1. Shakespeare’s Macbeth

2. Journal #____ Row 1: fate Row 2: honor Row 3: ambition Row 4: guilt and /or anguish (1) define the concept, (2) give examples that illustrate it, (3) list some of the consequences associated with it, and in other ways show how we react to the concept. Group sharing in three minutes

3. It tells about the fall of the ambitious couple, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Macbeth is a story about the murder of a king, the revenge of a son, three witches who plot against Macbeth, and Macbeth’s rise and fall. Macbeth is another one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies written around 1605; published in 1623.

4. What is the nature of a tragedy? (sounds like a good essay topic) Tragedy involves the descent of a great man—a man of influence—from success to defeat to death because of a tragic flaw. Often the audience appeal goes from pity, fear, disgust, and sympathy as we feel for the suffering of others and recognize our own convictions of right and wrong. The tragic hero usually dies with a bitter realization of his errors and releases society from the disorder he has caused. The downfall of the “hero” is a result of a chain of events and choices. Macbeth is the tragic hero, a character who has a fatal (tragic) flaw within himself that he cannot change. He is not a bad person; he is just too __________________. (Create an acronym to help you remember these) D – A – R - C

5. What is historical fiction? The play is loosely based upon actual events. The action is set in 11th century Scotland and England. Macbeth ruled Scotland virtuously for 10 years before turning to tyranny. His predecessor, Duncan, had been mysteriously killed. (Macbeth was likely the murderer.) He was well-read in literature and was a writer. More of the “historical fiction” aspect is directly linked to King James himself… King James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603 after the death of Queen Elizabeth. King James frequently called for Shakespeare and his associates to appear at his court to give them special privileges and grants of money.

6. Why would King James have been pleased with the production of Macbeth? (hmm…sounds like another good essay topic) He believed that witches were agents of the devil who punished the wicked and tempted and tested the faith of the virtuous. He believed that man is judged by his choices. Five of the virtuous characters in Macbeth are direct ancestors of king James. A King is divine or chosen by God The play’s theme is based upon the king’s ideas and writings.

7. THEMES Lust for power can lead to loss of humanity Our choices determine who we are and/or who we will become. Demonstrates the moral and psychological effects of evil on the life of one man.

8. "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." This theme is reiterated throughout the play by Macbeth and the weird sisters. What does it mean? "Blood will have blood." Macbeth attained his position by bloodshed, so it was inevitable that he should pay with his own life. Motifs

9. Look for examples of … Sharp twists Audience dramatic ironies Evil Hell Disorder Darkness Good Heaven Order Light IRONY: SYMBOLISM & CONTRASTS: Double meanings Grim humor

10. The play opens in Scotland. Macbeth and Banquo have defeated their enemies in battle, leading King Duncan to give the title of thane of Cawdor to Macbeth (who doesn’t know this yet). While Macbeth and Banquo are walking, they encounter three chanting witches. The witches speak to Macbeth as thane of Glamis, thane of Cawdor, and king hereafter. They also tell Banquo that though he will not be king, he will beget kings (note: his son’s name is Fleance). Macbeth wonders about this prediction as the king’s messenger arrives. He tells him that he has been appointed thane of Cawdor. Macbeth is momentarily tempted to kill the king in order to fulfill the prophesy, but decides not to. Important to note witches’ predictions

11. Cast of Characters Macbeth is a gifted leader, a fierce warrior, an imaginative, sensitive soul, but he wants to be king, even if it requires doing something drastic. Be especially mindful of the progression of his character and the effects of evil on his temperament.

12. Lady Macbeth, urges her husband to kill the king. Since the king is staying at their castle overnight, that must be when they kill him. She plans the whole thing, making the king’s guards drunk. By using their daggers to kill the king and putting the king’s blood on them, Lady Macbeth will frame the guards. It is now time for Macbeth to stab the king. Though he has bad visions and feelings, Macbeth kills the king. Afterwards, he is troubled. "I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on ‘t again I dare not," he says.

13. Lady Macbeth is also a well-developed character. She is conniving and ruthless, though she does seem to have some humane qualities. Also, watch for the progression of her character throughout the play.

14. The next morning, the murder is blamed on the guards. Macbeth kills them before they can protest, explaining that he killed them out of rage. The king’s sons run away—why? Who are the kings sons? Malcolm Donalbain Who is Banquo? Banquo: Macbeth’s friend and general who suspected Macbeth of killing the King.

15. Note now; comprehend later… Towards the end of the play, Macbeth returns to visit the witches. As he arrives they are chanting: "Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble." They give him a false hope, telling him three things. First, beware of Macduff. Second, "none of woman born shall harm Macbeth." Third, Macbeth will not be conquered until Birnam wood comes to the hill of Dunsinane.

16. Other Key Characters: Macduff: general, believes that Macbeth killed the King King Duncan: King of Scotland, murdered by Macbeth who was one of his generals whom he had just promoted Hecate: moon goddess and goddess of the witches, directs supernatural occurrences Ross: Macduff’s cousin and messenger who carries news Lennox: nobleman, suspicious of the murder of the king Seyton: Macbeth’s lieutenant Porter: servant; when drunk, thought that he was the keeper of Hell’s Gates and that sinners were knocking at the door to be admitted.

17. www.fotosearch.com http://www.notleynet.freeserve.co.uk/1sttake/nhs/19 99x/macb.WMV Lamb, Sidney. “Macbeth.” Cliff’s Notes, Inc. Lincoln: Nebraska, 1966. http://www.notleynet.freeserve.co.uk/1sttake/nhs/19 99x/macb.WMV Resources

18. J# ___ Respond to one of the following: (1) Imagine that you are trying to decide whether to do something you know is very wrong, but which will benefit you. A friend says, "Come on, just do it. Do you want to be a loser all your life?" How would you react to such goading? Would your reaction be different if your friend said, "Yeah, that's a tough decision, but if you don't do it, someone else will"? If so, why? (2) You have done something illegal and then gotten caught. You now have a choice either to admit that you did it or tell a lie to cover it up. How far would you be willing to go to cover up your own wrongdoing? What role does fear play in your choice of action? What other considerations weigh in your decision?