Act II scene i
Shakespeare does not use descriptive phrases to introduce his characters. Instead, he brings them onto the stage and immediately immerses them into the rapidly churning plot of the play. How the characters react to events demonstrates personality, desires, values, and relationships with self, others and the world. That each character reacts in a different way makes the plot stronger and more intricate. For the following three events choose characters and record how they react to the event.
The WitchesCharacter:
Reaction: Character: Reaction: |
Duncan's MurderCharacter:
Reaction: Character: Reaction: |
HospitalityCharacter:
Reaction: Character: Reaction: |
Why would Shakespeare use actions to describe his characters instead of just describing them? How does the mode of literature (play instead of novel) affect that?
Ask two people OUTSIDE of Brit Lit about a current event topic. Record their reaction as well as what this reaction says about their character. You may email or text these people.
Ask two people OUTSIDE of Brit Lit about a current event topic. Record their reaction as well as what this reaction says about their character. You may email or text these people.
Act II scene iii and iv
Writing a soliloquy or aside
Write an investigative journalism article regarding King Duncan's murder. Use a character's quotation as an interview answer in your piece. Be sure to cite it!
Write an investigative journalism article regarding King Duncan's murder. Use a character's quotation as an interview answer in your piece. Be sure to cite it!
Example:
King Duncan Murdered! This morning our Majesty King Duncan's body was discovered, stabbed to death in Sir Macbeth's castle. Our Majesty lay slain in his bedchambers. The murderer had even denied to allow our lord to see the face of his killer. Now we go to an exclusive interview with the man who saw King Duncan's body, Lennox.. Lennox, can you tell us what happened that night? "The night was unruly, Where we slept, chimneys were blown down; and its said that wailing was heard in the air--strange screams, like people dying." (2:3:55-57) Was there any indication something horrible was occurring? "The owl cried out the whole night. Some say the earth was feverish and shook." (2:3:60-62) Thank you for talking to us Lennox. That night will be mourned for decades. "In my young years, I can't remember one to match it." (2:3:64-65) |
Act 3 scene i and iii
Macbeth has some serious insincerity in his relationship with Banquo. What characteristics of Banquo has prompted Macbeth to hire assassins? How much of this choice is Lady MacBeth's reponsibility? The witches?
What his happening to his sanity? What evidence do you have?
Macbeth is King of the "mask" when it comes to being seen in a different light. Using either a template, or a drawing on a sheet of paper draw a "mask" of Macbeth's true spirit and a "mask" of Macbeth's facade.
What his happening to his sanity? What evidence do you have?
Macbeth is King of the "mask" when it comes to being seen in a different light. Using either a template, or a drawing on a sheet of paper draw a "mask" of Macbeth's true spirit and a "mask" of Macbeth's facade.
Act 3 scene iv, v, vi
1) Compare the conversation between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Scene two to their conversations in Acts 1 and 2. How has their relationship changed? What caused this? Use a Line of evidence to support your claim.
2) Why do the ghosts and witches appear to Macbeth but not Lady Macbeth? What is this purpose in this play?
3) What is the purpose of the discussion between Lennox and the lord in Scene 6?
4) Why is Hecate angry with the witches? How does she plan to make up for their error?
5) Go back and look at Hecate's speech to the witches. How does it's verse structure (meter, rhyme, etc) differ from the rest of play? Critics believe someone besides the good 'ole bard (Shakespeare) wrote this. Why?
6) In the banquet scene the ghosts only appear to Macbeth? What are the possible implications from this?
7) Shakespeare is another king of allusions. Remember allusions are a reference to something outside of the play, that the knowledge of would add depth to a statement. In Act 3 scene i, Macbeth says "My geniu is rebuked, as it is said/Mark Antony's was by Ceasar." Who is Ceasar and what does this reference suggest? Find another allusion in Macbeth, explain it's meaning, and explain how this adds to the depth of the play.
2) Why do the ghosts and witches appear to Macbeth but not Lady Macbeth? What is this purpose in this play?
3) What is the purpose of the discussion between Lennox and the lord in Scene 6?
4) Why is Hecate angry with the witches? How does she plan to make up for their error?
5) Go back and look at Hecate's speech to the witches. How does it's verse structure (meter, rhyme, etc) differ from the rest of play? Critics believe someone besides the good 'ole bard (Shakespeare) wrote this. Why?
6) In the banquet scene the ghosts only appear to Macbeth? What are the possible implications from this?
7) Shakespeare is another king of allusions. Remember allusions are a reference to something outside of the play, that the knowledge of would add depth to a statement. In Act 3 scene i, Macbeth says "My geniu is rebuked, as it is said/Mark Antony's was by Ceasar." Who is Ceasar and what does this reference suggest? Find another allusion in Macbeth, explain it's meaning, and explain how this adds to the depth of the play.