THE TRAGEDY OFMACBETH

JOURNAL ENTRY: In your own words, define the following

• AMBITION• MANIPULATION• CORRUPTION

• Question: How does a basically good and decent person become corrupt?

ThemeUniversal ideas examined in a literary work—what the author wants you to learn

• Ambition and its potential to lead to corruption

• The power of manipulation

• The difference between kingship and tyranny

Soliloquy: a dramatic device in which a character, alone on the stage, reveals his or her private thoughts.

Aside: a statement—sarcasm-- intended to be heard by the audience but not by certain other characters on stage

Motif: an important theme, significant phrase or description that is repeated throughout the play

Foil: a minor character whose attitudes and behavior differ from the main character’s

Tragic Hero: a person of high rank whose power and pride bring him or her to a tragic end.

Synopsis

The play takes place in eleventh century Scotland and England in which Macbeth (the protagonist) struggles between right and wrong (internal conflict)as he pursues the crown. His ambition, however, leads to death and destruction.

ACT I, Scene 2 SummaryAt a military camp, King Duncan of Scotland asks for news about the Scots’ battle with the Irish invaders, led by the rebel Macdonwald. The captain says the Scottish generals, Macbeth and Banquo fought with courage. Macbeth slew the traitorous Macdonwald. King Duncan says Macbeth, be given the title “thane” which was taken from a traitor, Cawdor.

ACT I, Scene 3The witches plant a “seed” in Macbeth by

telling him of the prophecy that he will soon be King.

What is a prophecy? What if you were told you will receive $5,000,000 if you made all As this quarter? Would that affect your performance in your classes?

ACT I, scene 4Macbeth and Banquo enter the palace. King Duncan announces Malcolm (his son) will be the heir to his throne. Macbeth declares his joy but realizes Malcolm stands in his way. Duncan is scheduled to dine at Macbeth’s castle later that evening. Macbeth hurries home to inform his wife of the king’s impending arrival.

ACT IRead Lady Macbeth’s reaction to the prophecy(p.

320)Read Scene 7 p. 323 (Macbeth and wife discussion)

Paragraph planning: What evidence is there that Macbeth is vulnerable to manipulation? Use evidence from the text to back up your discussion.

Is there a difference between a person who is “easy going” vs. easily manipulated?

Important QuotesLady Macbeth:

“Come you spirits, unsex me here…” (help me think like a man, not a woman)

“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it…” (Greet the king warmly, but think deadly)

“Screw your courage to the sticking place…” (MAN UP!)

ACT IIJournal Entry: Have you ever had

someone manipulate you? Or Have you ever manipulated someone to do what you wanted?

Discussion: Is Macbeth being too “soft” by allowing his wife to manipulate him,

or is he being smart by listening to her?

ACT II

Read scenes 1 & 2 (p. 328)With a partner, interpret “Is this a dagger”

scene (see worksheet in study guide).Why do the sons leave? Why does Macbeth

become king?Journal Entry: Make a prediction: We

know Macbeth’s conscience is troubling him. What will be his next move now that he has had second thoughts?

ACT II, scenes iiiMacduff goes to Macbeth’s castle saying that Duncan asked to see him early that morning. As Macduff enters the king’s chamber, he shouts the king has been murdered. Lady Macbeth expresses her horror & chaos ensues. Malcolm and Donalbain (King’s sons) are told that their father has been killed, most likely by his chamberlains, who were found with bloody daggers. Macbeth says he has killed the chamberlains in a rage of anger. The king’s sons realize they aren’t safe, since the killer will probably go after them next. They flee.

ACT II“Is this a dagger I see before me… or is this a

dagger of the mind?” (Macbeth questions his state of mind—and whether or not he can do the act)

“Sleep no more, Macbeth doth murder sleep!” (The guilt will never allow Macbeth to sleep again)

“Will all of great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood…”(Macbeth’s guilt—the blood will never go away)

ACT III, scene i Banquo thinks about Macbeth and the prophecies

the witches foretold. Macbeth enters, attired as king. He & Lady M, ask Banquo to attend the feast for that night. Banquo accepts. Macbeth mentions they should discuss Malcolm and Donalbain. The brothers have fled from Scotland and may be plotting against his crown. He reflects that Banquo is the only man whom he fears. If the witches’ prophecy is true, his will be a “fruitless crown,” b/c he will not have an heir (III.i.62). The murder of Duncan, which weighs so heavily on his conscience, may have simply cleared the way for Banquo’s sons to overthrow Macbeth’s own family. He hires assassins to kill Banquo & son.

ACT IIIWhy does it seem one lie or bad

act can lead to several more?Discuss Macbeth’s paranoia

and his decision for Banquo

Read Scene 4 (p. 350)Paragraph: How does

Macbeth’s character start to change? How is he different now that he is king?

Significant Quotes

“Oh full of scorpions is my mind, good wife.” (Macbeth—his paranoia is taking control)

“I have a strange infirmity which is nothing to those who know me.” (Macbeth mentions he has a problem—double meaning)

“ I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more…” (Macbeth is in so deeply that nothing will get him out of the mess he has created.)

ACT IVWhy does Macbeth desire to see the witches once more?

Apparition prophecies 1. Beware Macduff2. None of woman born shall harm Macbeth3. Birnam Wood onto Dunsinane Hill

Journal: Although Macbeth has a false sense of security, why does he feel it necessary to have more people killed? Is this wise or foolish on his part?

READING CHECK/QUIZ ACTS 1-4 1. Up to now, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are

responsible for several deaths. Name three people who have died so far.

2. In detail, describe Macbeth’s unusual behavior at the coronation feast in ACT III. Why is this significant to the rest of the play?

3. Explain why Macduff chooses to go to England.

4. Describe the three prophecies the apparitions give Macbeth when he visits the witches the second time.

PART B—QUIZ ACTS 1-4 1. Describe the three prophecies the

apparitions give Macbeth when he visits the witches the second time and discuss how he reacts to these.

2. Indicate who says this quote and in detail, discuss the irony behind this citation: “I have a strange infirmity which is nothing to those who know me.”

3. In detail discuss why Malcom flees to England and why Macduff follows him.

4. Indicate who says this quote and in detail, discuss the significance of it: “Let us make medicines of our great revenge…”

SOCRATIC CIRCLE OR CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE

To what extent are the witches responsible for Macbeth’s moral decay? How much of the responsibility should be placed on Macbeth? Lady Macbeth?

Journal: What seems to be Macbeth’s tragic flaw?

Read Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene ( p. 381)

Independently read scene 4 (387) and discuss how one prophecy has been fulfilled.

Worksheet: Read Macbeth’s “Tomorrow” speech and interpret

What happens in the final battle scene?

ACT V