MURDER PLAN To consider Macbeth’s state of mind and Lady Macbeth’s persuasive nature

What’s happening in Macbeth? Fill in the boxes with a one sentence summary of the scene. Make sure to include significant events or revelations. Scene 1 The Three Witches meet and decide on where and when they will meet Macbeth. Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 5 Scene 6 Scene 7

ACT 1 SCENE 6 Duncan, the Scottish lords, and their attendants arrive outside Macbeth’s castle. Duncan praises the castle’s pleasant environment, and he thanks Lady Macbeth, who has emerged to greet him, for her hospitality. She replies that it is her duty to be hospitable since she and her husband owe so much to their king. Duncan then asks to be taken inside to Macbeth, whom he professes to love dearly.

ACT 1 SCENE 7

How is this different to Macbeth’s Soliloquy from earlier in Act One? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done quickly. If the assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here, that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague th' inventor: this even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice To our own lips. He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself. Trammel up = confine, capture Surcease = complete Bank and shoal = sandbank and shallow Chalice = goblet Kinsman = Male relative Subject = follower, subordinate How is this different to Macbeth’s Soliloquy from earlier in Act One?

Macbeth’s Soliloquy Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity, like a naked newborn babe, Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubim, horsed Upon the sightless couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself And falls on th' other. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Borne his faculties so meek = a humble leader Office = kingship Virtues = good qualities Striding = walking Cherubim = angels Horsed upon = riding on Spur = branch Vaulting = jumping Th’ other = consequences What euphemisms does Macbeth use for Duncan’s murder? Why doesn’t Macbeth simply say “kill” or “Murder?” Pick the most important word in every line, which best represents the idea being relayed.

LADY MACBETH’S PERSUASION How does Shakespeare present Lady Macbeth’s persuasive nature in Act 1, Scene 7, lines 36 – 73 ? What is learned about Lady Macbeth’s nature and personality? What techniques does she use? What specific words does she use, and for what effect? How would Jacobean audiences react to Lady Macbeth, based on the patriarchal society and supernatural suspicions? Flattery Insults Emasculation Reassurance Self-explanation