Shakespeare's MACBETH
It can be (and has been) argued that perhaps no other body of work save the Bible has been more studied and written about, or has had more influence on the literary and social culture of Western civilization than that of William Shakespeare. It is difficult to encapsulate the impact of Shakespeare's writing.
Warning:
Macbeth is supposed to upset people. It shows life at its most brutal and cynical, in order to ask life's toughest question. This page deals with all this without apology. I have a high regard for truth and I talk plain. If you want something nice, please leave now.
Year 11
english
AIM: to gain further understanding, appreciation of Shakespeare's place in English literature.
Students, working independently or with a partner, are to produce an informative booklet using the following links and library resources
HOW TO :
1. Study a number of these images / portraits of Shakespeare .... which one appeals to you most as an image of Shakespeare ? (Also use chosen image as your front cover illustration).
| This Figure, that thou here seest put, |
Picasso Reproduced by permission of Cambridge University Press |
Humphrey
Portrait, 1783 |
The
Chandos Portrait - attributed to John Taylor, c1610
|
Rowe's Edition, 1709
The
Chesterfield Portrait, 1660's |
Hockney Reproduced by permission of Cambridge University Press
Johnson's Edition, 1765
|
ABOUT SHAKESPEARE :
|
In
Shakespearean time people believed that witches had the power to :
control
the weather ;
|
Timeline - interactive |
ABOUT MACBETH : (images)
2. List 10 interesting facts you have discovered about the play Macbeth.
"Macbeth
is never normal. The powers within him, his nature, temperment and character
are over-vigorous in whatever direction they work. It is the man, it
is the substance of his mind and spirit, and evil has chosen him because
it sees a rich victim in these endowments once they are perverted."
|
|
|
Macbeth - discussed |
CHARACTERS / characters / profiles
3. Choose 1 character from the list below. Write up a detailed analysis of character strengths, weaknesses, role in the play, relationships with other characters, important scenes or actions, at least 3 quotations that identify this character.
..or .. (see soliloquies)
Macbeth
- an ambitious army general in Scotland. His hunger for kingly power, fed by a prophecy of the witches, causes him to murder the rightful king, Duncan of Scotland, and take his place.
Lady Macbeth / Lady Macbeth / Lady Macbeth
- Wife of Macbeth who abets his murder. On the surface, she appears ruthless and hardened, but her participation in the murder of Duncan gnaws at her conscience.
Was it indeed the harping of Lady Macbeth challenging Macbeth's manhood (calling him a coward) that fueled Macbeth to finally commit the horrid deed?Malcolm / Malcolm - eldest son of Duncan, King of Scotland, and, Donalbain / Donalbain - younger son of Duncan.
Macduff / Macduff - Scottish nobleman of wisdom and integrity who becomes Macbeth's enemy.
Banquo / Banquo / Banquo - Army general murdered on Macbeth's orders.
How are the witches prophecies fulfilled?
ABOUT LANGUAGE :
.. or ..
3b. Focus on 1 of Macbeth's soliloquies. Read carefully --- write a modern day version and prepare a dramatic reading for the class (using 1 prop, gestures, movement, appropriate pacing and tone).
4. Find out about Shakespeare's use of language - what characterizes this, particularly in the play Macbeth?
Soliloquies (to talk to oneself, as in a drama, a monologue )
|
'Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow..' "...is this a dagger which I see before me?" Double,
double toil and trouble; |
After Macbeth had finished his soliloquy ("If it were done when 'tis done.....").Act 1 sc.7
|
|
Sonnets |
What imagery is used? WHY?
| In fog-dripping, barren and sometimes macabre settings, 11th-century Scottish nobleman Macbeth is led by an evil prophecy and his ruthless yet desirable wife to the treasonous act that makes him king. But he does not enjoy his newfound, dearly-won kingship... |
Good .v.Evil
Interactive map of Scotland
5. Is Macbeth a tragedy?
The calamities of tragedy do not simply happen, nor are they sent--
The calamities of tragedy proceed mainly from actions, and those, the actions of men--
Shakespeare's tragic heroes are responsible for the catastrophe of their falls.
t
h
e
m
e
s
ABOUT THEATRE :
6. List 10 interesting facts about Shakespeare's theatre, stagecraft, actors and acting during Shakespeare's lifetime.
Speech Music Dance Swordplay Costume General Theatrical
THE PLAY :
SCENE: In the end of the Fourth Act, in England; through the rest of the Play, in Scotland; and chiefly at Macbeth's Castle.
type Macbeth at Search prompt
KEY QUOTATIONS / Quotes :
|
“Who’s
there, in the name of Beelzebub?” --Act 2, Scene 3, Line 4 |
7. Write 10 key quotations that give others an idea of what the play is about.
8. WHO dies in Macbeth?
how does he/she die?
why does he/she die?
|
|
WILLIAM
SHAKESPEARE