Download Macbeth Notes

Excerpts from the play
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Tragedy - a dramatic composition, typically
that of a great person destined through a
flaw of character or conflict with some
overpowering force, such as fate or society,
to downfall or destruction
Tragic Hero - A great or virtuous character
who is destined for downfall, suffering, or
defeat
Tragic Flaw - The character defect that causes
the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy
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We have explored various kinds of literature
that fall into the Fantasy genre through their
usage of magic, monsters, spirits, and the like
However, epic poems, folktales, and long
prose are not the only ways to experience
Fantasy
Drama provides a unique way of experiencing
Fantasy in a much more visual way
We shall explore fantasy on stage through
Shakespeare’s classic: The Tragedy of Macbeth
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Shakespeare’s Macbeth is one of many plays that
were based on historical events
Macbeth was also written with the intent to
satisfy Shakespeare’s primary patron: King
James of Scotland
 James was fascinated with Scottish history and was
known to believe in mystical elements such as witches
and ghosts
 James was also known for not sitting through long
plays which explains why Macbeth is one of
Shakespeare’s shortest plays
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Macbeth is a tragedy
 Tragedies are characterized by a heroic
character’s fall from grace through bad choices
or poor deeds
 These choices/deeds are the result of a certain
characteristic of the hero known as a tragic
flaw
 The protagonist of a tragedy is commonly
referred to as a tragic hero
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While studying Macbeth we
will explore three scenes
 Each scene will deal with
something supernatural
 Each scene will also reveal
something about the character
of Macbeth himself
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In addition to reading the text for each scene,
we will also watch the scenes in two different
productions of the play
 After all, theatre is meant to be SEEN not just
read
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These productions feature some famous
Shakespearean actors in the role of Macbeth
 Sir Ian McKellen
 Sir Patrick Stewart
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The version starring Sir
Ian McKellen is a very
basic, intimate
performance
 Costumes, sets, props, are
all minimal
 This puts an emphasis on
the actors’ performances
rather than the spectacle
of the theatre
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The version starring Sir Patrick
Stewart drastically changes the
setting of the play
Rather than a Scottish castle or
the fields of battle during the
Middle Ages, the play is set in an
old, worn down medical hospital
like something one would see
during World War II
 This does not affect the story of the
play, but only the visual elements
of the performance
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Be mindful of the prophecies given by the
witches
 Do they come true? Would they have come true
had Macbeth not done anything to influence fate?
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Why does Macbeth do the things he does?
 Try to identify his tragic flaw
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Elements of Fantasy
 What elements of Fantasy do you see in the play?