Group Work (Groups of 5 or 6) – Macbeth Act IV – Malcolm & MacDuff
Why do so many of us miss or not understand what is going on in this scene? Why does Malcolm say he will be such a horrific king (and some of us miss that as well). Why if we don’t understand what’s going on do we continue reading before we come to an understanding – remember the group work on Shakespeare’s Sonnets – groups overwhelmingly stated that the line by line (uncovering with a sheet of paper) examination of the sonnet was the most satisfying and understandable. How do we do that here?
Choose a group leader for this work. Next begin with a reading of Scene 3 (page 139 New Folger). Since there are only 2 speakers here – assign reading in a similar way to how we do in class: each reader has the character for that page, on the next page each character gets a new reader. Exempt the group leader from reading. Every time you have a question or observation stop your reading. Quickly explain your observation (something that says something about the character, plot, or textual wordplay), or answer your question (make sure the answer is specific and textually based. Everyone should jot down what you said in your classnote section of your journals (the group leader should get these notes from a group member after class). As you go along the group leader will occasionally stop to ask questions that you did not bring up. As you answer the questions, try and figure out how you missed that question or observation and try to improve your analysis as you go along. Remember, there are no bad questions – in fact, questioning is the best thing that you can possibly do. Just make sure that your questions are grounded in text and that answers can be found in the text.
If you have any time left at the end of the period you may discuss the poem below – in any case, write an entry in your journals linking it to the scene where Macduff learns of the slaughter of his family.
Group Leaders for Act 4, Scene 3
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280
Pay attention to the questions and observations that are asked by your group; also be aware of the questions below (there’s a reason you’re exempt from reading aloud). The best possible outcome is for group members, in addition to their own wonderful questions, to ask versions of the questions below – or make similar observations – if that doesn’t happen try and lead what is being asked (after it gets answered to these questions). If no one talks about anything like what is below then you must ask these questions as you get to these lines – be prepared to stop speakers.
Also before you begin, see exactly how much time you have to do this scene and where you should be by any given time. Divide your available time by 7 and fill in the chart to the right – the chart will tell you what line you should be at by any given time. Move your group along – skip what you believe are less important questions if you must – but make sure you finish the scene by time. Make sure your discussion, questions, and observations are TEXT BASED. If they can’t be answered or seen in the text move on. Some hints to the answers will appear in parenthesis after the questions.
page/line / question or observationpage 139
2 / why are they sad? or is it “they”
9 / what is the state of Scotland? Why is this important? How does it fit with what Macbeth said about Duncan’s kingship?
10-13 / How do these 3 lines echo what Macbeth has just said about the “firstlings of his heart”?
14-15 / Considering what happens later in this scene, why is it important that Malcolm brings up that Macbeth was once thought honest. METAQUESTION: How does the audience’s view of Macbeth echo theirs (Malcolm & Macduff’s)
18-20 / what is the reference to the lamb all about? (think sacrifice – who?)
27 / explain this line in reference to Macbeth
28 / goes back to what line? Hopefully someone in your group has pointed this out before you need to.
31 / How is this line ironic considering what he does NOT know? Does the audience know? What effect does that lead to?
32-38 / Why does Malcolm ask this question? WHO needs this question answered (the audience – don’t give this away – let them figure it out – refer to the last question)
40-45 / How are these lines ironic considering what Malcolm is about to say?
46-48 / How do these lines echo the murder?
50-59 / Where precisely does Malcolm first hint at what kind of king he will be?
60 / Why is Macduff so surprised? Why would this be such an evil blow?
61-66 / If fair is foul then it must also reason that foul is fair… Comment on that in light of what Malcolm is doing.
55-115 / What are the specific evils that Malcolm says he will commit? How does Macduff react to them? Start with Macduff’s first reaction, then look at them one at a time until “O Scotland, O Scotland.” What does he keep trying to do? (think rationalize, think do anything but believe that Malcolm is a monster)
120-132 / What is Macduff’s ultimate reaction? Why is it only after this reaction and speech that Malcolm lets him in on what he was doing (testing him)? Why must he wait for Macduff to say this himself, rather than just asking him straight out: “Would you support me if I act like Macbeth.” Above all go back to the questions associated with line 14-15. DO NOT SKIP THIS!
132-158 / How does Malcolm explain his words? Specifically state the evidence of his character that refutes what he had tempted Macduff with?
159-181 / If you are behind time-wise skip this scene with the doctor – just summarize what it means about the healing.
190-197 / make your group members explain each of Ross’s metaphors for the state of Scotland
203-206 / Does Ross lie? Does anyone have a clue as to why?
208 / How is this NOT a lie? What is it? (equivocation)
223-240 / How DOES Ross break the news of Macduff’s loss? Be specific – look at each of his speeches in these lines leading up to the news of the slaughter. How does each change? What do they move towards? Be specific.
236 / What does this line mean? Is there any truth to it? Do we sometimes despise the messenger?
250 / Why does Macduff feel a double sense of guilt?
253 / what does Malcolm suggest they do with this sad news? How does it echo earlier lines from this scene?
255-258 / A famous set of lines? Who is Macduff talking to, in addition to his comrades? (himself). Why?
259 / What does Malcolm hope to do with this news (again, I know)
270-271 / How do these lines echo lines between Macbeth and his wife? Be specific.
281 / What does this line mean? How is it fitting to end this particular scene, considering everything that has happened with this line.