Macbeth

Macbeth workbook insert

The Tragic Structure

tragicstructure-091118065742-phpapp02.ppt

Characteristics of a Shakespearean Tragic Hero

Find examples from Macbeth for each of the following characteristics of a tragic hero

1. He must be a person of some stature or high position such as a king, general, or nobleman.

____________________________________________________________________

2. He must be basically a good person. He must matter to us and we must see him as a worthwhile person.

____________________________________________________________________

3. Because of his position, his actions usually have farreaching effects.

____________________________________________________________________

4. He must possess a character trait or quality which under normal circumstances would be a virtue, but which under the special circumstances of the play proves to be a fatal flaw.

____________________________________________________________________

5. Although a great man, he often shows promise of further greatness.

____________________________________________________________________

6. Frequently, he makes serious errors in judgement which lead him to committing the deed which begins his downfall.

____________________________________________________________________

7. He must be ultimately responsible for the deed which begins his downfall.

____________________________________________________________________

8. He usually makes further errors in judgement following his misdeed.

____________________________________________________________________

9. Often he has a distorted perception of, or is blind to, reality.

____________________________________________________________________

10. He frequently commits further crimes which precipitate his downfall.

____________________________________________________________________

11. He suffers both outwardly (isolation, alienation, attacks) and inwardly (tortured conscience).

____________________________________________________________________

12. He must elicit both pity and fear from the audience (catharsis).

____________________________________________________________________

13. Usually he recognizes his mistakes.

____________________________________________________________________

14. He must die

____________________________________________________________________

Characters (Three witches, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Donalbain,Malcolm, Lennox, the Porter, Ross, Lady Macduff, Duncan, Fleance.)

These characters each have a familiar, such as Graymalkin and Paddock, and are commanded by Hecate, Greek goddess of witchcraft. In their supernatural world they use sieves as boats and are said to be able to transform into animals. They are described as having beards, in contrast to their gender.

The Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, a general in the Scottish Army and a husband, initially seen as a good man. He is troubled by his conscience and loyalty but this is overcome by ambition and murder. It might be said that he is led into evil by supernatural predictions and by his wife’s goading.

A woman who loves her husband. Like him, she is ambitious, but initially lacks the doubts and moral uncertainty of her husband. To achieve her ambition she rids herself of any kind feelings. However, she is unable to sustain her coldblooded energy and eventually suffers from dreadful guilt and kills herself.

The eldest son of King Duncan. At first he is made Prince of Cumberland and then flees Scotland when his father is killed. At the end of the play he promises to become a good king, and is seen to represent everything that Macbeth is not.

One of King Duncan’s nobles who is largely an observer in the play. He becomes suspicious of what he sees in Macbeth and grows increasingly sarcastic and fearful for the fate of Scotland. However, his allegiances are never clear.

This character is the younger son of King Duncan. He flees to Ireland when his father is murdered and nothing is heard of him in the final part of the play.

This character’s allegiances are never clear. He is the messenger who brings news of Macbeth’s military victory early in the play, is present before Lady Macduff’s murder, and also reveals the news of her murder to Macduff.

This is a comic character who is the gate-keeper of Macbeth’s castle. He imagines that he is the keeper of Hell’s Gate.

This young boy has a small part in the play but his father is killed by Macbeth. Inthe future he will be King.This woman might be seen as a symbol of all the innocent people slaughtered by Macbeth. She loves her family and is distressed by her husband’s departure. She doesn’t really believe her husband is a traitor and is concerned only that he is safe when the murderers arrive.

Who or what am I?

Try to guess the person, place or thing described in the question.

1 I was once a powerful leader whose country was under attack, and was foolish

enough to give power to a soldier who became a murderer. Who am I? ____________

2 My father was murdered and I went to England to organise troops to claim back

my throne. Who am I? ______________________

3 I was used to kill Duncan and the person that used me thought he saw me in

front of him in the air when he was deciding whether or not to kill.

What am I? ______________________

4 I am dead and was executed for being a traitor to the king. Macbeth was given

my title and he became a traitor too. Who am I? ______________________

5 I am called the golden round and many fight for me because many want me and

the power that I represent. What am I? ______________________

6 I have two sisters and we have the power to see into the future, to change the

weather and to disappear. Who am I? ______________________

7 I have a son and I am a Scottish nobleman. I fought side by side with my friend,

who then got rid of me. I have been told that my son will be king.

Who am I? ______________________

8 I am loyal to my king and discovered his body. I went to England and all of my

family were killed. I vowed to kill the man that did this and could do so because I

was born by Caesarean section, so was not naturally born. Who am I? ____________

9 I am a forest that was mentioned in a prophecy that convinced Macbeth that he

would never be defeated. I did move in a way, as I was used as camouflage for the

soldiers that were led by Macduff and Malcolm against Macbeth.

What am I? ______________________

10 I work in a castle. I failed to answer the door to Macduff on the morning that the

King’s body was discovered. Who am I? ______________________

11 I am a Scottish nobleman. I fought bravely and was rewarded with land and

power and titles but I wanted more. I murdered for the highest position and my

wife went mad. I believe that I am invincible for none of woman born can kill me.

13 I am a building in Scotland. Duncan came here and was welcomed by Lady

Macbeth to her home. There was a raven croaking outside. What am I? ____________

14 I am ambitious and I will do anything to get what I want. I support my husband

totally and occasionally tell him what to do. What I did haunted me and I took my

own life. Who am I? ______________________

15 I am a young boy and my father was killed. I was also supposed to be killed but I

escaped the murderers that had set upon us. Who am I? ______________________

16 I am the scene for the first meeting with Macbeth and the witches. The day was

foul and fair and there was thunder. What am I? ______________________

chain-of-being.pptx

MACBETH ACT 1 – Cloze exercise

Summary: Act 1, scene 1

Thunder and lightning crash above a Scottish moor. Three ________________ appear out of the storm. In eerie, chanting tones, they make plans to meet again upon the heath, after the ____________, to confront ___________. As quickly as they arrive, they disappear.

Summary: Act 1, scene 2

At a military camp near his palace at Forres, King ___________ of _____________ asks a wounded captain for news about the Scots’ battle with the Irish invaders, who are led by the rebel Macdonwald. The captain, who was wounded helping Duncan’s son Malcolm escape capture by the Irish, replies that the Scottish generals __________ and _____________ fought with great courage and violence. The captain then describes for Duncan how Macbeth slew the traitorous Macdonwald. As the captain is carried off to have his wounds attended to, the thane of Ross, a Scottish nobleman, enters and tells the king that the traitorous thane of ___________ has been defeated and the army of Norway repelled. Duncan decrees that the thane of ____________ be put to death and that Macbeth, the hero of the victorious army, be given his title. Ross leaves to deliver the news to Macbeth.

Summary: Act 1, scene 3

On the heath near the battlefield, thunder rolls and the three witches appear. One says that she has just come from “killing swine” and another describes the revenge she has planned upon a __________ whose wife refused to share her chestnuts. Suddenly a drum beats, and the third witch cries that Macbeth is coming. Macbeth and Banquo, on their way to the _____________ at Forres, come upon the witches and shrink in horror at the sight of the old women. Banquo asks whether they are mortal, noting that they don’t seem to be “inhabitants o’ th’ earth” (1.3.39). He also wonders whether they are really _____________, since they seem to have __________. The witches hail Macbeth as thane of ______________ (his original title) and as thane of _____________. Macbeth is baffled by this second title, as he has not yet heard of King Duncan’s decision. The witches also declare that Macbeth will be ____________ one day. Stunned and intrigued, Macbeth presses the witches for more information, but they have turned their attention to Banquo, speaking in yet more riddles. They call Banquo “lesser than Macbeth, and ______________,” and “not so happy, yet much _____________”; then they tell him that he will never be ___________ but that his children will sit upon the throne (1.3.63–65). Macbeth implores the witches to explain what they mean, but they ______________ into thin air.

In disbelief, Macbeth and Banquo discuss the strange encounter. Macbeth fixates on the details of the prophecy. “_________ ____________ shall be kings,” he says to his friend, to which Banquo responds: “__________ shall be king” (1.3.84). Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Ross and Angus, who have come to convey them to the king. Ross tells Macbeth that the king has made him thane of Cawdor, as the former thane is to be executed for treason. Macbeth, amazed that the witches’ prophecy has come true, asks Banquo if he hopes his children will be kings. Banquo replies that devils often tell half-truths in order to “win us to our harm” (1.3.121). Macbeth ignores his companions and speaks to himself, ruminating upon the possibility that he might one day be king. He wonders whether the reign will simply fall to him or whether he will have to perform a ______________ in order to gain the crown. At last he shakes himself from his reverie and the group departs for Forres. As they leave, Macbeth whispers to Banquo that, at a later time, he would like to speak to him privately about what has transpired.

Summary: Act 1, scene 4

At the king’s palace, Duncan hears reports of Cawdor’s execution from his son Malcolm, who says that Cawdor died nobly, confessing freely and repenting of his crimes. Macbeth and Banquo enter with Ross and Angus. Duncan thanks the two generals profusely for their heroism in the battle, and they profess their loyalty and gratitude toward Duncan.

Duncan announces his intention to name ____________ the heir to his throne. Macbeth declares his joy but notes to himself that _____________ now stands between him and the crown. Plans are made for Duncan to dine at Macbeth’s castle that evening, and Macbeth goes on ahead of the royal party to inform his wife of the king’s impending arrival.

Summary: Act 1, scene 5

In __________, Macbeth’s castle, ____________ reads to herself a letter she has received from Macbeth. The letter announces Macbeth’s promotion to the thaneship of Cawdor and details his meeting with the witches. Lady Macbeth murmurs that she knows Macbeth is ____________, but fears he is too full of “th’ milk of ________________” to take the steps necessary to make himself king (1.5.15). She resolves to convince her husband to do whatever is required to seize the crown. A messenger enters and informs Lady Macbeth that ______________ rides toward the castle, and that _____________ is on his way as well. As she awaits her husband’s arrival, she delivers a famous speech in which she begs, “you spirits / That tend on mortal thoughts, ________ me here, / And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full / Of direst ___________” (1.5.38–41). She resolves to put her natural femininity aside so that she can do the bloody deeds necessary to seize the crown. Macbeth enters, and he and his wife discuss the king’s forthcoming visit. Macbeth tells his wife that Duncan plans to depart the next day, but Lady Macbeth declares that the king will never see tomorrow. She tells her husband to have patience and to leave the plan to her.

Summary: Act 1, scene 6

Duncan, the Scottish lords, and their attendants arrive outside Macbeth’s castle. Duncan praises the castle’s _______________, and he thanks Lady Macbeth, who has emerged to greet him, for her hospitality. She replies that it is her duty to be hospitable since she and her husband owe so much to their king. Duncan then asks to be taken inside to Macbeth, whom he professes to __________ dearly.

Summary: Act 1, scene 7

Inside the castle, as servants set a table for the evening’s feast, Macbeth paces by himself, pondering his idea of ______________ Duncan. He says that the deed would be _______ if he could be certain that it would not set in motion a series of terrible consequences. He declares his willingness to risk eternal _____________ but realizes that even on earth, bloody actions “return / To __________ th’inventor” (1.7.9–10). He then considers the reasons why he ought not to kill Duncan: Macbeth is Duncan’s kinsman, subject, and host; moreover, the king is universally admired as a virtuous ruler. Macbeth notes that these circumstances offer him nothing that he can use to motivate himself. He faces the fact that there is no reason to kill the king other than his own _____________, which he realizes is an unreliable guide.

Lady Macbeth enters and tells her husband that the king has dined and that he has been asking for Macbeth. Macbeth declares that he ________________ intends to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth, outraged, calls him a ____________ and questions his ___________: “When you durst do it,” she says, “then you were a man” (1.7.49). He asks her what will happen if they fail; she promises that as long as they are bold, they will be successful. Then she tells him her plan: while Duncan ____________, she will give his _______________ wine to make them drunk, and then she and Macbeth can slip in and murder Duncan. They will smear the blood of Duncan on the _________________ to cast the guilt upon them. Astonished at the brilliance and daring of her plan, Macbeth tells his wife that her “undaunted mettle” makes him hope that she will only give birth to male children (1.7.73). He then agrees to proceed with the murder.

Macbeth Act 2 worksheet

Act 2 scene 1

Read lines 1 to 9

1.1. What does Banquo mean when he says “…Their candles are all out…”? (1)

1.2. What theme is this relevant to in the play? (1)

2. What do you think Banquo has been thinking about in these lines and how does it

affect him? (2)

Act 2 scene 2

Refer to line 46.

3. Why do you think “Macbeth shall sleep no more…”? (2)

Refer to lines 40 to 60

4. Who seems to be in charge in this situation? Quote to prove this. (2)

5. What is Macbeth’s current state of mind? Quote to prove this. (2)

Refer to lines 61 to 72

6. Discuss the difference in Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s attitude towards the murder. (3)

7. In your own words, explain what Macbeth is saying in the final 3 lines of the scene. (2)

Act 2 scene 3

Read lines 49 to 56

8. Describe what the previous night was like, according to Lennox. Why is this relevant? (3)

Refer to lines 64 to 65

9. Explain the metaphor used here. (3)

Refer to lines 79 to 82

10. Explain the dramatic irony in Macduff’s words. (2)

11. What does Donalbain mean by “There’s daggers in men’s smiles…” and to which theme

does this relate? (2)

Act 2 scene 4

Read lines 5 to 20.

12. What three unnatural things happened the night before? (3)

Read lines 23 – 27

13. Who is suspected of bribing the guards and why are they the suspects? (2)

[30]

Macbeth Act 3 worksheet

Act 3 scene 1

Refer to lines 1 to 10

1. Quote a clause to show Banquo suspects Macbeth of the murder of Duncan. (1)

Refer to lines 49 to 73

2. Other than the witches’ prophecies, why does Macbeth worry about Banquo? (2)

3. Give three examples of diction that show that Macbeth’s heirs will not be king. (3)

4. What does line 68 tell us about Macbeth’s state of mind? (2)

5. Why does Macbeth now realize that fate can be both a blessing and a curse? (2)

Act 3 scene 2

Refer to lines 4 to 8

6. Explain what Lady Macbeth is saying in these lines. (2)

Refer to lines 13 to 26

7. What does Macbeth mean by “We have scorch’d the snake, not kill’d it…”? (2)

8. Why does Macbeth envy Duncan? (2)

“O, full of scorpions is my mind…”

9. Explain why the above image is effective in describing Macbeth’s state of mind. (2)

Refer to line 55.

10. Quote a line from Act 1 scene 7, where Macbeth is thinking about murdering Duncan,

which essentially means the same as the above line. Explain what they both mean. (2)

Act 3 scene 4

Refer to line 29

11. Who is the “serpent” referred to and who is the “worm”? (2)

Refer to lines 60 to 68.

12. How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth having a fit of fear, after seeing Banquo’s

ghost? (3)

Refer to line 122

13. Explain what Macbeth means by “…blood will have blood…”? (2)

Refer to lines 130 to 140

14. Identify the image Macbeth uses to describe the series of events that have unfolded

since killing Duncan. Explain why it is effective, by referring to specific events that

have happened thus far in the play. (3)

[30]

Macbeth extra notes.pdf