1. By William Shakespeare
Macbeth
By William Shakespeare

2. 8 Tips for Studying Macbeth http://www. enotes
Read a modern translation along with the original.
Relate to the passion between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Do background research into the time period.
Delineate the tragic flaw.
Realize the plot is action-packed and exciting.
Act out complicated scenes.
Annotate and react.
Label or organize characters to keep them straight.

3. Perspective: Right before Macbeth was written (1606)
Throne is assumed by distant cousin James VI of Scotland, now James I of Britain
Other relatives of Elizabeth felt they had stronger claims to the throne
Queen Elizabeth dies 1603
His conspirators were tortured until they confessed and were executed as a warning to other traitors
Guy Fawkes attempts to murder James in 1605
Macbeth was written (1606) as a cautionary tale warning king-killers of the awful fate that will inevitably overtake them

4. Character Relationship Tree
Duncan
King of Scotland
Macduff
Thane of Fife
Malcolm
Duncan’s Eldest Son
Donalbain
Duncan’s second son and murderer
Boy
Son to Macduff
Lady Macduff
Wife of Macduff
Macbeth
Thane of Glamis and a superb general
Banquo
Scottish Thane and Macbeth’s co-general
Lady Macbeth
Wife of Macbeth
Fleance
Banquo’s Son

5. Character Relationship Tree
Lennox
Young Thane attending on Duncan
Rosse
Thane who brings Duncan news
Angus
Thane who brings Duncan news and brings Macbeth news of his new title
Menteth, Cathness
Thanes who desert Macbeth during Malcolm’s invasion
Siward
Earl of Northumberland and Malcolm’s uncle
Seyton
Remains a servant to Macbeth when his thanes desert him
Young Siward
Siward’s Son
Killed by Macbeth

6. Devices Breakdown Tragic Flaw Foreshadowing Dramatic Irony Aside
Soliloquys
Monologue

7. Tragic Flaw Definition
A trait in a character (usually the hero) that leads to his downfall. Also termed “Fatal Flaw”, it is considered a defective trait.
Effect
Tragic Flaw is used for moral purposes in order to inspire improvement in the personal character of the audience members and encourage the audience to remove possible fatal flaws from their life which may result in their own personal downfall.
Examples
Pride: Think you’re invincible, ignore advice, etc.
Ambition: Strive for success/power by all means necessary.
Envy
Greed
Lust/love

8. Foreshadowing Definition
A device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story.
Effect
Builds anticipation in the minds of readers about what might happen next. Creates suspense usually by giving “false clues” to distract readers and surprise them when the unexpected occurs.
Examples
In Macbeth, Witches foreshadow evil events to follow
Bad weather= Bad things happening in the future
“Don’t worry nothing will happen”= Upcoming danger
“We will meet again”= Upcoming epic confrontation

9. Dramatic Irony Definition
Device in which the audience knows something the characters do not. Because of this understanding, the words of the characters take on a different meaning. This can create intense suspense or humor.
Effect
By allowing the audience to know important facts before other characters in the play, the audience feels encouraged to anticipate, hope, and fear the moment when other characters would learn the truth behind events and situations in a story.
Examples
Two people are engaged to be married but the audience knows the man is planning to run away with another woman.
In a scary movie when the actor walks into the house innocently but the audience knows the killer is inside.
Macbeth acts loyal to Duncan, but the audience knows he is planning to murder him.
In Toy Story the audience are the only ones who knows the toys are alive.

10. Frank Underwood in House of Cards breaks the 4th Wall
Aside
Definition
It is a short comment or speech that the character delivers directly to the audience or to himself while other actors on the stage cannot listen to them. It is short commentary that reveals a characters private thoughts, opinions, and reactions to what happens in the play.
Effect
Asides are a window into the thoughts of a character. Audiences enjoy being brought closer to characters by receiving special information about the essence of matters happening.
Example
Frank Underwood in House of Cards breaks the 4th Wall

11. Meg speaks to herself in the garden
Soliloquy
Definition
Device in which a character expresses their thoughts on situations and events that are happening, will happen, or have already happened, or expressing thoughts on another character in the story. This speech is spoken to themselves.
Effect
Provides an opportunity to see into the mind of a certain character. It reveals their true self or motives. It was the best method for plays in the Elizabethan Era to explain to the audience what is really happening in the story.
Example
Meg speaks to herself in the garden

12. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Opening Monologue
Definition
A speech given directly to the audience or to another character that expresses the character’s collection of thoughts and ideas out loud.
Effect
Conveys ideas through words. Adds complexity because the monologue expressed to another character may not match up to the true intentions or exact reality of the character.
Example
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Opening Monologue