Welcome to your Macbeth assignment menu. You will choose items from this menu and fulfill the requirements for the assignments you choose as we read Macbeth. All assignments must be typed and turned in by the due dates specified. All assignments must be typed in MLA format. Desserts will be submitted to turnitin.com.
Appetizers: Choose one of following. Due: Friday, October 21.
· Research the first production: How would Macbeth have been when it was first produced? Type up a paragraph (or 15 bullet points) about what the play would have been like during Shakespeare’s time. Include your source when you turn it in.
· What Witches? : The Renaissance was filled with superstition and folklore. Research the thoughts on witches of the time. Type up 15 facts about them. Include your source when you turn it in.
· Dude, he was real? : Macbeth is loosely based on a real Scottish man named Macbeth. Research him and type up 15 facts. Include your source when you turn it in.
Main Courses: Choose two of the following options, one from group A and one from group B. Group A projects will be submitted to www.turnitin.com. Each must be typed in MLA format, unless otherwise noted. Due: November 4 (I know, it’s after the response, but I wanted to give you more time to do some quality work.)
Group A
· Shadow a character: Choose one of the many multifaceted characters of the play to chart, catalog, and figure out. You will follow relationships, chart important events, etc. Must be at least 1 page typed; charts do not count as part of the page.
· Write an alternate ending: Don’t like the way the play ends? Fix it. Write an additional scene (or 2, I’ll let you) depicting the way you would want the play to end. Must be at least 1 page typed and in play format (use the book as an example).
· Write a letter to Shakespeare: Tell him how you feel about the play, write him questions you have about what happened, anything you want to get out. The letter must be 1 page, double-spaced.
· Be a critic: Now that you’ve read the play, what did you think? Pretend you work for a high-class artsy magazine and critique the play the only way you know how, as a high school student. Must be 2 pages, double spaced.
Group B
· Finger Puppets: You’ve seen my finger puppets from England, now create your own. Have at least 5 puppets (of major characters only). Make sure they are distinguishable from each other. Label each puppet and provide a nice home (casing) for them.
· Construct a stage: If you were to put on Macbeth, what would your stage look like? Sky’s the limit with this one. I want to see your creativity. Write an explanation about your choices.
· Calling all casting directors: If you were to film a modern day Macbeth, who be in it? Create a poster detailing your casting selections. Must include a brief explanation of why each person fits the role. Explanations need to equal at least 1 page. *I grade critically on this one. Make sure you’ve put some thought into who you choose and why.
· And, Action! : Like to make home movies? Select a scene of the play (or two if you’re feeling extra creative) and film you and your friends. Stay true to the text. You will be graded on effort, accuracy, and involvement. Don’t expect to show up for a few seconds at the end and receive credit for it. Yes, you may work together with anyone from any of the classes.
Dessert: Choose one of the following options. Each must be 2-3 paragraphs, typed, MLA format. You must include support from the play. You must and submit it to turnitin.com. Due: November 2
· Is Macbeth a moral play? Is justice served at the end of the play? Defend you answer.
· Compare and contrast Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo. How are they alike? How are they different? Is it possible to argue that Macbeth is the play’s villain and Macduff or Banquo its hero, or is the matter more complicated than that?
· Discuss Macbeth’s visions and hallucinations. What role do they play in the development of his character?