Do Now 10 minutes of Vocabulary.com FYI: You will be using your laptops for the entire class period.

Macbeth Act 2 Objectives: Examine Macbeth’s state of mind immediately before and after the murder of King Duncan Recognize new complexities in the characterization of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

Themes What are the main themes of Act Two? ambition obsession with power treachery good and evil guilt

FYI for Act 2 Macbeth is full of elemental, primal sights and sounds. Colors, noises, and animals that seem to be right under our eyes, ears, and noses. Act 2’s “soundtrack” is full of sudden, scary noises. Pay attention to how Shakespeare uses these sounds to build suspense and to show us the mood of the host couple.

FYI for Act 2 During the first scene of Act II, Macbeth mentions a goddess named Hecate. It’s not the last time this demanding lady will show up in the play! In Greek mythology, Hecate is a goddess of the dead and a friend to witches. She is called “pale Hecate” because she is linked with the moon. Dogs, honey, and black lambs were sacrificed to her at crossroads

FYI for Act 2 There’s only one comic figure in Macbeth, the drunken Porter. He provides comic relief while discussing some quite serious things. When he imagines he’s the gatekeeper of hell, he’s not that far off. Macbeth’s home is a frightening place.

FYI for Act 2 In the Bible’s Old Testament, Beelzebub (Lord of the Flies) was a pagan god Later, he became known as a ruler of demons. When the Porter imagines he’s letting Beelzebub in at Macbeth’s door, he’s opening the door to some very bad company!

The Dagger Act 2, Scene 1

Macbeth’s Soliloquy This soliloquy captures Macbeth's mental and emotional condition at the time. He begins with the line, "Is this a dagger I see before me?" referring to a hallucination he is seeing of a dagger with its handle toward him. It is clear that Macbeth's lust and greed are pushing him over the brink of insanity.

Discuss and Submit #1: To Do or Not to Do Why is Macbeth, whom we know to be brave and ruthless in battle, so afraid? How does Shakespeare dramatize Macbeth's fear? *via turnitin.com

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth React to the Murder Act 2, Scene 2

Discuss and Submit #2: Reaction for Every Action… Discuss how the two characters are reacting in this scene. After reading the first half of Act 2, who do you think is the most evil, Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? EXPLAIN. *via turnitin.com

The Discovery Act 2, scene 3

Discuss and Submit #3: Symbolism How are the images of the owl, sleep, and blood used in the play so far? What do these symbols represent and what do you believe they foreshadow? *via turnitin.com

Macbeth is King Act 2, scene 4

Individual Assignment Write a brief diary entry for Macbeth right before he murders Duncan. How does he feel? Describe his contradictory emotions. Complete Act 2 questions. Due on turnitin.com no later than the following class period.

Homework Complete the Macbeth: Act 2 Questions if you didn’t do so in class Vocabulary.com Current Events Weekly Assignment