Shakespeare Uncovered: Macbeth
originally aired 1/25/2013
http://video.pbs.org/video/2328956371/
Watch the video: “Shakespeare Uncovered” using the above link. As you are watching, take notes in response to the following questions.
This is a play that explores the darker side of the human psyche, though Macbeth is not a monster; so, what does Macbeth explore?
What two ways does Ethan Hawke say he plans to prepare for the role?
What triggers Macbeth’s descent into murder?
How is the prophecy of the witches like a reading a horoscope?
What is the “one characteristic that undoes Macbeth”?
How is this true/shown today?
What was the Elizabethan audience take on witches?
What are the political implications of writing about witches?
What was King James’ interest in witches?
What is the question the play asks about the supernatural?
What is known about the real Macbeth?
What is said about Dunsinane?
What are the real circumstances of Duncan’s death?
How is it different from the Shakespeare’s?
Who “distorted the historical facts”?
How are we introduced to Lady Macbeth?
How has Lady Macbeth been historically portrayed?
What is most ironic about the marriage of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth?
How is Lady Macbeth seen as a scapegoat?
To whom has she been compared?
How does Lady Macbeth react/change when Macbeth begins to have second thoughts?
Why does Macbeth then go forward with the plan?
Does he want to be manipulated? Why?
The “Is this a dagger before me” soliloquy… in Act II, Scene I (II.i): / Comment here:
Is Macbeth a murderer yet?
What is different next time we see him?
How much of the play is yet to come at this point?
What are the human responses to trauma?
How does the portrayal of Macbeth show this?
What is the dysfunction of Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s marriage?
Comment on the “Sleep no more” segment/the dance interpretation of the play.
After the murder: how do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begin to react differently?
What does Antony Sher say about his interview with real-life murderers?
What causes Lady Macbeth and Macbeth to drift further apart?
What happens to Lady Macbeth?
The “Out, out damned spot”/sleepwalking scene: / Comment
Why is it disturbing?
How does Macbeth’s reaction differ?
When was Macbeth first published?
How long after Shakespeare’s death?
The “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” soliloquy: / Comment
How does this reflect Macbeth’s final descent into sociopathy?
So, what corrupted Macbeth?
Why, then, is Macbeth a tragedy?
What is Shakespeare’s “greatest gift as a writer”?