when elizabeth i died, she left no direct heir to the throne. her cousin james vi of scotland...
TRANSCRIPT
When Elizabeth I died, she left no direct heir to the throne. Her cousin James VI of Scotland succeeded her. His reign was under constant threat, so Shakespeare wrote the play to remind the audience of the loyalty that should be shown to the legal king. Here we have one of the major themes of the play: the idea of kingship and what makes for a good and sound ruler. Macbeth also examines the role and responsibilities of the king.
When reading the play you should be aware that Shakespeare also intended to highlight the strong points of the new king. Banquo (portrayed as a good man in the play) was an ancestor of James I. In addition, the new king was also something of an expert on the supernatural, having even written a book about it. The idea of sin and redemption is important in the play. Elizabeth's own father, Henry VIII, had changed the religion of the country, substituting the Church of England for the Roman Catholic faith.
If James I was to be a successful king, he had to have the respect and loyalty of the people. Macbeth encourages the audience to watch and consider what can happen if a tyrant takes over as ruler of a country. Elizabethans and Jacobeans believed in the absolute power of the monarchy: the Divine Right of Kings that claimed the monarch to be God's chosen man for the role. This, together with the idea of legal succession to the throne, is a very important theme in the play.
ambition
evil
order and
disorder
appearancevs
reality
violenceand
tyrannyguilt andconscience
(“fair is foul and foul is fair”)
Kingship
The story of Macbeth takes place in Scotland around 1000 years ago. Macbeth was a successful Lord (clan leader) and an even more successful soldier. The story does not begin however with Macbeth on stage, but rather, with three witches.
A key image in this play concerns disturbances in the natural world, unnatural acts. Images of this kind occur throughout the play. The witches are one of them. Make a note of them as they occur.
Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches
First Witch When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch When the hurly-burly's done, When the battle's lost, and won.
Third Witch That will be ere the set of sun.
First Witch Where the place?Second Witch Upon the heath.Third Witch There to meet with
Macbeth.First Witch I come, Graymalkin!Second Witch Paddock calls.Third Witch Anon.ALL Fair is foul, and foul is
fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air.
Exeunt
Creates atmosphere Introduces the supernatural in the form
of the witches Refers to the main character- Macbeth Mentions current events in Scotland Introduces a key theme- ‘fair is foul and
foul is fair’
1. Describe the weather conditions.
2. What kind of atmosphere do the above conjure?
3. What kind of events does it lead the audience to expect?
4. Briefly summarise the witches’ intentions.
5. The witches speak in riddles. What do you think is meant by-i) “When the battle’s lost and won”ii) “Fair is foul and foul is fair”
6. The witches mention Macbeth. Why is this surprising?
Read scenes 2 and 3. Here we see Macbeth returning
victorious from a battle. He walks with Banquo, another Lord of Scotland.
NOTE: pay particular attention to Macbeth’s opening line
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In lines 1-30 the first witch tells the others about a spell she has cast on someone who has wronged her in the past.
What impression do you gain from this part of the scene?
Choose at least 3 words from the bank below and find a quotation from the scene to support your choices.
Scheming Confused Generous Malicious Evil Unforgiving Pitiful
Powerful Dangerous Selfish Wise Cunning United Malevolent
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Read Scene 4. In Scene 4 we see another contrasting scene as it presents a picture of Royal order and justice.
Scene 4 is full of DRAMATIC IRONY as we see the former Thane of Cawdor as a traitor will the new Thane of Cawdor turn out to be a traitor too?
DEF: dramatic irony: irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play.
Act 1.4: Key Quotes
“The service and the loyalty I owe, / In doing it, pays itself.”Act 1.4
Macbeth’s words here reveal his capability to project illusion to Duncan. The audience know that in his innermost thoughts he has considered killing Duncan.
Now you have read the first four scenes of ‘Macbeth’ you should begin a character profile on the title character.
Complete the following mind map with quotations from the first four scenes. Two have already been completed for you.
Macbeth
BRAVE:“For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name-” Captain: 1, s. 2
VALIANT:
NOBLE:
CONSPIRATOR:“If good, why do I yield to that suggestionWhose horrid image doth unfix my hair...”Macbeth: 1, s. 3
WORTHY:
HAS A CONSCIENCE:
AMBITIOUS:
Read Scene 5 Lady Macbeth appears for the first time in this
scene. She immediately appears committed to strive
for Macbeth’s greater glory. She knows him well- he is too kind and lacks the ruthless ability to achieve his ambition. She does not. The ruthlessness must come from her and this is demonstrated through her dramatic soliloquy.
DEF: soliloquy- (usually long) dramatic speech intended to give the illusion of unspoken reflections. Shakespeare uses soliloquy to reveal a character’s true thoughts.
Read Scene 6 Duncan’s arrival in scene 6 is laden
with DRAMATIC IRONY. Lady Macbeth appears gracious and loyal but we remember her advice to Macbeth earlier.
Read Scene 7 Scene seven is a key scene in ‘Macbeth’ as
it provides a significant turning point in the play for many of its characters. In this scene Lady Macbeth attempts to persuade Macbeth to murder Duncan. It is commonly known as: The Persuasion Scene
You should read carefully and take notes as you do so. It is a scene of upmost importance.
Macbeth’s soliloquy at the start of the scene is one of the most powerful and revealing in the whole play. During it, his anguish is revealed to the audience. Respect/admiration for Macbeth is high as his speech demonstrates his essentially honourable and worthy nature.
In pairs, using your own words, explain the reasons Macbeth offers as to why he should not kill Duncan.
Lady Macbeth uses a number of methods, such as moral blackmail, to persuade her husband to go through with the murder. Find lines which mean something like:
1. You will do this if you love me. 2. You’re not a real man if you don’t do this. 3. If I had sworn to do something I would carry
it out, however bad.4. If you keep your courage up, we will succeed.
LADY MACBETH
DOMINANT
MOCKING
RUTHLESS
AMBITIOUS
LOYAL
Macbeth tries weakly to defend himself. Find a quotation to prove this.
Lady Macbeth now makes a horrific statement of how cruel she would have been and how cruel Macbeth should be.
Find a quotation to prove this
Her deliberate contrast of gentle and cruelty is intended to shock Macbeth.
Analysis of Act 1 Scene 7. (at least 250 words)
Briefly explain what happens prior to the scene.
Briefly explain what happens in the scene. How do the characters develop in the scene? What themes are present? What dramatic techniques does Shakespeare
use?
THE ONE WITH ALL THE BLOOD
The Dramatic Tension is Beginning to Increase: Banquo cannot sleep. Quote The weather adds to the tense atmosphere. Quote Banquo provides a contrast to Macbeth- he’s open and
honest about his thoughts on the witches. Macbeth’s soliloquy demonstrates he is nervous and
anxious about what he is going to do. Quote Analyse Macbeth associates himself with evil and becomes
nature’s enemy. Quote Rhyming couplets heighten the audience’s sense of
anticipation. Quote
Act 2 Scene 2- The Murder SceneStage 1- The Murder itself
1.What dramatic purpose is served by the murder taking place off stage?2.How has Lady Macbeth prepared the way for Macbeth?3.What 3 things show she is not altogether a heartless monster? Think about what she says and how she acts.
Answers:1. Increases the tension, leaves the murder to the audience’s imagination and allows us to witness Lady Macbeth’s reactions. 2. Drugged the guards and left the door s open.3. She couldn’t kill the king because he looked like her father, she has a drink for courage and she is very on edge.
Act 2 Scene 2- The Murder SceneStage 2- LM assumes calm when M
appearsHowever her conversation reveals her concealed horror and terror.Show how the tension is revealed through what they say and how the speak:1. 2. 3.
Answers:1.Short sentences2.Questions3.Abbreviated words- straight to the point.
All create tension
Act 2 Scene 2- The Murder SceneStage 3- Macbeth’s reaction to the
murder1.Read Macbeth’s description of the murder. In what 2 ways is it clear that the occurrences of the murder have deeply affected him? 2.What does this show about his character?3.LM asks, “What do you mean?” What does this suggest about the difference between the two of them?
Answers:1.He can’t sleep and he can’t say Amen2.He has a conscience3.She has no guilt
Act 2 Scene 2- The Murder SceneStage 4- The differences intensify
Find quotations to show the differences in attitude between LM and M with regard to the following:1.Noises heard or imagined2.Blood on M’s hand
Answers:1.Macbeth imagines noises whereas Lady Macbeth hears only real things. Any appropriate quotations.2.M- to wash his hands of blood he will need to put them in the ocean and he will turn the ocean red. LM- only a little water will be required for her to clean her hands. Any appropriate quotations.
Act 2 Scene 2- The Murder SceneKey Notes:
• Tension mounts• The murder is committed off stage therefore sounds become important.• Lady Macbeth is on stage and anxious. • M is full of grief and remorse. He is highly agitated. • LM’s practical nature is evident in this scene. Give 3 examples.• Give an example of gentleness towards her husband. • What effect does the knocking on the gate have on the two characters/• What do Macbeth’s final words suggest?
LADY MACBETH
DOMINANT
MOCKING
RUTHLESS
AMBITIOUS
LOYAL
Act 3 Scene 4 The Banquet SceneCloze Exercise
Macbeth, awaiting the murderers’ news, and aware that he has ordered the death of ……… and ………, welcomes the guests to the banquet. The murderer comes in. His news is that ……….……………………………
…………………
Lady Macbeth chides Macbeth for not taking part in the merriment: “My royal …………… …………………………”
Act 3.4 The Banquet Scene: Plot
1. Macbeth says he wishes that Banquo was present. What then happens?
2. How does Lady Macbeth explain this outburst?3. Having calmed him down, LM prompts M to
rejoin the company. He proposes a toast to all present and to Banquo. What happens?
4. The other guests go out. Who arouses Macbeth’s suspicions now? Why?
5. What further sign is there of Macbeth’s decline into evil regarding Macduff?
Act 3.4 The Banquet Scene: Plot
Answers:1. Banquo’s ghost appears and sits in
Macbeth’s seat. Macbeth becomes hysterical.
2. An affliction he has suffered from since his youth.
3. Banquo’s ghost appears and Macbeth speaks directly to him.
4. Macduff for not turning up at the feast and seeing Macbeth crowned.
5. Spies in his house.
Act 3.4: Key Points
Key turning point as it marks the start of his decline
Beginning of banquet- Macbeth achieved full limit and splendour of the power he has and is ever going to achieve.
Murder of Banquo produces catastrophic consequences.
Ghost literally usurps Macbeth’s throne. Macbeth declines to revisit the witches. His
own decline then begins. We have seen the rise of Macbeth we now see
the fall. Represents the idea of crime and
consequence.
Act 3.4: Homework AssignmentAnalysis of Act 1 Scene 7. (at least 250
words) Briefly explain what happens prior to this
scene Briefly explain what happens in the scene Analyse fully, the importance of the scene in
terms of: characterisation (and changes in character); theme (are any key themes revealed or developed); and dramatic techniques.
Why is this scene important in terms of the relationship between M and LM.
Act 5 Scene 1- Key SceneThe Sleepwalking Scene
In this scene some of the horrific deeds for which Lady Macbeth and Macbeth have been responsible come to torture her during the night.
When was the last time you saw LM??
Read Act 5.1
Sleepwalking Scene- Key Note
LM’s sleepwalking scene highlights the fact that she is consumed by guilt
perhaps she is not as ruthless as she previously appeared
Highlights the theme of duplicity- Her carefully contrived mask has slipped.
She re-enacts the first murder, the consequences.
Madness, guilt and despair.
The Sleepwalking Scene The conversation between the doctor
and the gentlewoman prepares the audience for the entrance of Lady Macbeth. Explain how.
1. 2.
Answers1. They talk of her sleepwalking and her
unusual activities.2. The gentlewoman says that nobody
would believe her if she told of what LM was saying so she has summoned someone else.
The Sleepwalking Scene- Understanding1. Before Duncan’s murder Lady Macbeth
called upon the powers of darkness to assist her. (“Come thick night…”) How does she react to darkness now?
2. She previously scolded Macbeth for fearing eternal damnation. Quote from this scene to show how her attitude has changed.
3. What does the doctor suggest about LM’s illness?
4. Why do you think that he ‘dare not speak’?
The Sleepwalking Scene- Understanding Answers1. LM is now constantly in need of
light.2. “hell is murky”3. The doctor suggests LM’s illness
is psychological.4. The doctor dares not speak in
case he is murdered by Macbeth.
The Sleepwalking Scene- Analysis
Most of this scene is written in PROSE as opposed to BLANK VERSE like most of the play.
Why do you think this is?
Recap Definitions
Blank Verse: lines are unrhymed but have a rhythm (iambic pentameter). If you are unsure if a passage is in blank verse or in prose, READ IT ALOUD. Is there are pattern? Still unsure?- look for the following visual clue: the first letter of every line is capitalised.
Blank verse will never be used when a character is mad- it is too regular. It is often used to show ‘refinement’ in a character. Many of Shakespeare's most famous speeches are written in blank verse: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's plotting
Recap Definitions
Prose: refers to ordinary speech with no regular pattern of accentual rhythm. If you are unsure if a passage is in prose or in blank verse, look for the following visual clue: a long passage in prose is typically looks like an ordinary paragraph.
Prose is used when characters are reading letters, by characters who are apparently mad, in scenes of everyday life and in low comedy.
So…the question again.
Most of this scene is written in PROSE as opposed to BLANK VERSE like most of the play.
Why do you think this is?
It shows LM is turning mad and symbolises her fall from grace.
The Sleepwalking Scene- LM
Find a quote from LM which brings to mind the following:
1. Chiding Macbeth for cowardice2. The signal for murdering Duncan3. The murder of Duncan4. The porter scene- knocking at the
gate5. The murder of Banquo6. Macbeth’s hysterical outburst at the
banquet7. The murder of Macduff’s family
The Sleepwalking Scene- LM
Answers:1.‘ a soldier and afeard’2.‘one, two; why then tis time to do’t’3.‘Who would of thought / to have so
much blood in him’4.‘there’s a knocking at the gate’5.‘He cannot come out of his grave’6.‘No more o’ that, my lord, no more o’
that; you mar with this starting.’7.‘The thane of Fife had a wife; where is
she now?’
Sleepwalking Scene- LM development On previous occasions LM made the
following remarks:1. ‘If he do bleed…’ (Act 2.2.)2. ‘A little water clears us of this
deed.’ (2.2)3. ‘What’s done is done.’ (3.2)
Write down comments from this scene which shows how her attitude has changed.
Sleepwalking Scene- LM development Answers
1. Who would have through the old man to have so much blood in him.’
2. ‘Out damned spot’3. ‘ ‘Here’s the perfume of the blood
still: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.’
Lady Macbeth- character development
Look back to the spider graph you completed earlier for LM. Construct another graph to show how LM has changed.
Act 5.3
The description of Macbeth is parallel to the picture of his wife in the previous scene. Macbeth’s conduct/speech has become wild and enraged. He is full of contradictions; defiant, bold, yet afraid.
Find a quotation to prove this
Macbeth then loses his temper with his servant. What does this suggest about his state of mind?
Act 5.3
In his soliloquy Macbeth reveals his inner pessimism for his future. It is also full of pity and sadness.
Find a quotation to show Shakespeare using an effective metaphor to show how Macbeth enters the final stage of his life.
Act 5.3
Furthermore Macbeth realises that he is disliked and feels regret for what he has become. Find a quotation to prove this.
This soliloquy will have an effect on the audience- redeeming Macbeth as a tragic hero.
He cannot be wholly admired but he cannot be dismissed as purely evil. However he acknowledges his weaknesses evoking some degree of sympathy.
All he has left is fighting spirit.
Act 5.5- Key Points
By this stage Macbeth is desperate- his troops are deserting him giving a sense of his failing power.
News of LM’s death makes his isolation complete.
His soliloquy eloquently considers the pointlessness of life.
The audience cannot fail to be moved by the prospect of Macbeth’s loneliness and isolation despite his wickedness.
This establishes M as a tragic hero.
Act 5.5- Imagery
Shakespeare uses powerful imagery in M’s speech.
Find an example of imagery and explain why it is effective
In a master dramatic stroke, Shakespeare makes the prophecies crumble for Macbeth.
Explain how.
Act 5.6-9 The end comes quickly with a series of short
dramatic scenes leading to M’s death, in scene 8, at the hands of Macduff.
Again the prophecies crumble. Explain how. M realises that the witches say one thing
and mean another. What key theme does this again reveal?
Despite this M, the tragic hero, is a warrior at the end. Find a quotation to prove this.
However the audience knows that there can be no other outcome- M must die and the play ends on a note of harmony and new hope for a future peace.
Group Challenge
Who do you consider to be to blame for
Macbeth’s downfall?
Group Challenge
In groups you are going to decide who is the most to
blame for Macbeth’s downfall. You will then
work together to compile an argument to support
your choice, which you will present to the rest of the
class.
The Challenge ‘Chunked’
Discuss Macbeth’s downfall and decide upon the character that is most to blame.
Discuss and record the reasons for your choice. You should have at least 6 main points.
Find evidence from the text to support your points.
Create a list of 3 statements in defence of the other characters.
Task Roles
Recorder Time Keeper
Materials manager Facilitator
Team Representative
ExpectationsBy the end of the lesson you should have: Decided upon the character most to blame. Have discussed and recorded you main
points of argument Sourced quotations to support your points. By the end of the two lessons you should
have: Completed all your discussion work and
recorded your responses. Presented your findings to the class Have gained a thorough understanding of
the influences on Macbeth’s character and their consequences.