1. THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

2. JOURNAL ENTRY: In your own words, define the following
AMBITION
MANIPULATION
CORRUPTION
Question: How does a basically
good and decent person
become corrupt?

3. Theme Universal ideas examined in a literary work
Ambition and its potential to lead to corruption
The power of manipulation
The difference between kingship and tyranny

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7. Important Quotes Lady 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!)

8. ACT I 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?
Read Lady Macbeth’s reaction to the prophecy(p. 320)
Read Scene 7 p. 323 (Macbeth and wife discussion)
Paragraph: 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?

9. 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?

10. 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)

11. ACT III Why does it seem one lie or bad act can lead to several more?
Discuss Macbeth’s paranoia
and orders to have Banquo
killed.
Read Scene 4 (p. 350)
Paragraph: How does Macbeth show that his paranoia is getting out of control?

12. 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.)

13. ACT IV Why does Macbeth desire to see the witches once more?
Apparition prophecies
1. Beware Macduff
2. None of woman born shall harm Macbeth
3. Birnam Wood onto Dunsinane Hill
Journal: Although Macbeth has a false sense of security, why does he feel it necessary to kill all of Macduff’s family? What does this say about Macbeth’s character?
Read the last half of scene 3 (from page 377) and discuss Macduff’s rage.

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

15. ACT V 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?