Macbeth – Act Two The Blame Game Part II

Last week’s homework Translation of Macbeth’s monologue – “Is this a dagger which I see before me … summons thee to heaven or to hell.” Comprehension & Essay questions.

Comprehension Qn Qn1: They are feeling nervous and jumpy. Qn 2: Yes/No with your opinion. Qn 3: The sight of them brings misery to him because it makes him realise that he has done an evil deed, and now it is irrevocable and too late for regrets.

Qn 4: Macbeth is describing the incidents that happened while on his way back. He is expressing his guilt and the realisation that it is too late to change his actions. What he has done, is done. He is probably expressing regret, guilt and remorse. Qn 5: He sees himself as an executioner, and that hangman’s hands (in history) was covered with blood. Qn 6: Sleep belongs to the innocent, and Macbeth knows he is now evil and will suffer the consequences, one of which is losing the ability to sleep peacefully.

Last week’s homework Qn 7: She wants him to smear the grooms with the blood and put the daggers with them, to frame them of the crime. Qn 8: He is too guilty and has encountered too much crime and evil for the night. He is still in shock.

A quick recap of Act Two Scene 2: sk&feature=related sk&feature=related

The ‘What If’ Question 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?

The Blame Game Most pie charts point the finger of blame towards: – The Witches – Macbeth – Lady Macbeth However everyone has different answers. The next activity requires you to take a stronger stand and learn from each other regarding other points of view.

Quick Activity! In groups of four, you will be given a certain colour. When you are given the name of a character in Macbeth, you need to come up with one good reason why this person is responsible for Duncan’s death, and explain why. Once you have come up with a good explanation, you must write it down and present it to Miss Chan.

Quick Activity! In groups of four, you will be given a certain colour. When you are given the name of a character in Macbeth, you need to come up with one good reason why this person is responsible for Duncan’s death, and explain why. Once you have come up with a good explanation, you must write it down and present it to Miss Chan. Once your reason is approved, Miss Chan will copy your answer to the board. Your job is done. However, if another group gets to the same answer you have (or is too similar – Miss Chan will tell you), you will be forced to come up with an entirely different answer. The rest will copy down the answers on your worksheets.

The ‘What If’ Question Now imagine that you are Macbeth, after you have killed Duncan. – 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?

The ‘What If’ Question What choices did Macbeth have after he killed Duncan? Does his actions (killing the grooms) make sense? Do you understand why he had to do it? On the back of the worksheet given to you, briefly sketch out your answer.

The Concept of Guilt Guilt: The state of having committed an offence or crime, against moral law, or a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, whether real or imagined. (Dictionary.com definition) An emotional experience that occurs when a person realizes that he or she has violated a moral standard and is responsible for that violation. (Encyclopedia of Psychology definition)

‘Guilt’ Below your previous answer on the worksheet, create a graphic organiser depicting the concept of ‘guilt’. You may use a combination of words and pictures. – Consider using mind-maps or word-webs. – You may want to use the following prompts: Define guilt in your own words Give examples List some consequences Your reaction to the concept You have five minutes to complete this task. You may work in pairs.

Macbeth’s Change After the murder, Macbeth again changes. Many emotions cross his mind and now, he is feeling guilt and paranoia. While he is in shock, his wife is more practical. She takes the daggers back and smears the grooms with blood. Do you think when she returns, she looks in on Duncan?

Macbeth knows that it is wrong and evil to kill Duncan. Nevertheless, he proceeds to kill Duncan anyway. He knows what he did was wrong, and consequently feels guilty for killing Duncan. So why does he end up compounding his crime by killing the grooms?

Why does Macbeth do evil things even though he knows it is wrong? QUESTION OF THE DAY!