1.  What do you know about William Shakespeare? What other works of his have you read?

2. William Shakespeare

3.  Macbeth was written for James I and performed in 1606. James I was King of Scotland when he came to the English throne.  James I’s descendants can be traced back to the character of Banquo.  Shakespeare’s plays reflect timeless conflicts and resolutions, as well as a view of Elizabethan society.

4.  One of the most celebrated authors of literature.  Shakespeare’s career spanned nearly 30 years. ◦ 1588 – Comedy of Errors ◦ 1613 – Henry VIII  Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s finest tragedies. ◦ Othello ◦ King Lear ◦ Hamlet

5.  What do you think of what we’ve read so far? Do you find it interesting? Why or why not?

6.  What do you think it means that one of the witches’ prophecies has already come true? What does it foreshadow for Macbeth?

7.  Shakespeare begins ‘Macbeth’ with the witches talking on a barren a stretch of land in a thunderstorm. This creates a certain atmosphere and mood. What images contributed to this evil atmosphere? Do you feel the mood continues through Act 1?

8.  What have we learned so far about Macbeth? Do you feel he is a good leader? Explain.

9.  How important do you think the witches will be to the story? Will they cause positive or negative consequences for the characters?

10.  What have we learned about the characters so far?

11.  What does the murder of Banquo show you about the change in Macbeth’s character?

12.  How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their responses to the Witches?

13.  What tactics does Lady Macbeth use to manipulate her husband?

14.  Why can Macbeth be considered a tragic hero?

15.  How does Lady Macbeth lose control over her husband?