1. REACTING TO PROPHECIES Act 1, Scenes 3 – 6
Monday, 12 November 2018Monday, 12 November 2018
REACTING TO PROPHECIES Act 1, Scenes 3 – 6

2. How do the three prophecies relate to the themes of the play?
Act 1, Scene 3
First Witch
Second Witch
Third Witch
Macbeth
Banquo
Ross
Angus
How do the three prophecies relate to the themes of the play?

3. Macbeth’s Reaction
“This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good… Present fears are less than horrible imaginings.”
-- Act 1 Scene 3

4. At the start of the play Macbeth is a warm and friendly character with many good qualities.
At the start of the play Macbeth is already a murderous and dark figure whom we dislike.
At the start of the play Macbeth is show to be capable of violence and cruelty but also to be much admired and respected.
The Witches poison Macbeth’s character and mind with evil suggestions.
The Witches exploit Macbeth’s ambition.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree

5. Act 1, scene 4
At the king’s palace, Duncan hears reports of Cawdor’s execution from his son Malcolm, who says that Cawdor died nobly, confessing freely and repenting of his crimes.
Macbeth and Banquo enter with Ross and Angus. Duncan thanks the two generals profusely for their heroism in the battle, and they profess their loyalty and gratitude toward Duncan.
Duncan announces his intention to name Malcolm the heir to his throne. Macbeth declares his joy but notes to himself that Malcolm now stands between him and the crown.
Plans are made for Duncan to dine at Macbeth’s castle that evening, and Macbeth goes on ahead of the royal party to inform his wife of the king’s impending arrival.

6. What do these lines mean?
Act 1, scene 4
The existing Thane of Cawdor has been executed. Before he died, it is revealed that: “ …very frankly he confess’d his treasons, Implored your highness' pardon and set forth A deep repentance:” To which King Duncan replies: “There's no art To find the mind's construction in the face: He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.”
What do these lines mean?
How did Duncan feel about the Thane of Cawdor? What does he look for in leaders?

7. “..my black and deep desires”
Soliloquy = An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone. Only the audience can hear these thoughts.
Why would Shakespeare have Macbeth speak his thoughts so only the audience can hear them?
Who might Macbeth be trying to hide his true thoughts from, and why?
[Aside] The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step
On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap,
For in my way it lies. Stars hide your fires,
Let not light see my black and deep desires,
The eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be,
Which the eye fears when it is done to see.
What do the stage directions suggest? Why is Macbeth speaking “aside”?
Annotate positive and negative language
What is Macbeth saying in this soliloquy?

8. How does the audience feel about Macbeth by the end of the scene?
Just as Macbeth talks of hiding his “black and deep desires”, Duncan is saying to Banquo:
“he [Macbeth] is full so valiant, And in his commendations I am fed; […] It is a peerless kinsman.”
How does the audience feel about Macbeth by the end of the scene?

9. Act 1, scene 5 The introduction to Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s wife
She has a conversation with Macbeth, during which the audience learns more about Macbeth through Lady Macbeth’s interactions with him.
Macbeth
Lady Macbeth

10. LADY MACBETH’S CHARACTER
The raven himself is hoarse That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan Under my battlements. Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here And fill me from the crown to the toe topfull Of direst cruelty; make thick my blood, Stop up th’access and passage to remorse That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose nor keep peace between Th’effect and it. Come to my woman’s breasts And take my milk for gall, you murd’ring ministers, Wherever in your sightless substances You wait on nature’s mischief. Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark, To cry, ‘Hold, hold.’
Highlight semantic field of death
Highlight semantic field of gender & sex
What kind of person Lady M is, and why? Pick out specific words/phrases she uses.
Is Lady M is more or less ambitious than her husband? Why?
What three adjectives could best describe her character.
Lady M is the only female character introduced since the witches. What impression does Shakespeare create of women so far in this play?
In line 63-64, Lady M gives her husband some pointed advice. What is she saying? How is it similar to anything any other characters have already said?

11. Lady Macbeth’s Comments Unravelling of Lady Macbeth’s Character
11/12/2018
Lady Macbeth’s Comments
Unravelling of Lady Macbeth’s Character
Unravelling of Macbeth’s Character
Lady Macbeth says that Macbeth is “too full o’th’milk of human kindness”
Lady Macbeth is cold and careless – she doesn’t value kindness but instead thinks Macbeth should do whatever it takes to gain power.
Macbeth is too forgiving and is weak. It shows his kindness and care for people will be his downfall.