Download by William Shakespeare - American Globe Theatre

Macbeth
by
William Shakespeare
An
American Globe Theatre
Shakespeare-for-Schools
Classroom Study Guide
provided
by
AMERICAN GLOBE THEATRE
145 West 46th Street, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10036
212-869-9809
www.americanglobe.org
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
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WELCOMING LETTER:
Welcome to American Globe Theatre’s Shakespeare for Schools production of “MacBeth,” a special 70 minute
Shakespeare-for-Schools adaptation of William Shakespeare’s MacBeth.”
Our touring production of Shakespeare visits New York public schools in our continued quest to introduce young
people to the magic of live theater with innovative interpretations of classical literary works. Under the supervision of
Artistic Director, John Basil, the program was originated to enlighten, entertain and educate young audiences
throughout the NYC metropolitan area.
AGT’s production of “MacBeth,”is a 70-minute edited version of the bard’s play, presented by a cast of seven
multi- talented performers. By using classical costumes, we hope to emphasize the universality of the bard’s work
and make this ageless story accessible to today’s youth.
Our performance is followed by a facilitated discussion with the cast. Please urge your students to prepare some
questions. We welcome their participation, reactions to the performance and questions about working with
Shakespeare’s language. Get ready, our tale of ambition is going to be fast, furious and fun!
TEACHER HANDOUT A
STUDENT HANDOUT A
STUDENT HANDOUT B
STUDENT HANDOUT C
STUDENT HANDOUT D
TEACHER HANDOUT B/C
TEACHER HANDOUT D
STUDENT HANDOUT E
STUDENT HANDOUT F
STUDENT HANDOUT G
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome & Table of Contents
Using this Study Guide
About Shakespeare
Shakespearean Theater
Cast, Setting & Background
Synopsis of the Play
Activities and Games
Surfing with Shakespeare
Witches’ Pop Quiz
Interview with the Director
Student Responses
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PAGE 3
PAGE 4
PAGE 5-6
PAGE 7
PAGE 8-13
PAGE 14-15
PAGE 16
PAGE 17
PAGE 18
PAGE 19
PLEASE NOTE:
We would also appreciate receiving your students’ written responses of this production. Please use the focus
questions on page 19 as an aid.
Please mail copies of your students’ written responses to us at:
AMERICAN GLOBE THEATRE
Shakespeare-for-Schools Program
145 West 46th Street, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10036
212.869.9809
American Globe Theatre
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American Globe Theatre
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USING THIS STUDY GUIDE
American Globe Theatre encourages teachers to read Shakespeare’s original text with their students
before attending our production. But if that’s not possible, this study guide has been set-up to
prepare your students prior to seeing this shortened adaptation and provide follow-up activities in the classroom.
It’s easy -- just separate the guide and Xerox the pages!
WHAT’S IN THIS GUIDE?!!
•
For a cast of characters, setting, background and scene-by-scene synopsis of AGT’s edited
production of “MacBeth” see pages 7-13, STUDENT HANDOUTS C and D. Acts and
scenes are identified according to the original text. Absolute power corrupts absolutely?
•
For classroom activities using art, journalism and drama, see pages 14 and 15, TEACHER
HANDOUTS B and C. Games include Play Posters, Fleance’s Journal, Family Feud, Word Play and Elizabethan
Insults. Who wants to play some games?
•
Need to incorporate more computer technology in the classroom? See Surfing with
Shakespeare, TEACHER HANDOUT D on page 16 for several websites devoted to Shakespeare.
•
For a brief biography about William Shakespeare, that even includes the inscription on his tomb,
see page 4, STUDENT HANDOUT A. What happened to Shakespeare’s bed?
•
Shakespearean theater is explored on page 5-6, STUDENT HANDOUT B, including descriptions
of Elizabethan theaters, acting troupes, public performances and Shakespeare’s published
plays. Find out why a folio is called a folio!
•
How about giving your students a pop quiz? Use the ten-question test on page 17, STUDENT
HANDOUT E. What do you know about “MACBETH”?
•
If your students want to know how this production was developed, see page 18, STUDENT
HANDOUT F, for an interview with AGT Director, Dennis Turney. The Director of
“MACBETH”
•
Are your students writing responses to this theatrical experience? See page19, STUDENT
HANDOUT G, for focus questions. What do your students think of “MACBETH”?
TEACHER HANDOUT A
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ABOUT SHAKESPEARE
William Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, was a notable
member of Stratford society. He was a successful landowner,
moneylender, dealer in wool, agricultural trader, and glover. He married
Mary Arden in 1557. In 1557 he became a member of the Stratford
council and in 1567 he was elected bailiff, the equivalent of a modern
day mayor.
Born in Stratford, England, William Shakespeare was John and
Mary's third child. Of nine siblings, only five lived to adulthood. His birth
is unregistered but legend places it on April 23rd, 1564. Little is known
about his life between his birth and the publishing of his first play,
although he probably attended the local grammar school, the King's
New School, whose curriculum included mathematics, natural sciences,
Latin language and rhetoric, logic, Christian ethics, and classical
literature. He did not attend a university, but this was not unusual at the
time since most university education was reserved for clergymen.
In 1582, at the age of eighteen, William Shakespeare married
twenty-six year old Anne Hathaway. Their courtship caused quite a
scandal and their marriage was considered happy but very
unconventional. They had three children, Susanna and twins, Hamnet
and Judith. Hamnet died at the age of eleven.
Around 1589, Shakespeare wrote his first play, Henry VI. Young Will was not an immediate and
universal success; the earliest written record of Shakespeare's life in London comes from a statement
by rival playwright Robert Greene, who calls Shakespeare an "upstart crow . . . [who] supposes he is
as well able to bombast out a blank verse as the best of you." However, by 1593, with the publishing
of his narrative poems, “Venus and Adonis,” and “The Rape of Lucrece,” Shakespeare managed to
establish a following and his works were in demand. In 1594, “Titus Andronicus” became his first
published play.
In 1595, Shakespeare became a charter member of “The Lord Chamberlain's Men,” a group of actors
who later changed their name to “The King's Men,” when they gained the sponsorship of King James
I. By 1598, Shakespeare was the principal comedian for the troupe and by 1603 he was the
principal tragedian. Shakespeare made quite a bit of money as a shareholder in his company. He
invested his money in Stratford real estate and was able to purchase the second largest house in
Stratford for his parents in 1597. In 1596, Shakespeare applied for a coat of arms for his family, in
effect making himself into a gentleman, and his daughters married into success and wealth.
On March 25,1616, William Shakespeare signed his last will and testament leaving the second best
bed in the house, (the bed which he probably used), to his wife, Anne. The best bed was reserved for
guests of rank. Anne died in 1623 at the age of sixty-seven. Shakespeare is buried in the Holy Trinity
church in Stratford and the inscription above his tomb (allegedly written by Shakespeare himself)
read:
Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones
And cursed be he that moves my bones.
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SHAKESPEAREAN THEATER
During most of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign troupes of actors
performed wherever they could – in halls, courts, courtyards or
fields - and were considered little better than vagabonds.
However, in 1574, the Common Council passed a law requiring
plays and theaters in London to be licensed and taxed. In 1576,
famed actor James Burbage, built the first permanent theater
building just outside the City of London. Based on the success
of Burbage’s investment more theaters were established,
including the Globe Theatre along the Thames, where most of
Shakespeare's plays premiered.
Elizabethan theaters were generally built after the design of
Burbage’s building. Built of wood, these theaters comprised
three tiers of seats in a circular shape with a stage area on one
side of the circle. The audience's seats and part of the stage were roofed, but much of the main stage and the area
in front of the stage in the center of the circle were open to sky and weather. About 1,500 audience members could
pay extra money to sit in the covered seating areas while about 800 "groundlings" paid less money to stand in this
open area before the stage.
Performances took place during the day, using natural sunlight from the open center of the theater. Since there
were no dramatic lighting effects and very little scenery or props, audiences relied on the actors' lines and stage
directions to supply the date, time of day, weather conditions, location and mood of the scenes. Shakespeare's
plays masterfully supply this information at the start of almost every scene.
Elizabethan plays were not published in bound form, or script form, like they are today. Because mass printing
was expensive and in order to prevent pirating, actors were given only their character’s speaking lines and cues on
small hand-copied scrolls. (Hence the term “role.”) Performances were a bit less structured than they are today.
Plots, characters and dialogue were often altered in performance to satisfy the whims of a patron or flatter a noble
guest in the audience. Only after the plays were performed, and sometimes long after the author’s death, were the
parts collected, reconstructed into script form and published for the public to read
Shakespeare's plays were published in
various forms and with a wide variety of
The Elizabethans were an audience of listeners.
accuracy. Plays were published in large
anthologies called “Folios,” (the first folio of
They would say, “I’m going to hear a play,” not
Shakespeare's plays contains 36 plays), or
smaller “Quartos.” Folios were constructed of
“I’m going to see a play.” The Elizabethan
sturdy paper folded in half, (“folio”), to make two
audience would pick up on words and their
pages which were sewn together to make a large
volume. Quartos were smaller, less costly books
various meanings that we wouldn’t.
containing only one play, with cheap paper folded
twice, making four pages. Although
Shakespeare's language and classical references
Marjorie Garber
seem obsolete to modern readers, they were
ordinary to his audiences. His plays appealed to
all kinds of people, from the dramatic adventures
Speaking in rhyme is not natural to us, but it
of kings and queens, to the comic misadventures
was to the Elizabethans, so we have to
of servants and laborers. The Common man was
always present in his plays, especially the
understand what language meant to them, and
tragedies, which included clown characters for comic relief and to editorialize on the play.
Audiences were familiar with Shakespeare’s numerous references to classical mythology and literature, since
these stories were staples of Elizabethan education. While Shakespeare’s plays appealed to all levels of society
and included familiar story lines and themes, they also expanded his audiences' vocabularies. Shakespeare
invented thousands of new words and coined many new phrases we still use today. During Shakespeare’s day,
playgoers would attend his productions just to learn the latest phrases and words being bandied about on the street.
STUDENT HANDOUT B
Hearing a Play
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WHERE DID THE STORY ORIGINATE?
Shakespeare's chief source for Macbeth was Holinshed's Chronicles (Macbeth), who based his
account of Scotland's history, and Macbeth's in particular, on the Scotorum Historiae, written in 1527
by Hector Boece. Other minor sources contributed to Shakespeare's dramatic version of history,
including Reginald Scott's Discovery of Witchcraft and Daemonologie, written in 1599 by King James
I. Macbeth's words on dogs and men in Act 3, scene 1, (91-100), likely came from Colloquia, the
memoirs of Erasmus (edition circa 1500). The plays of Seneca seem to have had great influence on
Shakespeare and although no direct similarities to the work of Seneca can be seen in Macbeth, the
overall atmosphere of the play and the depiction of Lady Macbeth can be attributed to the Latin
author.
DID YOU KNOW MACBETH WAS A REAL PERSON?
MacBeth actually reigned in Scotland for 17 years (1040-1057) and according to the little we know
about him was a decent king. He did kill Duncan, but on the field of battle not murdering him in his
sleep. So why all the changes? The play was actually written and performed for James I, who traced
his line back to Banquo. So MacBeth becomes a bad guy and Banquo, Fleance and Duncan the
good guys. Can you think of another play that Shakespeare wrote to flatter the current
monarch’s ancestors? (hint:the bad guy has a hump)
SHAKESPEARE AS WORDSMITH
Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and in those plays he used over 47, 000 words. By contrast the King
James bible only uses 8,000 words. He was a master of adapting words to suit his particular purpose.
Some of his words were taken from language that was in use, but changing the form (assassin
existed, Shakespeare was the first to use assassinate) or adapting foreign languages into an English
form (la garto=alligator). Other words used for the first time in Shakespeare’s plays are bloodstained,
leapfrog, lonely, skim milk, watch dog, pander and hob nob. Try making up a new word and see if
you can put it into common usage at your school.
CHARACTER CLUES
In “MacBeth,” vivid character portraits are drawn through the language. Lady MacBeth tells MacBeth
to ”sleeke o’re your rugged looks” and Banquo describes the witches as “wither’d, and so wilde in their
attire” Also look at the difference in the way MacBeth speaks to the murderers or Seyton in
comparison to how he speaks to Lady MacBeth or Banquo. The portraits Shakespeare paints with
words are just as good as Polaroids!
PROSE VS POETRY
One of the clues of Shakespeare’s language is which character speaks in prose (Porter) as opposed
to who speaks in poetry (MacBeth) or when they use both what is happening in the scene to make the
switch? Check when Lady MacBeth switches from poetry to prose. (Hint: madness may have
something to do with it)
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CAST, SETTING & BACKGROUND
MACBETH
CAST OF CHARACTERS
(In order of appearance in a full production)
DUNCAN, King of Scotland.
MALCOLM, his Son.
DONALBAIN, his Son.
MACBETH, General in the King's Army.
BANQUO, General in the King's Army.
MACDUFF, Nobleman of Scotland.
LENNOX, Nobleman of Scotland.
ROSS, Nobleman of Scotland.
MENTEITH, Nobleman of Scotland.
ANGUS, Nobleman of Scotland.
CAITHNESS, Nobleman of Scotland.
FLEANCE, Son to Banquo.
SIWARD, Earl of Northumberland, General
of the English Forces.
YOUNG SIWARD, his Son.
SEYTON, an Officer attending on Macbeth.
BOY, Son to Macduff.
An English Doctor, A Scotch Doctor, A Soldier
A Porter, An Old Man
LADY MACBETH
LADY MACDUFF
Gentlewoman attending on Lady Macbeth
HECATE,and three Witches.
Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Soldiers,
Murderers, Attendants, and Messengers.
The Ghost of Banquo and several other Apparitions
SETTING
Scotland
BACKGROUND
During a war between Scotland and Norway captains MacBeth and Banquo distinguish themselves in
Battle
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SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY
Act I, Scene I
Amidst thunder and lightening, three witches meet to plan their encounter with Macbeth, a Scottish general and
theThane of Glamis. They agree to gather again at twilight upon a heath that Macbeth will cross on his way
home from battle.
Act I, Scene II
King Duncan of the Scots awaits news of the battle between his men and the rebels led by the Thane of
Cawdor. The King and his sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, meet a soldier who is weak and bleeding. He reports
that Macbeth and Banquo have performed valiantly in the fight.
King Duncan is delighted at his captains' bravery and when Angus and Ross arrive to tell him that the Thane of
Cawdor has surrendered; Duncan gladly hands over the Thane's title and all his land to Macbeth.
Act I, Scene III
Macbeth and Banquo come across the Weird Sisters.
The Witches address Macbeth as Glamis, Cawdor, and
King of the Scots. Macbeth is startled by what he sees
clearly as a prophecy that he will be Scotland's next ruler.
He is too stunned to speak and thus Banquo asks the
Witches if there is any prediction for him. They talk in
riddles, telling him he will be "Lesser than Macbeth, and
greater" and "Not so happy, yet much happier" They also
tell Banquo that even though he will never himself be king,
he will beget future kings of Scotland. Then the Witches
disappear into the darkness. Once alone, Macbeth and
Banquo pretend not to believe anything the Weird Sisters
have said, then Ross and Angus arrive and inform Macbeth
that Duncan has appointed him Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth
and Banquo are stunned by the turn of events, realizing
that the Witches are right about one facet of the prophecy
and Macbeth cannot help but focus on their other, greater
prediction that he will be king.
Act I, Scene IV
Macbeth and Banquo reach King Duncan's castle and
Duncan praises Macbeth for his loyalty and valor. He also
embraces Banquo and thanks him for his courage during
the rebellion. He announces that he has decided to visit
Macbeth's castle at Iverness, and that he has chosen his
son, Malcolm, to be the Prince of Cumberland and therefore, the next king of Scotland. Macbeth proposes that he
leave early for his castle to make sure everything is perfect for the King's arrival and Duncan happily approves. But
Macbeth is really only concerned with the King's choice of successor. Ambitious thoughts begin to race through his
mind, Macbeth finds himself lusting after the crown: "Stars, hide your fires/Let not light see my black and deep
desires”.
Act I, Scene V
Lady Macbeth is reading a letter sent by her husband, reporting all of the strange events he has witnessed. She
learns of the prophecy of the Witches and that one prediction has already come true. Lady Macbeth is ecstatic
and she fixes her mind on obtaining the throne for Macbeth by any means necessary. Lady Macbeth feels that
her husband is simply "too full o' the milk of human kindness" to kill King Duncan. When a messenger arrives
with word that Duncan plans to visit Inverness, she is overjoyed that the opportunity to murder the King has
presented itself so soon. She summons all the evil spirits to ensure that no pleadings of any man will come
between her and her monstrous deed:
Macbeth arrives at the castle and Lady Macbeth is ready to tempt him to join her in murder. She subtly hints at
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SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY (CONTINUED)
her intentions: "Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower/But be the serpent under it. He that's
coming/Must be provided for..." Macbeth dodges the matter at hand and tells her that they will speak further on
the subject. Lady Macbeth confidently assures him, "Leave all the rest to me".
Act I, Scene VI
Duncan arrives at the castle with his sons, and Banquo, Lennox, Macduff, and others in his party. Lady Macbeth
is the first to greet Duncan and his court. She welcomes them gracefully to her humble abode. He again
expresses his love for Macbeth and they all move behind the castle walls.
Act I, Scene VII
Macbeth is alone in a dining room in the castle contemplating the results of acting on his desires. Lady Macbeth
enters and Macbeth tells her that he has changed his mind: "We will proceed no further in this business". Lady
Macbeth refuses to accept Macbeth's decision, she calls him a coward and accuses him of not loving her. Her
cunning words work well on Macbeth and she turns his mind back to thoughts of murder. However, he is still
undecided and he asks her "If we should fail?". Her response to her husband's doubts: "We fail! But screw your
courage to the sticking place/And we'll not fail" convinces him once and for all -- they will proceed with the
murder of the King.
Act II, Scene I
The night falls over the castle at Iverness. Banquo comments to his son, Fleance, that it is as black a night as
he has seen. Banquo is having trouble sleeping, for the prophecy of the Witches is foremost on his mind.
Banquo meets Macbeth in the courtyard and he tries to bring up the subject of the Witches but Macbeth refuses
to discuss them or their predictions. He bluntly replies "I think not of them", and bids Banquo goodnight.
Macbeth goes to an empty room and waits for his wife to ring the bell, signaling that Duncan's guards are in a
drunken slumber. Macbeth's mind is racing with thoughts of the evil he is about to perform. Suddenly, a bell rings
out. Macbeth braces himself and utters these final words:
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.
Act II, Scene II
Lady Macbeth has drugged Duncan's
guards and she waits in her chamber for
Macbeth to commit the murder. Macbeth
returns, his hands dripping in blood of his
victims. The two whisper about the deed and
Macbeth nervously recounts the cries each
man made before he stabbed them. Lady
Macbeth tells him to "consider it not so deeply".
Lady Macbeth insists that he go wash his face
and hands and place the daggers that he has
so carelessly brought back with him in the
hands of the guards. Macbeth refuses to return
to the scene of the crime and so Lady Macbeth
goes instead. Lady Macbeth comes back with
hands equally bloody. They hear a knock at the
castle doors and Lady Macbeth again demands
that Macbeth wash up and go to bed, for they
must pretend that they have been sound asleep
the entire night.
Act II, Scene III
The knocking at the south entrance grows louder and more frequent. A porter walks slowly to open the doors,
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SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY (CONTINUED)
pondering what it would be like to be the door-keeper of hell. Macduff and Lennox are at the doors, arriving to
visit King Duncan. Macbeth comes down to greet the two noblemen. He has fully regained his composure and
pretends that their early morning knocking has awakened him. Macduff proceeds to the King's chambers while
Lennox tells Macbeth about the fierce storm they encountered on their journey to Inverness. In the howling wind
they heard 'strange screams of death'. Macduff re-enters, screaming that the King has been slain. He rings the
alarm bell while Macbeth runs to King Duncan's quarters. Macbeth reaches the guards who have been
awakened by the bell. Before they can proclaim their innocence Macbeth kills them and reports to Macduff that
he has murdered Duncan's assassins in a fit of fury. Lady Macbeth pretends to collapse in a shock and while
the rest of the men tend to her, Malcolm whispers to his brother, Donalbain. The brothers are not as easily
deceived as the others and they know their lives are in grave danger. "There's daggers in men's eyes"
Donalbain adds, and they agree to flee Scotland. Malcolm will go to England and to be extra cautious,
Donalbain will go to Ireland.
Act II, Scene IV
In this brief transition scene an old man reports to Ross the strange omens that have coincided with Duncan's
murder. Macduff enters and tells Ross that since the King's two sons have fled Scotland, they are presumed to
be the masterminds behind their father's murder. As a result of their treachery their claim to the throne is forfeit
and Macbeth will be named the new King of the Scots.
Act III, Scene I
Act III opens at the royal castle on the day of a great feast to celebrate Macbeth's coronation. Banquo is the first
to enter the great dining hall. The prophecy of the Witches races through his mind and he begins to believe that
Macbeth himself was responsible for the fulfillment of the Hags' prediction. He thinks upon his own destiny as
foretold by the Witches. If Macbeth is now king, Banquo is sure to father future kings. A trumpet sounds and
King Macbeth and his Queen enter the hall with Lennox, Ross, and a long parade of servants. Macbeth is very
concerned with Banquo's activities for the day and asks him where he plans to go before dinner begins. Banquo
tells him that he and his son, Fleance, are going to ride on the vast castle grounds in the afternoon but he
assures Macbeth he will not miss the feast. Macbeth orders everyone to take the afternoon for himself and be
'the master of his time' until seven that evening when the banquet will commence. Everyone rushes off, except
Macbeth and a servant. He asks the servant to bring in two men that have been waiting at the palace gate.
Alone for a brief moment Macbeth reveals his plan to have Banquo and Fleance murdered while they are out
riding. The servant returns with the men whom Macbeth has commissioned to kill Banquo and Fleance.
Macbeth gives them some final instructions and sends them on their way.
Act III, Scene II
In another room in the castle, Lady Macbeth orders a servant to find her husband. Macbeth enters and she
tells her husband to be happy and enjoy his feast. Macbeth informs her that he has decided to kill Banquo and
Fleance. She asks for details but, Macbeth will not tell her any more.
Act III, Scene III
The two murderers set out to find Banquo and Fleance, riding on the palace grounds. A third murderer joins
them, sent by Macbeth to ensure the killing is carried out according to plan. They hear horses approach. It is
Banquo and his son, walking toward the stables, talking about the fun of the day. Night has fallen early and they
carry a lit torch. The First Murderer attacks Banquo but before he dies he cries out to Fleance to run away as
fast as he can. In the scuffle the torch goes out and Fleance successfully escapes into the dark countryside. The
murderers know that they have left incomplete the more important task of killing Banquo's son, but they
nonetheless head to the castle to report Banquo's death to Macbeth.
Act III, Scene IV
The banquet is underway in the great hall of the royal palace. Amidst the revelers Macbeth sees the First
Murderer and as inconspicuously as possible he walks over to speak with him. The First Murderer tells him that
the blood Macbeth sees upon his face is Banquo's and that Fleance has escaped. Macbeth is unhappy with the
news that Fleance remains alive but he focuses on the good news of Banquo's death and decides to take his
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SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY (CONTINUED)
place at the dinner table. But Macbeth's seat is already occupied. It is Banquo's ghost, and Macbeth is horrified.
Before his stunned guests he begins to speak to what they believe is an empty chair. Lady Macbeth tells the
guests that Macbeth is suffering from stress and when the ghost disappears Macbeth regains his composure.
He says that he has a "strange infirmity" and quickly calls for more wine and toasts the "general joy of the whole
table". Unfortunately, Macbeth decides to mention Banquo specifically in the toast which prompts the reappearance of Banquo's ghost. Macbeth again reacts to the spirit, much to the bewilderment of his guests. Lady
Macbeth bids the guests an abrupt goodnight and shuffles them out of the hall. When they are alone Lady
Macbeth tells him that his lack of sleep is causing him to hallucinate. Macbeth insists that he must consult the
three Weird Sisters to find out what dangers lie in wait.
Act III, Scene V
Thunder crashes overtop a lonely heath where the Witches are gathered. Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft,
scolds the Hags for not including her in their meetings with Macbeth. Hecate tells them that they must reassure
Macbeth when he comes to visit for she knows that security "Is mortals' chiefest enemy".
Act III, Scene VI
In a room in the palace, Lennox and another lord discuss the deaths of Duncan and Banquo. Lennox now
suspects Macbeth has committed the murders. The lord also suspects Macbeth and he tells Lennox that
Malcolm has the support of Edward, King of England, and that Macduff has since sided with Malcolm and is
gathering an army as they speak. They hope Malcolm and his troops return as soon as possible to help the
Scottish rebels overthrow Macbeth.
Act IV, Scene I
In the center of the cave a cauldron boils and around it the Witches
gather in anticipation of Macbeth's arrival. Macbeth enters and the
Witches agree to show him what the future has in store. Amidst
crashes of thunder three apparitions appear. The first is an armed
head, summoned to warn Macbeth that Macduff is coming back to
Scotland to ruin him. The second apparition is a bloody child and it tells
Macbeth that no man born of a woman can do him harm. The third
apparition is that of a child wearing a crown and holding a tree. It tells
Macbeth that: "Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until/Great Birnam
wood to high Dunsinane hill/Shall come against him" .Macbeth is
secure that the third apparition's prophecy will never be, for 'who can
impress the forest?' or 'bid the tree unfix his earth-bound roots?'.
Macbeth's confidence is restored, but one question remains: what of
Banquo's prophecy? He asks the Witches if Banquo's descendants will
still rule Scotland and in response they summon a vision of eight kings.
The kings pass over the stage in order; the last holding a glass.
Banquo's ghost follows behind them and Macbeth flies into a rage at
the Witches who have revealed his worst fear. Lennox enters the cave
and Macbeth is worried that he has seen the Witches. But Lennox has
seen nothing. He tells Macbeth that there are horsemen outside come
to report that Macduff has sided with Malcolm, who is gathering an
army of English soldiers. Macbeth decides that he must kill Macduff
and his whole family as punishment for his betrayal.
Act IV, Scene II
The scene turns to Macduff's castle where Lady Macduff is livid
because her husband has left her and their son to go to England. Ross tells her to remain calm, reminding her that
Macduff is wise and noble and would not leave lest it was of utmost importance. Ross leaves and in her anger, Lady
Macduff tells her son that Macduff is dead. A knock at the door interrupts their conversation. It is a messenger who
has somehow learned of Macbeth's plan to have Lady Macduff and her son murdered. He begs her to flee at once
and he runs from the castle in terror. Lady Macduff, sure she has done nothing wrong, hesitates to leave. This
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SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY (CONTINUED)
delay is costly indeed for the murderers arrive and burst through the heavy wooden doors. They tell her that her
husband is a traitor and one of the murderers grabs her son and stabs him, killing him instantly. Lady Macduff runs
screaming from the castle but the murderers chase her down and slay her.
Act IV, Scene III
Macduff has arrived at King Edward's palace in England. Malcolm however, is distrusting of Macbeth because
he feels that Macbeth, who was himself once noble and trustworthy, has corrupted everyone around him.
Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty to him and Scotland by pretending to be a greedy and base prince who will 'cut
off the noble's from their land' when he gains the Scottish crown. When Macduff morns openly for his country
that has one evil ruler and another in wait, Malcolm confesses that his words were only to test Macduff's
commitment to him and Scotland. Ross comes from Scotland with the horrible news that Macbeth has murdered
Macduff's family. Macduff is utterly destroyed by the foulness of the deed. Malcolm implores Macduff to turn his
anguish into anger: "be this the whetstone of your sword: let grief/Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage
it" . Macduff vows revenge and they leave to gather their troops and head for Scotland.
Act V, Scene I
Lady Macbeth is left alone in the castle at Dunsinane
to brood over the atrocities Macbeth has committed at her
command. Her guilt and fear follow her even in dreams,
and she begins to walk in her sleep. Her Gentlewoman
calls for a doctor who watches for two nights but does not
see Lady Macbeth come out of her chamber. But on
the third night he observes Lady Macbeth walking down
the hall with a lantern, rubbing her hands violently. She
reveals the events of that gruesome night and utters one
of the most famous lines in all of literature: "Out, damned
spot! out, I say!". The murder of Macduff's family and
Banquo also weigh heavy on her mind: "The thane of Fife
had a wife; where is she now? What, will these hands
ne'er be clean?" .The Doctor is horrified to know the truth
and he refuses to report to anyone what he has just seen
and heard for fear that his own life will be in jeopardy.
Act V, Scene II
The action moves to the countryside near Dunsaine
where the rebels, led by Lennox and Angus, await the
English army that will soon arrive. They make plans to
meet at Birnam Wood and Cathiness. One of the soldiers
tells the others that Macbeth is hold up in the royal castle
preparing for the attack.
Act V, Scene III
Macbeth is in his war room awaiting Malcolm and his troops. Because of the three apparitions Macbeth is
confident that he will be victorious and he refuses to hear the reports from his generals. The Doctor comes in
and Macbeth asks anxiously about his wife. The Doctor tells him that she seems troubled and cannot rest.
Macbeth orders the Doctor to cure her: "Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased/Pluck from the memory a
rooted sorrow?" The Doctor replies, "Therein the patient/Must minister to himself". Macbeth rejects his useless
answer and calls for his armor.
Act V, Scene IV
Malcolm orders his men to each cut a branch from a tree from Birnam forest to provide camouflage as they
attack the castle. Malcolm's command to carry the boughs signals the true end of Macbeth for Birnam Wood is
moving toward Dunsinane.
STUDENT HANDOUT D
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
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SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY (CONTINUED)
Act V, Scene V
On the castle walls Macbeth waits, sure that Macduff and Malcolm will die of famine before they can penetrate
his defense. A cry is heard from within the castle. Seyton goes to investigate and, when he returns, he tells
Macbeth that his wife is dead. With the news that he has lost his precious lady, Macbeth resigns himself to the
futility of life. A messenger enters and reports that he has seen an amazing sight -- the woods are moving
toward the castle. Macbeth is at first unbelieving and slaps the messenger, calling him a 'liar and slave!'. But
Macbeth cannot deceive himself any longer and he vows that if he must die, he will die a valiant soldier in
battle.
Act V, Scene VI
In this very short scene we see Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff gathered with their troops on the plain before
Macbeth's castle. They throw down their 'leafy screens', sound the trumpets and wage their assault on the royal
palace.
Act V, Scene VII
Macbeth has left the castle to fight Malcolm's
army on the battlefield. Although he has resigned
himself to defeat, he remembers the second
apparition. Still convinced that he will never meet
a man not born from a woman, he regains the
hope that it is yet possible for him to escape. He
meets young Siward who calls him a liar and
challenges him to fight. Macbeth gladly obliges
and with his skill as a great warrior easily kills the
young man. But the noise of the fight attracts
Macduff and he runs to confront Macbeth.
Act V, Scene VIII
Macbeth, with his newfound hope and
determination continues to fight Malcolm's army.
Macduff enters, demanding that the "hell hound turn" and fight. Macbeth tells him to leave for he does not want the
blood of another Macduff on his hands. Macduff refuses and charges at Macbeth. They fight and Macbeth boasts
that he is indestructible: "I bear a charmed life, which must not yield/To one of woman born". Macduff reveals that
he was not of woman born, but 'untimely ripped' from his mother's womb. Macbeth realizes that the Witches, in
their evil trickery, have only helped in his destruction and he resigns himself to death. Not far away the
victorious Malcolm rallies his soldiers. Macduff joins them, carrying the head of Macbeth. He hails the new King
Malcolm and the King's promise of restoration bring the play to a close.
STUDENT HANDOUT D
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
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ACTIVITIES AND GAMES
PLAY POSTERS
- Students create their own colorful, creative posters and explore Shakespeare’s language.
- Review the use of imagery in “MacBeth.” Select a few quotations and review them with your students.
- Paraphrase the passage and solicit suggestions from your students for visual images that represent and/or
support the ideas or subjects mentioned in the quotation.
- Instruct each student to choose a quotation from the play that uses very specific imagery, metaphors and/or
similes.
- Distribute poster board to each student. Each student creates an illustrated poster of his/her quotation.
- Hang the posters in your classroom, hold a competition or make a display for parent’s day at school.
DONALBAIN’S JOURNAL
! Students examine other perspectives and express themselves through writing.
! Choose a scene from the play such as ACT II, sc iii. Assign various parts to the class and read the scene
out loud.
! Breakdown the action, or story, of the scene and discuss the points-of-view of each main character in the
scene; Malcolm, Donalbain and MacBeth.
! Assign a journal writing exercise to each student. Have them pick one of the characters listed and tell the
story of the scene from their point-of-view in first person singular. Make sure they explore the emotional
state of the character and the issues he or she might be wrestling with during this scene.
! Select students to share their entries with the class.
FAMILY FEUD
î Students use their familiarity with television to explore the social and moral issues of “MacBeth.”
î
Discuss the major issues covered in the play such as the ambition, political power and fate.
î
Break up the class into groups of five-six students. Assign an issue to each group. Each group
determines who will act as facilitator or interviewer for the group. Other members of the group represent
opposing sides of the issue the group has been assigned. The group must create a 3-5 minutes skit in a
talk show interview format. Students can choose a specific television program style like MTV’s “TRL,” or
“Oprah.” Students must incorporate quotations or phrases from the play into their skit.
î
Each group presents their skits to the class. Depending on time allowed for the development of the skit,
each group can use props, elements of costumes and/or music to enhance the theatricality of their skit.
WORD PLAY
ó
Students explore Shakespeare’s glossary of new words and create their own lexicons.
ó
Students choose one scene from the play and record definitions for any uncommon words. Then they
develop their own list of words and definitions from current pop or rap songs. If possible, see if they can
find Elizabethan and modern words that are synonymous.
ó
Students share a selection of words, new and old, with the class.
TEACHER HANDOUT B
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
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ACTIVITIES AND GAMES
Shakespeare’s Mix and Match Insults!
Thou...
A
bawdy
brazen
churlish
distempered
fitful
gnarling
grizzled
haughty
hideous
jaded
knavish
lewd
peevish
pernicious
prating
purpled
queasy
rank
reeky
roynish
saucy
scottish
saucy
unnmuzzled
vacant
waggish
wanton
wenching
whoreson
yeasty
B
bunch-backed
clay-brainod
dog-hearted
empty-hearted
evil-eyed
eye-offending
fat-kidneyed
heavy-headed
horn-mad
ill-breeding
ill-composed
ill-nurtured
iron-witted
lean-witted
lily-livered
mad-bread
motley minded
muddy-mettled
onion-eyed
pale-hearted
paper-faced
pinch-spotted
raw-boned
rug-headed
rump-fed
shag-eared
shrill-gorged
sour-faced
weak-hinged
white-livered
C
canker-blossom
clot pole
crutch
cut purse
dog fish
egg-shell
gull-catcher
hedge-pig
hempseed
Jack-a-nape
malignancy
Malkin
malt-worm
manikin
minimus
miscreant
mold warp
nut-hook
pantaloon
rabbit-sucker
rampallion
Remnant
Rudesby
ruffian
scantling
scullion
snipe
waterfly
whipateryounker
ELIZABETHAN INSULTS
(1) Copy the “SHAKESPEAREAN SLURS” chart provided above and distribute to the class. Pick two teams of
five students.
(2) Each member on each team creates their own Elizabethan insults by choosing one word from each column
in the “SHAKESPEAREAN SLURS” chart. Mix n’Match. Words don’t have to come from the same row. For
example: churlish(A) lily-livered(B) ruffian(C).
(3) Have each team count off One to Five. Play the first round by having the “Ones” step forward, face-off and
deliver their insults to each other by saying “Thou art a....(insert insult).” The teacher determines the
order that players deliver their insults. The audience determines who wins the round by applause. The
winner earns a point for their team.
(4) Continue through rounds Two to Five. The teacher declares the winner of that game. Choose more teams
for a few more games.
TEACHER HANDOUT C
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
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SURFING WITH SHAKESPEARE
•
Surf the web for some more information about William Shakespeare and Elizabethan times.
Here are a few sites worth visiting:
http://www.shakespeare-online.com
This is an amazing resource center for teachers, containing the following sites:
Teachers’ Guide - Suggested approaches to teaching Shakespeare.
Lesson plans - Educational and creative activities relating to Shakespeare studies.
Play Synopsis - Scene-by-scene breakdown of the play
Links with reviews - Lists and juries all sorts of subject-related websites.
Great place to visit for teaching techniques and tools.
http://users.50megs.com/zekscrab/Cummings/Shakespeare/i...
A comprehensive center for collecting information on Shakespeare, Elizabethan Theater &
Shakespeare’s Works. The Complete Shakespeare site. Recommended by British Broadcasting
Corporation. Directory of topics as follows:
A-to-Z Index - More than 140 Shakespeare-related subjects to choose from.
Plot Summaries - Plot summaries of all the plays including link sites.
Sonnets - Complete sonnets including analysis and comparisons.
Complete Works - Complete scripts in public-domain scripts.
Biography - 3,000 word biography of William Shakespeare.
Globe Theater - Detailed description of Shakespeare’s theater on the Thames.
Illustrations - Paintings, engravings and drawings of Shakespeare’s plays.
Today’s Shakespearean Word - Rotating glossary of words coined by the bard.
Feudalism & Chivalry - Social studies of the Elizabethan age.
Shakespeare Videos - Listing of films about Shakespearean subjects and plays.
Search Web for Shakespeare - Fast-loading page enables searches on any topic.
•
Look up what dentists did during Shakespeare’s time in the A-to-Z index.
•
Want to know what “fadge” means? Visit “Today’s Shakespearean Word.”
•
Go to “Shakespeare Video” for hundreds of listings and reviews of films, recordings
and videos on Shakespearean texts.
http://SparkNotes/...
A resource center with reference information on a variety of historical subjects and literary works. The
Shakespeare site contains plot summaries, dramatis personae, analysis and discussion questions on
every play and sonnet written by the bard.
•
•
If you need a quick summary, this is the place to go, and not just for Shakespeare.
An amazing resource for teachers and students.
Visit AMAZON.COM and browse the Shakespeare video section, videos have brief descriptions, reviews and young
adult ratings.
TEACHER HANDOUT D
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
18
WITCHES’ POP QUIZ
What type of play is MacBeth?
a. History
b. Tragedy
c. Pastoral
d. Folio
What is Malcolm’s title?
a. Prince of Wales
b. Prince of Cumberland
c. His Royal Badness
d. Thane of Cawdor
Who are the Scots at war with at the beginning
of the play?
a. Danes
b. Norwegians
c. English
d. Irish
Why does Lady MacBeth say that she did not
kill Duncan herself?
a. She doesn’t believe in murder
b. He looked like her father
c. She doesn’t know how to use a knife
d. It is MacBeth’s job
Who is the traitor to the Scottish King
Duncan?
a. Glamis
b. Cawdor
c. Banquo
d. Hamlet
Who discovers Duncan’s body?
a. MacBeth
b. Banquo
c. MacDuff
d. Lennox
In what country does most of the play take
place?
a. England
b. Scotland
c. Denmark
d. Norway
Who is traveling with MacBeth when he first
encounters the witches?
a. MacDuff
b. Malcolm
c. Banquo
d. Hamlet
Who does Duncan name as his heir?
a. MacDuff
b. Malcolm
c. Banquo
d. Donalbain
How many kings reign in Scotland during the
course of this play?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
What does MacBeth do when he finds out
MacDuff has fled to England?
a. Yell at his wife
b. Kill a servant
c. Have MacDuff’s family killed
d. Kick a puppy
What does Malcolm change the title of Thane
to at the end of the play?
a. Duke
b. Earl
c. Prince
d. Sirrah
STUDENT HANDOUT E
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
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INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTOR
WE ASKED DENNIS TURNEY, THE DIRECTOR OF “MACBETH,” A FEW QUESTIONS:
1. What is the director’s job?
In directing a play, I seek to interpret the play based on the author’s purpose for writing it. What does he
or she want the audience to think about? Then my job is to guide the actors on the stage in a truthful
presentation of the story.
2. How did you edit Shakespeare’s original script for this production?
This play was easy to cut because it is already a short play. I just cut it in terms of keeping the focus on the
journey of the Macbeth character. He’s the character the audience must be able to follow for the play to work. I
also added a “chorus” role, who fills in the gaps of scenes that I had to cut.
3. How long did you rehearse with the actors?
The total rehearsal period lasts for about 6 weeks. This is pretty lengthy, but necessary in a play where
time must be allotted not just for text work and blocking, but also numerous fight scenes.
4. Why do you like Shakespeare’s play, “MACBETH” ?
It is dark and it is suspenseful. No one can create an image like Shakespeare and the image of evil in this
play really makes you wonder what’s out there in the dark. And it makes you wonder what would you do if
evil came “knocking” at your door.
5. What are the themes of “MACBETH”?
For me, the play deals with the question of destiny and what role we play in our own fate; And also how
“equivocation” is used in the downfall of people. To equivocate is to conceal the truth in double meaning.
In this play, characters equivocate by using truths to disguise evil purposes.
My theme for the play comes from a quote by William Penn:
“Equivocation is half-way to lying, and lying the whole way to hell.”
6. How does “MACBETH” relate to modern times?
For me, the play will always be relevant in any time because it deals with the constant struggle we all
have within us, to choose what is right and good, or to choose what is wrong and evil.
7. How did you stage the fight scenes?
It starts with an idea for what kind of fights you want. For me, I wanted them to be brutal, like animals. So,
this calls for something not real fancy, but more primitive. The idea is taken by a fight choreographer, who
much like a dance choreographer, guides the actors through a series of moves, which they then
rehearse, just as they would lines in a scene.
8. How is your production different from other productions?
The main things are that we have very limited sets, costumes and sound. Also, we are a company of
seven, so all of the actors except Macbeth play multiple roles. One actor plays 5 roles in this production.
9.
In closing, is there anything you would like to say to the students?
Without an audience, there is no play. So, we welcome you as a very important part of this production,
and we thank you for your pains!
STUDENT HANDOUT F
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
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STUDENT RESPONSES
How does reading Shakespeare’s play compare with seeing a production?
What did you think about this shortened version? Explain your view.
What did you like about this production and why?
What didn’t you like about this production and why?
Did you have a favorite character, or scene, and why?
Describe the difference between attending live theater and watching a movie?
Would you recommend this show to your friends, why?
STUDENT HANDOUT G
American Globe Theatre
Macbeth study guide
AGT FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
American Globe Theatre
thanks our 2010/2011 contributors
of our Shakespeare-for-Schools Program:
(1)The Axe-Houghton Foundation
(2) The Friars Foundation
(3) Department of Cultural Affairs
(4) New York State Council on the Arts
(5) Michael Tuch Foundation
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