MACBETH - Mrs. Graham English & World History Pilot Course



MACBETH

ACT I

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair”

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Act 1 scenes 1 and 2: Fair and Foul

Scene 1: What a Weird Opening!!!!

1. Why does Shakespeare begin the play this way? What is the effect?

2. The witches chant, “Fair is foul and foul is fair.” Explain what this means. What do you think is the implication of these lines and that they are spoken over and over? What is the overall mood of the opening? Where is this line echoed in scene 2 and why?

Scene 2: Character Introductions: Fair or Foul?

1. What is your first impression of each of the following characters? Give a statement that includes reason.

a. Duncan-

b. Captain-

c. Macbeth-

2. One way of creating characters {characterization} is by what others say about a character (indirect characterization). In the chart below, explain what aspects of Macbeth’s character are discussed and provide evidence (direct quotations). Find at least 3 examples.

|Quality discussed |Evidence of that quality (line #) |

| | |

3. Why do we hear about Macbeth from others before we meet him? What is the effect?

4. Up to this point in the play, whom do you consider “fair”? Who is “foul”? Explain your answers.

Act 1 scene 3: The Witches

1) The reader learns many things about the witches in scene three. In the chart, write down what you know about them, the quote which led you to that conclusion, and who is speaking (the witches, Macbeth, or Banquo).

|What you learn |Quote w/ line number |Spoken by |

| | | |

2) Describe what the witch plans to do to the sailor and her reason for this action. Why bring this into the text…we will never find out anything more about this… what is the reason for even mentioning it?

3) In a statement assert the characterization of the witches.

4) How is Banquo a foil to Macbeth in this scene? Include evidence.

Act 1 Scene 4: Decisions, Decisions

1. When news of the Thane of Cawdor’s execution is delivered to Duncan, what does Duncan learn about the way he died?

2. What does Duncan mean in the following lines:

“There’s no art

To find the mind’s construction in the face.

He was a gentleman on whom I built

An absolute trust. “ (1.4.13-16)

3. How might his decisions concerning the former Thane of Cawdor foreshadow his future decisions?

4. Give evidence for how Duncan feels about Macbeth. (Quote a line or two and explain).

5. What is Macbeth’s reaction to the news? Give evidence and explain. Why do you think he has this reaction?

Act 1 Scene 5 & 6: Lady Macbeth: “Dude, what’s up with her?”

THE CHARACTERIZATION OF LADY MACBETH

1. Examine her soliloquies on page 31 lines 15-34 and pg. 33 lines 45-60. Rewrite her lines on a separate sheet of paper in modern English prose. Make sure you go line by line to decipher it- do not leave anything out. This will be turned in at the end of class.

2. Examine her interaction with Duncan. Think about the dramatic irony that is happening here. Give evidence.

a. How does he act around her? What is he like when he arrives?

b. How does she act around him?

c. Make a statement about your first impression of her and her characterization. This should resemble a thesis.

3. So what do you think we are missing about Lady Macbeth? Why do you think she is the way she is here? What happened before we meet her?

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MACBETHS:

Examine the relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth

Think about the following and include evidence in your thoughts.

1. The letter- why does Macbeth send it? What is the effect?

2. How does Macbeth feel about Lady Macbeth?

3. How does Lady Macbeth feel about Macbeth?

4. The Macbeths first encounter in this play- what is it like? What does it tell us about their relationship?

3. Create a statement that characterizes the Macbeths’ relationship (a thesis):

Act 1 scene 7: Analyzing the Decision to Murder!!

1) During his dinner with Duncan, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth leave the dinner table. Macbeth begins to have second thoughts about their intentions to murder Duncan. What are his reasons for NOT wanting to kill Duncan? In the chart below list his reasons and then quote a line from the play that corresponds with the reason.

|Reason |Evidence w/ line number |

| | |

Create a summary statement in which you assert Macbeth’s reasons for calling off the murder.

2) Lady Macbeth is very persuasive. How does she manage to persuade Macbeth? What are her tactics? Identify each tactic and then give evidence.

|Persuasive technique |Evidence w/ line number |

| | |

Create a statement in which you examine Lady Macbeth’s influence over Macbeth.

3) What is “the plan”?

Compare and Contrast the Macbeths

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In the Venn diagram above, compare and contrast the personalities of Lady Macbeth and her husband

THINK ABOUT:

- Their ambitions and fears

- Their views on Duncan

- Their attitudes toward murder

Now that you have completed the chart, who do you feel is the most powerful character? Why?

Thoughts of MURDER

Now that you have completed ACT 1 of Macbeth and the Venn diagram, you should have a pretty good understanding of the personalities of both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth.

After their heated conversation about murdering Duncan, they return to the banquet. However, even though they both physically return, their minds are most likely still focused on the impending murder.

Below, write in a stream of consciousness the thoughts which you imagine would go through each character’s mind as they return to the dinner. You must become the character- use “I.” Keep in mind the information in the Venn diagram, the personality and motives of each character, as well as their conversation together about the murder.

Lady Macbeth:

Macbeth

Act One Final Questions

1. In what way does the line “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” first spoken by the witches and later echoed by Macbeth in the beginning of Scene 3 foreshadow the events of the play?

2. Why is Macbeth’s initial characterization, that of a hero, so important to the play (think tragic hero)?

3. Compare and contrast the reactions of Macbeth and the reactions of Banquo to the witches and their predictions. What conclusion can you make?

4. What can the reader argue about Macbeth based on his asides in Act 1? Pay particular attention to his internal discussion about murdering the king.

5. How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to kill? What are her arguments? What conclusions can you draw about her based on the play so far?

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The purpose of this packet is to get you thinking critically about this play, the events, the characters and how the themes translate to the human experience.

Whenever you are asked to include evidence make sure you provide a citation with act.scene.line#. Ex: (1.2.12-15).

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