding of character through Macduff’s diary entry The witches Read Act Four, Scene One then answer the questions below. 1. Read the opening stage directions. How does Shakespeare create atmosphere? 2. What are the witches doing at the start of Act Four? 3. What things do they throw into their cauldron? What do these ingredients tell us about social values in C17th England? 4. Why does Shakespeare use listing at the start of this scene? 5. How does Macbeth address the witches? What can we deduce from this? 6. What is Macbeth told by the three apparitions? 7. What has become of Macduff? 8. What does Macbeth decide should be his next course of action? Macbeth’s diary Read up to the end of Act four, Scene three. In Act four, Scene two, murderers arrive at Macduff’s castle. They kill his wife and son and in Act four, scene three Macduff learns that his family have been slaughtered. Imagine that you are Macduff, write a diary about the recent events in Scotland. You should include: •Your initial suspicions following Duncan’s murder •Why you left Scotland for England •Your thoughts and feelings when the news of your family is delivered •Your plan of action Plenary Read out your diary entry to a partner then ask them the following questions: What is good about it? How could I improve it? Listen carefully to the suggestions. Homework Task? Where is my mind? Where is my mind? Objective: • To develop knowledge and understanding of Lady Macbeth Lady Macbeth Look at your notes about Lady Macbeth from earlier in the play. How much has she changed over the course of the play? The Changing Lady Macbeth By Act Five we begin to see a big change in Lady Macbeth. How different is she from the character that we first met in Act One? At the start of the play In the final act Extension Questions 1. What is Lady Macbeth afraid of in the opening scene of Act Five? 2. There are many images of darkness in 5, i. What does the darkness represent? 3. Why has Lady Macbeth changed so much? 4. How do we know that Lady Macbeth is wracked with guilt? 5. How has the balance of the relationship with her husband changed by Act Five? 6. What words and phrases would you use to describe Lady Macbeth in Act Five? Plenary Write a paragraph explaining how and why Lady Macbeth has changed so much over the course of the play. The Scottish Play Macbeth 19 Birnam Wood and Dunsinane Castle Birnam Wood and Dunsinane Castle Objective: • To develop knowledge of the plot • To understand how Shakespeare uses character and symbolism to explore themes Sleep Like Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is suffering from a lack of sleep in Act 5, Scene 3. Sleep and night appear time and time again in Macbeth. Why do you think that is? Why can’t Macbeth and Lady Macbeth sleep properly? What do you think sleep could symbolise throughout the play? Lady Macbeth is afraid of the dark in Act 5 Scene 3. Why do you think this is? What could the darkness represent? Why is Lady Macbeth constantly washing her hands in this scene? What does the act of washing hands symbolise? Lady Macbeth’s speech is written in a disjointed style of prose in Act 5 Scene 3. Why has Shakespeare used this style here? Birnam Wood and Dunsinane Castle Read Act Five, Scene Three then answer the questions below. 1. Why is there a doctor at the start of the scene? Who has he been to see? 2. What is Macbeth’s mood at the start of the scene? 3. As the scene unfolds Macbeth’s hopes of victory in battle are fading. Pick out words and phrases from the text which suggest old age, exhaustion, dying. 4. Explain how Shakespeare personifies Scotland in this scene to convey its current state. 5. What is Macbeth pinning his hopes on in this scene? 6. What does the doctor mean at the end of the scene when he says ‘(Aside) Were I from Dunsinane away and clear, Profit again should hardly draw me here’? The Scottish Play Macbeth 20 The Battle for Scotland The Battle for Scotland Objective: • To develop knowledge of the plot • To understand how Shakespeare presents Macbeth in the final scenes of the play Sequencing Put the following events of the battle in the correct order: The messenger reports seeing 10000 soldiers marching towards Macbeth’s castle Macbeth is told that his wife is dead Malcolm is crowned the new king of Scotland Macbeth kills Young Siward A messenger reports that Birnam Wood is moving Many of Macbeth’s soldiers begin to desert Macduff and Macbeth fight The doctor talks to Macbeth about Lady Macbeth Malcolm tells his troops to cut down branches from Birnam wood and hide beneath them to hide their numbers Macbeth is decapitated and his head displayed in front of Malcolm’s army Macbeth decides that he will fight to the death Sequencing The correct order: The messenger reports seeing 10000 soldiers marching towards Macbeth’s castle Macbeth decides that he will fight to the death The doctor talks to Macbeth about Lady Macbeth Malcolm tells his troops to cut down branches from Birnam wood and hide beneath them to hide their numbers Many of Macbeth’s soldiers begin to desert Macbeth is told that his wife is dead A messenger reports that Birnam Wood is moving Macbeth kills Young Siward Macduff and Macbeth fight Macbeth is decapitated and his head displayed in front of Malcolm’s army Malcolm is crowned the new king of Scotland A tale told by an idiot She should have died hereafter; There would have been a time for such a word. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. Click here to watch a performance of this soliloquy A tale told by an idiot Read Macbeth’s soliloquy again then complete the tasks: She should have died hereafter; There would have been a time for such a word. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. Can you explain what Macbeth is trying to say in this speech? What does Macbeth mean by this? Highlight words/phrases that refer to death What emotions does Macbeth experience here? Do you think Macbeth has regrets? Explain your answer. How many words/phrases can you find which suggest exhaustion? The Scottish Times Imagine you are a reporter for The Scottish Times. It is the day after the death of Macbeth. Malcolm has been crowned king of Scotland. Write up the full story for the front page of the newspaper. The Scottish Play Macbeth 21 The Rise and Fall of Macbeth The Rise and Fall of Macbeth Objective: • To consolidate knowledge of the plot and how Shakespeare presents the changing character of Macbeth over the course of the play Rise and Fall Macbeth changes a great deal over the course of the play but how does Shakespeare develop Macbeth’s changing character? What are the key events that lead to the change in Macbeth? Plot your findings on a graph to show how Shakespeare develops character. An example is shown on the following slide… Status Macbeth is given the title Thane of Cawdor Macbeth meets the three witches Act 1, Scene 1 Act 5, Scene 6 Plot the graph to portray the rise and fall of Macbeth The Scottish Play Macbeth 22 Lost the plot? Lost the plot? Objective: •To consolidate knowledge of the plot The story so far Complete the summary of Acts Four and Five by filling in the gaps At the start of Act Four Macbeth goes to visit the ___________ again, and they warn him against ___________, who is the Thane of Fife. They also tell Macbeth that he can only be killed by someone not of ___________ born, and that he has nothing to fear until ___________ forest comes to Dunsinane. Macbeth is heartened by this but is disturbed when the witches show him _____ descendents as future kings. Macbeth discovers that Macduff has gone to _____, he orders the ______ of Macduff’s _____ and _______. Meanwhile Lady Macbeth is acting ___________ and believes her hands are covered in ___________. _____ and Macduff raise an army and attack Macbeth’s castle, camouflaged by ___________ from the forest. _____ tells Macbeth that he was cut from his mother’s stomach, and Macduff kills Macbeth then puts his _____ on a _____. ___________ is then crowned king of Scotland and law and _____ is restored. The story so far Complete the summary of Acts Four and Five by filling in the gaps At the start of Act Four Macbeth goes to visit the witches again, and they warn him against Macduff who is the Thane of Fife. They also tell Macbeth that he can only be killed by someone not of woman born, and that he has nothing to fear until Birnam forest comes to Dunsinane. Macbeth is heartened by this but is disturbed when the witches show him Banquo’s descendents as future kings. Macbeth discovers that Macduff has gone to England and he orders the murder of Macduff’s wife and child. Meanwhile Lady Macbeth is acting strangely and believes her hands are covered in blood. Malcolm and Macduff raise an army and attack Macbeth’s castle, camouflaged by branches from the forest. Macduff tells Macbeth that he was cut from his mother’s stomach, and Macduff kills Macbeth then puts his head on a spike. Malcolm is then crowned king of Scotland and law and order is restored. The Comic Strip Create a comic strip version of Acts Four and Five Macbeth visits the witches and demands to know his future The Scottish Play Macbeth Links Useful Links http://yacapaca.com/py/teacher/assignment/new/step3/subject/16/0/14/ An online Macbeth quiz/game http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/dramamacbeth/macb ethplotact.shtml BBC Bitesize Macbeth videos on plot, character and theme http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC9G_CZVAL8 Animated Tales – Macbeth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1lHYvxieB8 Polanski’s Macbeth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGxYMiXfG30&feature=related Shakespeare retold - Macbeth