English 12A: Unit 2

Introduction to The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare

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Literary History: Shakespeare’s Globe (pp. 310-311)

1. In what ways do modern shows compare with what you have read about Elizabethan theater? ______

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2. Do you think live theater is more popular or less popular today than in Shakespeare’s day? Explain. ______

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Frank Kermode: Listening and Viewing

Segment 1: Meet Frank Kermode

• What is the job of a literary critic?

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• Why do you think literary criticism is important to society?

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Segment 2: Frank Kermode Introduces Shakespeare

• Why do you think Shakespeare has become a cultural icon?

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• What do sports and theater have in common, according to Frank Kermode?______

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Segment 3: The Writing Process

• When Frank Kermode writes, what does he assume about his audience?

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• How do you think this shapes his writing?______

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Segment 4: The Rewards of Writing

• According to Frank Kermode, why is it important to learn how to read well?

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• Why do you think it is important to learn to read difficult texts, such as the works ofShakespeare?

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Contemporary Commentary

Frank Kermode Introduces Macbeth by William Shakespeare(pp. 314-315)

1. What English king did Shakespeare intend to honor by writing Macbeth?

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2. What benefits might a company of actors and playwrights reap by presenting their king in a favorable light?

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3. Identify two liberties that Shakespeare takes with history in Macbeth.

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4. According to Kermode, why did Shakespeare portray Banquo in a favorable light?

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5. In the passage shown from Act I and discussed by Frank Kermode, what conflict doesMacbeth experience?

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6. According to Kermode, what reason does Macbeth provide for wanting to kill King Duncan?

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7. What are three reasons that Macbeth should not kill King Duncan?

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8. If in the course of the play, Macbeth is punished for killing the king, what message might this send to the audience in Shakespeare’s day?

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9. Why is Macbeth’s soliloquy so famous, according to Kermode? Do you agree or disagreewith Kermode here? Briefly explain your answer.

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10. What factor does Kermode single out in order to explain the extraordinary range and flexibilityof Shakespeare’s language in Macbeth?

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11. How does Macbeth comply with native ethical traditions, according to Kermode?

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Macbeth

William Shakespeare: Biography(pp. 316-319)

William Shakespeare’s influence ranges far and wide from his lifetime even until today. Hisworks have influenced major artists, writers, and all speakers of the English language. Some ofthe biggest names in modern literature call upon Shakespeareantradition, including JamesJoyce, T.S. Eliot, and Virginia Woolf. Contemporary authors, such as Jane Smiley in OneThousand Acres, call upon Shakespeare (King Lear inSmiley’s case). His theatrical works havebeen inspirations for other playwrights and moviemakers. Some movies are direct remakes,sharing the same titles as the plays.Others call upon the famous plots, such as West SideStory’s retelling of Romeo and Juliet.

A.DIRECTIONS: Use the following chart to organize your notes on Shakespeare’s life andinfluence.

William Shakespeare (1564—1616)
Early Years / Marriage and
Family / Acting/Writing
Career / Literary
Works / Influence

Grade 12, Unit 2

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