CW/HW Lady Macbeth May 2010

Discuss the ways in which Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth. Explore the varying reactions which audiences might have to this. Focus in particular on: Act 1 scene 5, Act 1 scene 7, and Act 5 scene 1.

NB. Throughout, you must use PQC and remember to analyse and comment in detail on the effects of the language used. Also, consider alternative interpretations. Split each section into paragraphs.

Section one- introduction

·  Explain briefly when and where the play was set, when it was written, and by whom.

·  Explain where the play would have been performed and why it was important for Lady Macbeth’s words to create her character ( women could not act on stage).

·  State who the King was at the time and refer to his interest in the supernatural.

·  Comment on how the general population would think about the supernatural, and how this is reflected in the play.

·  Give a brief overview of the role of women in the time of Shakespeare.

Section two – Explore the first impressions given of Lady Macbeth in Act 1, scene 5

·  How is Lady Macbeth presented here ? Use PQC to explain the effects of her language use.

·  How far does her role fit with the typical image of a woman in Shakespeare’s time ?

·  Refer to the dramatic devices and stagecraft: why are the letter reading and the soliloquy used ? Comment on dramatic irony (Duncan’s visit).

·  Comment also on Lady Macbeth’s relationship with the supernatural

·  What regard does Lady Macbeth show for Christianity and the Divine Right of kings ?

Section three - Comment on how Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth’s power over her husband in Act 1 scene 5 and Act 1 scene 7.

·  How is each character presented? What is shown about their relationship? How is Lady Macbeth shown to persuade and influence Macbeth in these scenes?

·  To what extent is each character responsible for the plan to kill Duncan? Is this what you would have expected them to talk about here ?

·  How far does Lady Macbeth fit the image of a typical woman at this time ? How would a modern and Shakespearean audience react ?

Section four– Act 5 scene 1 - Comment on Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness

·  How is her relationship with Macbeth shown here ?

·  What dramatic devices are employed here ? Think about the location, lighting and dramatic irony.

·  Consider how and why Shakespeare has brought in parallels with Act 1 scene 5. Think about the structure of the two scenes, the setting, the lighting and the words used.

Section five- the overall structure and form of the play

·  Comment on how Shakespeare uses the witches and Lady Macduff, alongside Lady Macbeth, to explore alternative versions of femininity

·  Explore how Shakespeare uses conventions of a five act tragedy to present Lady Macbeth

·  How far is Lady Macbeth a tragic figure ? Comment on whether you think Lady Macbeth is really evil or not. Is she always what she seems?

·  Explain how far you think that Lady Macbeth fits the role of a typical woman of the period. Explain whether or not you think that Shakespeare was suggesting that this role was appropriate for women.

·  Is there a message for the audience ? How would the Shakespearean audience feel about Lady Macbeth ? How would a modern audience react ? What does she show about Macbeth ? How is her role used to add to the story overall ?

Remember to consider alternative viewpoints before deciding on your views.

Include a bibliography listing any sources of information used to help you, such as websites

A* Grade Criteria

·  Explore the writer’s intended meanings

·  Analyse the layers of meaning and subtle patterns in language

·  Analyse how characters, setting and contexts symbolise wider ideas

·  Offer your own feelings & OPINIONS, as well as exploring alternative viewpoints—make JUDGEMENTS as to whether or not you feel the author’s intended effects actually work on the reader

·  Evaluate the moral, philosophical & social implications of the text—to what extent are the issues it raises still relevant today ?

Tips for Shakespeare Coursework

Use inverted commas around the title of the play ‘Macbeth’

Include the full task, date, cw/hw and heading

Use paragraphs without side headings

Comment on the way the play is structured. For example, the order of events and who comes on stage when

Refer to dramatic irony and other dramatic devices

Use interesting vocabulary

Use words for comparison such as: however, on the other hand, conversely, likewise, in comparison…

Set out your quotations correctly

Refer to ‘quotations’ not ‘quotes’