Macbeth: The Bloodiest (and shortest) Play!

Setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth 11 th Century, primarily in Scotland As the play begins: Scotland is fighting off the forces of Norway. King Duncan vs. Sweno Macbeth(Thane of Glamis) defeats Macdonwald, a traitor fighting for Norway. The Thane of Cawdor aids Norway; Duncan has him executed. Macbeth is granted his title. * Thane=earl, duke or other high position of nobility

The Story: The ambitious Macbeth kills King Duncan and a lot of other people to become King! Why? Three witches prophesied that he would be king. Essential Questions: 1.Who is to blame for this tragedy? 2.Is the play more psychological or spiritual in nature?

Why do we read Macbeth?  A great story of a tragic hero: a hero who suffers because of his flaw(s).  One of the original stories of a power- hungry man who dies in his pursuit of power.  It has witches, ghosts, and a floating head!  We have to read a play by Shakespeare and Macbeth is the shortest and bloodiest of his plays!  It has Great Lines!!

Historical Macbeth:  Actually a good king  Has legitimate ties to the throne.  Believed to have killed the historical Duncan  Had a pretty good life, in contrast to Shakespeare’s Macbeth

How do we read this language? (What do we do when we’re lost?) 1. Many of the words sound like the word we would use today. See if you can figure out words based on the sound. 2. Use prior knowledge to make guesses. 3. Context Clues. What might a person be saying at that point? What words might be symbolic of an obvious response? 4. Monitor: Go back and read the lines with your guess on what the word means. 3. Use margin notes!

TERMS  Tragedy  Tragic hero  Tragic Flaw  Aside  Soliloquy