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Macbeth Reading Guide Name______

Macbeth Important Concepts:

1.  Tragedy:

2.  Tragic Hero:

3.  Tragic Flaw:

4.  Motif:

5.  Theme:

6.  Soliloquy:

7.  Aside:

Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2 worksheet.

1. Fill in the gaps.

The play begins with three ______meeting in a “desolate place”. They agree to gather again when the battle is over, and meet ______. They seem to know the future and chant strange words, creating a very ______atmosphere.

Act 1:2 opens with a bloody ______giving a report of the battle. He tells King ______that ______personally killed the traitor Macdonald. Although fresh Norwegian troops arrived, Macbeth and Banquo fought on. Macbeth then captured the Thane of ______, a traitor and obtained a ransom and a favorable peace treaty. King ______sentences the Thane of ______to death, and gives the title to Macbeth as a reward for his bravery.

2. Now answer these questions:

  1. What are the names of the King’s two sons?
  1. What is a “Thane”?
  1. Who is the new Thane of Cawdor?

3. The character of Macbeth.

1.  Who is the first person to mention Macbeth in the play?

2.  How do the witches know that they will meet with Macbeth?

3.  How is Macbeth immediately linked with the witches and the supernatural?

4.  What does the Captain call Macbeth at line 16?

5.  What does the King call Macbeth at line 24? (two things)

6.  What does the King call Macbeth at line 67?

7.  What is the King’s opinion of Macbeth? How can you tell?

4. Shakespeare’s Language.

Look at Act 1:1 where the witches meet, and then complete the activities.

In Act 1:1 Shakespeare creates a strange and sinister atmosphere using language.

Shakespeare uses two lines of poetry which rhyme. These are called rhyming couplets. “Couplets” tell us there are two lines of poetry and “rhyming” tell us that they rhyme. Rhyming couplets are often used to round off a long speech. However in the witches’ scene they are used to create a spooky atmosphere because they sound like spells.

Here are two examples of rhyming couplets from Act 1:1: (give examples)

The words which rhyme are ______and ______.

The rhyming couplets in this scene give a ______effect.

Macbeth

Act 1, Scenes 3 and 4 worksheet

First, fill in the gaps.

The three ______meet upon the heath. They discuss the mischief and evil they have created, which tells the audience that their magic is powerful. Macbeth and ______enter. The witches hail ______with three different titles, as Thane of ______, which he already is, as Thane of Cawdor and finally as the future ______.

______demands to know his future too, and the witches tell him that one day his ______will be kings. The witches then vanish. The lord Ross brings news of the King’s pleasure at Macbeth’s victory and tells Macbeth that he has been made the Thane of ______as a reward. Macbeth begins to consider the moral issues surrounding the witches’ predictions, and is horrified at the idea of killing ______so he can become the King.

In Act 1:4 King Duncan says it is difficult to judge people from their outward appearance. This is ironic because he then warmly welcomes ______who has in fact been considering murdering him. Macbeth declares loyalty to Duncan, but ______is made heir to the throne, which upsets Macbeth. The whole party go to stay with ______in Inverness.

Now answer these questions:

  1. What is strange about the witches’ appearance? (Act 1:3 line 44)
  1. Look at Macbeth’s first line (Act 1:3 line 36) Who does it directly echo? (look at Act 1:1 line 12)
  1. What does this connection make us feel about Macbeth?
  1. What does Banquo call Macbeth at line 52?
  1. What does Banquo call Macbeth at line 147?
  1. What is the relationship like between Macbeth and Banquo?
  1. What happens when Macbeth commands the witches to speak? (line 76)
  1. What does this tell you about the witches?
  1. Where can you find an example of a soliloquy in Act 1:3?
  1. Why does Shakespeare include this soliloquy?

Act 1: Scenes 5, 6 and 7 worksheet

First, fill in the gaps.

Lady Macbeth reads a letter from ______telling her of the witches’ prophecy. She thinks her husband may be too weak and decent to murder ______, and so she will have to persuade him. She calls on evil ______to help in her murderous plans. Macbeth enters and tells her that ______is visiting them that night. Lady Macbeth says they must hide their murderous intentions behind welcoming looks.

The king and his loyal subjects arrive at ______. The King and ______comment on how pleasant the castle seems. ______greets the King warmly and states her loyalty to him.

______struggles with his conscience and tells Lady Macbeth that he will not murder ______. She calls him a coward, says he isn’t a man and that she would rather kill her own ______than break such a promise. She says she will drug the ______, who will be blamed for the murder. Macbeth agrees and says they must hide their plans in pleasant and welcoming looks.

Now answer these questions in FULL SENTENCES:

1.  Where do all three of these scenes take place?

2.  King Duncan says how pleasant Macbeth’s castle looks. Why is this ironic? (think about what could happen to him in there!)

3.  Lady Macbeth welcomes Duncan sweetly with loyalty and respect. Why is this ironic? (think about what she has in store for him!)

The characterization of Lady Macbeth

In these scenes we meet Lady Macbeth. What is her character like? Find quotations to prove each of the following character traits:

1.  Persuasive (she persuades Macbeth to murder the King) Act 1:7 lines 60-61.

2.  Hypocritical (she says one thing but really means another) Act 1:5 lines 63-64.

3.  She is linked to the supernatural, like Macbeth is. Act 1:5 lines 38-41

4.  She is an unnatural mother, possibly cruel. Act 1:7 lines 55-56)

The characterization of Macbeth

In these scenes we learn more about Macbeth’s character. Answer the following questions in FULL SENTENCES:

1.  What reasons does Macbeth give NOT to kill Duncan (give at least 3)?

2.  Why do you think he tells Lady Macbeth that he won’t do the murder?

3.  What do your answers to q.1 and q.2 tell you about his character?

4.  Why does Macbeth change his mind again and decide he will kill him?

Finally, read through the discussion between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth in Act 1:7. Who do you think is in control? Write a paragraph explaining why using at least two quotations to prove your point.

Macbeth

Act 2: Scenes 1 and 2 worksheet

The act begins with Banquo and his son, ______, in the courtyard of ______’s castle. Banquo tells his son that he has been fighting evil thoughts. Macbeth enters and announces himself as “a ______”. Banquo tells Macbeth that he dreamed of the three ______. Macbeth lies and says that he has not thought of them. Banquo also tells Macbeth that he will stay loyal to ______. Macbeth then hallucinates a blood-stained ______as he prepares to murder ______. His mind is full of evil images, as “Nature seems ______”.

In Act 2:2 Lady Macbeth awaits the return of her husband. She says that she could have murdered Duncan had he not resembled her own ______. Macbeth enters and says that he has “done the ______”. Macbeth is worried that he was unable to say “______” and thought he heard a voice which said that he would never sleep again as he had murdered sleep. Lady Macbeth tells him not to worry and tells him to take the ______back. He refuses, so Lady Macbeth takes them back and smears the ______’s faces with blood to make them appear guilty. They are both startled by knocking at the gate and go to wash and put on night clothes.

Now answer these questions: Part 1: Macbeth and Banquo

1.  What does Banquo say in line7-9 which tells us that he has been fighting evil thoughts?

2.  How does this contrast to Macbeth?

3.  What does Macbeth call himself in line 11?

4.  What does Banquo now call Macbeth? Line 11 and 30

5.  What does that tell you about Macbeth’s status now compared to Banquo?

6.  What deliberate lie does Macbeth tell Banquo in line 22?

7.  What is the actual truth?

Macbeth

A letter from Banquo

Imagine you are Banquo, writing a letter to your son Fleance at the end of Act 2:1. In the letter you will tell Fleance everything that has happened and how you are beginning to fear for the future.

Here are some points to include in your letter:

1.  Begin by explaining how you and Macbeth succeeded in battling the Norwegians.

2.  Tell Fleance about the appearance of the witches.

3.  Say what the witches predicted about Macbeth.

4.  Say what the witches predicted about you.

5.  Explain that one of the predictions came true straight away.

6.  Explain that since then you have begun to feel uneasy, have trouble sleeping and have had dreams about the witches.

7.  Say that you have just seen Macbeth and explain that you are worried about how he is reacting.

8.  Explain how Macbeth asked you strange questions about your loyalty – what do you think this means?

9.  Tell him that Macbeth said he had not thought about the witches at all – and say whether you believe him.

10. End the letter by stating your worries for the future. Do you think the King is wise to trust Macbeth so much? Is Macbeth acting strangely? Do you think he is lying to you?

Macbeth

Act 2, Scene 1: Macbeth’s Soliloquy

1.  Macbeth’s changing state of mind

Macbeth’s state of mind changes throughout this scene. He goes from being polite to Banquo, to frightened and surprised when he sees the dagger, to hesitant and guilty during the speech, until he is finally decided upon murdering the King, Duncan.

·  At line 33 Macbeth shows his surprise at “seeing” the dagger. He says:

·  At line 48-49 Macbeth shows how the guilt at what he is doing is making him see things. He says:

·  At line 60-61 Macbeth shows how he is resolved to kill the King. He says:

2.  Themes

First copy this paragraph and then find and fill in the quotations:

Macbeth’s soliloquy also explores some of the themes in the play. For example:

·  The Supernatural: Seeing the dagger could just be Macbeth’s imagination “A dagger of the mind” as he says, or it could be the work of the supernatural as it seems to urge him towards Duncan’s bedroom. As Macbeth says in line 42:

·  The overturning of the Natural Order: By killing the King Macbeth is upsetting the natural order of things. This is reflected by what he says at line 49-50:

3.  Shakespeare’s Language

First copy the paragraph and then find and fill in the quotations:

Shakespeare uses very sophisticated language to show the audience what Macbeth is feeling.

·  Alliteration. This is where a sentence has two or more words beginning with the same letter. An example of this is line 48 where Macbeth says “______”. By repeating the “B” sound it makes Macbeth sound as if he is spitting the words out, making him seem guilty.

·  Personification. This is where something that isn’t a human is described as if it actually is. An example of this can be found in lines 53-56. ______is described as if it is a human, who being alerted by his dog is now walking silently towards his victim. By personifying murder it makes Macbeth himself seem less responsible for the murder.

·  Rhyming Couplets. Shakespeare uses two sets of rhyming couplets at the end of his soliloquy. The couplets are:

The couplets tell us that Macbeth has firmly decided to kill the King, while also reminding us of the language of the witches.

4.  Images of Evil

Copy down the writing and fill in the gaps:

There are lots of unpleasant images in the soliloquy which help show us the horror of what Macbeth is about to do. Here are three examples:

1.

2.

3.

5.  Should there be a dagger?

If you were directing this scene would you show the dagger? Write a paragraph in which you explain your viewpoints. In your answer you should consider:

·  If you do show the dagger then it would hint that the supernatural (the witches) have a hand in the murder.

·  If you do show the dagger it takes some of the responsibility for the murder away from Macbeth – i.e. the witches are also responsible

·  If you don’t show the dagger then it means that Macbeth is imagining it – does this show his guilt/sense of responsibility/madness/fear?

Macbeth

Act 2, Scene 2: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

Activity 1: Summary

Write a summary of what happens during Act 2:2 in a well written paragraph. Include all of the characters in this scene. Be descriptive.

Macbeth

The Macbeth we see in this scene is very different from the Macbeth we saw in the previous scene. His state of mind has changed because of the murder. He is now:

·  Worried he has upset God (line34)

·  Frightened (line 54-55)

·  Guilty (line 77)

Lady Macbeth