Macbeth Act III Close Reading: Read, analyze, and annotate the passage below.

MACBETH / We have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd it:
She'll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice
Remains in danger of her former tooth.
But let the frame of things disjoint, both the
worlds suffer,
Ere we will eat our meal in fear and sleep
In the affliction of these terrible dreams
That shake us nightly: better be with the dead,
Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,
Than on the torture of the mind to lie
In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave;
After life's fitful fever he sleeps well;
Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing,
Can touch him further.

Interacting with the Text

  1. Circle key words that provide context in the passage.
  2. Underline key words that relate to current or potential themes in the play.
  3. Label the passage using SIFTT (symbol, image, figurative language, theme, and tone).
  4. Paraphrase FIVE lines of the passage using your own language.
  5. Write FOUR open-ended discussion questions about the passage.

Interpreting Language

  1. What does Macbeth mean when he says “both the worlds suffer”? What are the two worlds referred to?
  1. Based on the passage, how does Macbeth feel about sleep?
  1. Describe Macbeth’s feeling toward Duncan based on the line “Duncan is in his grave…”?

Shakespearean Drama

Modern Media Connections

Directions: Listed below are prompts that promote modern media connections with the language and plot of Shakespeare’s plays. Using a modern media framework, relate to the characters, settings, plot, themes, and language of Shakespeare’s plays.

Close Reading Selection:______

  1. Soundtrack-List a song that you feel would be a fitting accompaniment to the passage from the close reading. Connections may be titular, lyrical, or atmospheric (musical). Provide the song title and artist, as well as, an explanation of the connection that includes a citation of the text or song lyrics.
  • Song Title: ______
  • Artist:______
  • Explanation:______
  1. Tweet-Paraphrase or respond to the context of the passage from the close reading in the form of a tweet (140 characters). Assume the identity of a character from the play, create a Twitter handle, and tweet out their feelings based on the context of the passage (include hashtags; links; or images).

Twitter handle: ______

Tweet:______

  1. Casting-Casting the characters to a film, television program, or play can make or break the performance. Play the role of casting agent and cast the character(s) from the close reading passage. Cite the actor/actress by name, explain why they are appropriate for the role, and reference other roles played that qualify them for casting.

Actor(s):______

Justification:______

Previous Roles:______