Macbeth

Title: Macbeth, I.v.40-54

Author: William Shakespeare

Lexile Level: 1220-1385

Qualitative Level: (Based on SCASS Qualitative Measures Rubric: LITERATURE or SCASS Qualitative Measures Rubric: INFORMATIONAL TEXTS)

• TEXT STRUCTURE: Exceedingly Complex
• LANGUAGE FEATURES: Exceedingly Complex
• MEANING/PURPOSE: Exceedingly Complex
• KNOWLEDGE DEMANDS: Exceedingly Complex

Source: Shakespeare, W. (1997). Macbeth. In Evans, G. B., & In Tobin, J. J. M., The Riverside Shakespeare.

Format or text type: Play

Summary & Justification: In this soliloquy, Lady Macbeth hears of her husband’s success and good graces with the king, but, desirous of more power, she asks for supernatural aid to transform her into a man and persuade her husband to kill the king. Social order, individual roles, and gender identity are confused. Lady Macbeth’s actions place Scotland and those that represent its best interest in a liminal state that can only be remedied by further bloodshed in the absence of proper monarchical structure.

Additional useful notes:

• Teacher-led, above grade level.