Macbeth- Act I

I'm sorry that I am missing class today, but you will have plenty to do in order to analyze act I of Macbeth. Below you will find your assignment for today. You should start it in class and finish it for homework. Each section (characters, plot, and language) should be its own comment, so you will each have 3 comments posted below when you complete this assignment.

We have finished Act I of Shakespeare's tragedy of Macbeth, and there is a lot to consider and review before we move on to Act II. Today you will be delving into character, plot, symbolism, motifs, and language.

Characters

For each major character in Act I, write a brief description, in your own words, that best characterizes them, and then provide a minimum of 2 quotes that support your characterizations.

Be sure to include the act, scene, and line number for each quote. (1.3. 14-17).

Plot

For each scene, write a brief description of the action taking place, describe the mood and how Shakespeare sets it. What symbols and motifs are present in each scene? Be sure to include any significant quotes (act.scene. line numbers) and why you think those quotes are important.

Language

1. Macbeth rarely speaks directly of killing Duncan. Instead, he uses less brutal language, or euphemisms. Read Macbeth's speech at the opening of Act I scene vii; underline all the words that refer to the murder of Duncan (there are at least 12). 

Why do you think Macbeth avoids using the words "murder", "kill" etc?

What does this tell you about Macbeth's state of mind during this part of the play?

2. Examine Lady Macbeth's influence on Macbeth. Macbeth contemplates the murder of Duncan, but is not fully convinced to go through with it. Lady Macbeth helps to ensure that this terrible deed of regicide is done. How does she go about convincing Macbeth to kill King Duncan? Find specific quotes to support your assertions. What does this say about her and about Macbeth?

3. The Witches play a critical role in Macbeth. How do they influence Macbeth? How do they influence Banquo? Are the witches truly evil or do they simply provide opportunities for others to act upon their own evil intentions? 

Answer these questions in the comment section below- take your time and write a thorough and thoughtful response. Your answers should be a minimum of 6 sentences for each question and should also include at least one quote properly cited.

Just complete the character section and the language section tonight for homework. Don't worry about the plot section.

Macbeth -PBS Movie

We have discussed in class how Shakespeare is meant to be performed and viewed rather than just simply read, and Macbeth is no different. There is also value in watching different versions and interpretations of the play; one performance that I think you will find helpful and interesting is from PBS's series: Great Performances.  You can follow along with your book, and seeing it acted out in this form should be beneficial to your understanding.  You should still read and annotate the text, but this can be used to supplement the text. This is an updated, modern version of Macbeth, but it remains true to the story itself. Notice how they mix the first two scenes of the play together. Just a warning: it is a little gruesome, but so is Macbeth! 

Keep up the great work!

Here is the link to the video:Great Performances- Macbeth

Something Different

This is something different than our course work, but I think it is important and useful, so I wanted to share it with you.

Take some time to listen to this talk, and then, take some time to practice what you hear (if you think it would be beneficial to you).

Macbeth Background

As we prepare to dive into Shakespeare's Tragedy of Macbeth, we should familiarize ourselves with some of the history and background of this play.

Here is a wonderful video that gives great background on the drama and on the historical aspects that surround this tragedy:

Below you will find some links to further background information of Macbeth:

General historical background: http://www.westirondequoit.org/ihs/library/his.html

Gunpowder Plot Background:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/gunpowder_robinson_01.shtml

This is a great link that gives background and analysis; we will be using this in our class production of Macbeth: http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/matthewkantor/502/webquest/index.html#tasks

Take look at the video and links above and leave your reflections, thoughts, feelings, questions in the comment section below (minimum of 6 sentences).