CLASS-READER SUPPORT PACK

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1 CLASS-READER SUPPORT PACK Macbeth by William Shakespeare Compiled by Andrew Hammond English IPS Code: 105 / M

2 Text: Macbeth by William Shakespeare Section Page ESSAY QUESTIONS 1 (General themes) 2 ESSAY QUESTIONS 2 (CE theme of Relationships ) 7 WRITING TASKS 12 DRAMA ACTIVITIES 13 DISCUSSIONS AND DEBATES 14 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING 15 English IPS Code: 105/M 2 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

3 ESSAY QUESTION 1A In the character Macbeth, we learn how a man can have more ambition than is good for him. Discuss the nature of ambition as a central theme in the play. Begin with an introduction to the term ambition - define and discuss its meaning. Why should ambition be a bad thing? Then consider ambition as a central theme in Macbeth specifically, focusing on the ambitions of the main protagonist. Consider his ambitions at the beginning of the play and explain how, and why, these change as the story unfolds. Address the effects that this ambition has on both the lead character and those around him. Find significant scenes in the play where Macbeth s ambition is referred to, either directly or indirectly. Reflect on what you think the playwright may be trying to teach us about ambition. What have you learned? English IPS Code: 105/M 3 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

4 ESSAY QUESTION 1B Discuss ways in which the landscape and the weather in Macbeth add to the dramatic impact which the play has on its readers. Consider how the play begins where does the opening scene take place? What is the weather like? Why is this significant? How do we, as readers, feel when we read about stormy weather and wild, inhospitable places? Why should Shakespeare choose to include such references? Try to determine what you see in your mind s eye when you picture the setting for the events in the play? Describe the backdrop to the play. How would the mood and atmosphere in the story have differed if the setting had been somewhere more cheerful, and the weather had been more pleasant. Be specific. Pay close attention to stage directions throughout the play and make a special note of words and phrases that refer to stormy weather. Do the references to thunder and storms precede significant scenes? Which ones? In your conclusion, evaluate the author s use of landscapes and weather in setting the tone and atmosphere for his play. English IPS Code: 105/M 4 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

5 ESSAY QUESTION 1C How might the course of Macbeth s life have differed if he had not met the witches? This question addresses the role which the witches have on the main protagonist, Macbeth. How do they shape and influence the course of his life? Consider the decisions which Macbeth takes once he has met the witches. Is there any evidence in the play that he is acting independently and rationally? Are his thoughts his own? Think about how Macbeth is regarded at the very beginning of the play. What do you think his future held for him? Include references to specific events and conversations in the play, which demonstrate the great influence that the witches have over Macbeth. Always try to justify your comments with reasoned argument and evidence from the play. Make sure you return to the question in your conclusion and answer it directly. English IPS Code: 105/M 5 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

6 ESSAY QUESTION 1D Compare and contrast the ways in which Duncan and Macbeth rule as kings of Scotland. Begin with an introduction to how kings could and should rule over a country. You may wish to refer to such terms as power, democracy, justice, duty, altruism, patriotism, etc. Consider how many of these traits are displayed by King Duncan. What evidence in there in the opening scenes of the play to suggest that he is a fine and well-respected king? Then consider how Macbeth rules over Scotland when he seizes the throne. Compare and contrast his behaviour and values with those of his predecessor. Look for evidence in the play which illustrates how Macbeth rules as king. You may wish to think about his ambitions, his thoughts, his fears and the irrational ways in which he behaves. Consider reasons why these two kings rule in such different ways. What influences are being exerted over them to affect the way they think and behave particularly in the case of Macbeth. English IPS Code: 105/M 6 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

7 ESSAY QUESTION 1E One man s hero may be another man s villain. Consider the significance of this statement in relation to Shakespeare s Macbeth. Begin with a brief introduction to heroism and villainy. What does these terms mean? How are the two related? Consider all the people who know Macbeth. Of these, who regards him as a hero, and who sees him as a villain why? Is it possible to be a hero and a villain at the same time? Is it subjective, or are there some deeds and traits which are universally heroic or villainous? Are some people regarded as heroes by everyone? Find specific examples in the play where Macbeth is either being admired or reviled. Discuss these instances, giving reasons for the different feelings of those around him. Why should some people admire him after what he has done? What does this say about the people themselves? In your conclusion you may wish to consider what a hero and a villain may have in common and which of these traits are present in Macbeth. Offer your own thoughts at the end of the essay having considered both views of Macbeth, in your opinion, is he a hero or a villain? English IPS Code: 105/M 7 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

8 ESSAY QUESTION 2A In what ways do you think Lady Macbeth is instrumental in bringing about her husband s downfall? Consider first of all what the question is referring to. The word instrumental means heavily involved, or exerting a great influence over someone or something. The word downfall means a fall from grace in this case from hero to villain. Think back to the scene when Lady Macbeth first receives news of her husband s strange encounter with the weird sisters (Act One Scene 5). How does she react to this news? Do you think this is strange? Although the witches clearly influence Macbeth s thoughts, how and when does Lady Macbeth exert influence over him too? Act One Scene 7 is a very important scene here, as Macbeth begins by saying We will proceed no further in this business but the scene concludes with him saying I am settled and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat. What did she say to him to bring about this change? In your conclusion you will need to return to the original question and answer it directly just how influential is Lady Macbeth? Would he have proceeded on this terrible course without her? English IPS Code: 105/M 8 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

9 ESSAY QUESTION 2B The friendship between Macbeth and Banquo seems strong at the beginning of the play. How and why, then, does it deteriorate? Begin with an introduction to these two characters their roles in the play and the friendship they share. Cite some examples if you can of how they support one another, particularly in battle. You will need to refer to their strange encounter on the heath. How do their reactions to the witches words differ from one another? Is this significant? Find quotations if you can to illustrate how they react differently. Consider particularly the coronation scene (Act Three Scene 1), in which we actually hear Banquo s fears and suspicions about his friend. There are some revealing words in his opening speech which you could use in your essay! Focus not only on how their relationship deteriorates but why too. Try to avoid simply narrating the story of what happens between them discuss it too, suggesting reasons for their actions and thoughts. Are there any moments in the play when Banquo actually confronts Macbeth? How much of the animosity and suspicion between them is left to our imagination? When do we really know how they feel? English IPS Code: 105/M 9 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

10 ESSAY QUESTION 2C The relationship between Macbeth and his wife is a turbulent one, but it does not lack love or loyalty. How is this relationship tested in the play, and what are the consequences for the marriage? Consider how the love which these characters feel for one another is revealed in the play. Cite some examples of them speaking affectionately to one another. What evidence is there in the play to suggest that they feel loyalty to one another and to their marriage? As for the previous essay, Act One Scene 7 is an important scene here, and it reveals how Macbeth is resolved to act not only for his own sake but for the sake of his wife and to demonstrate his love for her. The banquet scene is an important scene too for it truly tests their relationship as Macbeth begins to weaken and reveal clues to his guilt. Lady Macbeth fears that his weakness and his lack of resolve will unveil their crime to those around them. How does their relationship suffer because of their obsessions and ambitions? Look closely for clues in the way they react to one another as the play progresses. Does their love become overshadowed by their greed? English IPS Code: 105/M 10 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

11 ESSAY QUESTION 2D What kind of relationship does Macbeth seem to have with the weird sisters on the heath? Discuss how Macbeth comes to regard these strange witches. You will need to revisit Macbeth s first encounter on the heath (Act One Scene 3). Focus particularly on how Macbeth regards these witches. How does he react to their words? Compare Macbeth s reaction to Banquo s. How does Macbeth differ? Do you think he shows interest in what they are saying? Does he take them more seriously than Banquo does from the start? Consider Macbeth s letter to his wife (Act One Scene 5). How does he speak of the witches? How does he feel about them? Does he dismiss them or does he suggest in his letter that this encounter was significant? Do you think Macbeth comes to rely on the witches for guidance and strength? Think about when he returns to see them in Act Four Scene 1. How does he regard them then? In your conclusion you will need to sum up the nature of Macbeth s relationship with the weird sisters, considering the extent to which he has become dependent on them, and the amusement which they derive from him. English IPS Code: 105/M 11 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

12 ESSAY QUESTION 2E Comment on the nature of the relationship between Macbeth and Macduff as the play unfolds. How do the witches come to influence this relationship? Think about what we, as readers, know about these two men from the start. What do they have in common? How are they different? When are we first introduced to Macduff? What do we learn about him? Remember it is he who first sees Duncan dead. Revisit this scene (Act Two Scene 3). How does Macduff s reaction to the killing differ from Macbeth s? When does Macduff begin to suspect Macbeth of foul play? When does Macbeth begin to show concern about Macduff? You will, of course, need to mention the brutal killing of Macduff s wife and child, at the orders of Macbeth. How does Macduff react to the news? Focus on the witches prophecy regarding he who is not of woman born. How does this relate to Macduff? Why did Macbeth not realise it was he whom he should have been fearing all along? How was he confused? Refer to the nature of good and evil and the importance in drama of having a hero and a villain. How do these two characters fulfil these roles? Is this relationship crucial to the story? English IPS Code: 105/M 12 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

13 WRITING TASKS: MACBETH TASK 1: Write character profiles (descriptions) for Banquo and Lady Macbeth. Think about not only their characters and nature, but also the influences they have over Macbeth and the roles they play in his life. TASK 2: Write a descriptive poem entitled The Heath. Describe the sights, sounds and atmosphere on this deserted landscape, moments before Macbeth encounters the three weird sisters. TASK 3: Revisit Act One Scene 5, in which Lady Macbeth reads a letter which she has received from her husband, telling her of his great news. Write the response that she may have written back to her husband, telling him to hurry home soon so that she may share the plans she has for him. TASK 4: Imagine you are one of the Lords in attendance at the royal banquet where Macbeth demonstrates such behaviour (i.e. he sees the ghost of his former friend, Banquo). Describe the events of the evening from your viewpoint. TASK 5: Write a descriptive account of the coronation of Macbeth, writing in the first person narrative in the role of Macbeth s close friend, Banquo. English IPS Code: 105/M 13 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

14 DRAMA ACTIVITIES: MACBETH ACTIVITY 1 In small groups, the children role play a scene using their own words set in Macbeth s castle, the morning after King Duncan has been brutally murdered. The household awakes to the cries of Macduff, and soon suspicion is rife. Share performances and then read the actual scene together (Act Two Scene 3). ACTIVITY 2 Ask the class to perform the scene set on the heath, where Macbeth encounters the weird sisters for the first time. They may choose to use the real script, or to improvise themselves. They will need to include the prophecies which are made. ACTIVITY 3 In groups of three, the children compose their own modern-day versions of the witches spells (Act Four Scene 1). Encourage them to create an alternative to the cauldron e.g. a dustbin and then think up new ingredients for the potion e.g. a mouldy burger, a broken stiletto. Share and evaluate performances. ACTIVITY 4 Remind the children about the banquet scene in which Macbeth sees the ghost of his old friend, Banquo (Act Three Scene 4). Invite them to consider this scene from a different perspective: the guests and Lady Macbeth can all see the grizzly apparition, but Macbeth cannot. How might the scene be played out? How will the question of Macbeth s guilt be addressed? ACTIVITY 5 Invite the children to take turns to sit in the hot seat at the front of the class and field questions from the floor in the role of a given character from the play. Interesting characters to choose might be: the Doctor, a witch, Macduff, Malcolm. English IPS Code: 105/M 14 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

15 GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND DEBATES: MACBETH DISCUSSION TOPIC 1 Would Macbeth have fallen from grace in this way had he not met the witches on the heath? What evidence is there to suggest he might have become greedy for power anyway? DISCUSSION TOPIC 2 For prophecies to become true, do you need to hear them for yourself? For is it only in hearing of your fate that you then act in a way which brings it about? In other words were the witches prophesying or merely influencing Macbeth s thoughts? DISCUSSION TOPIC 3 Was Banquo right not to speak out and share his fears and suspicions about Macbeth with others? Why did he keep silent? In Act Three Scene 1 we hear of Banquo s suspicions, but should he not have voiced them to the other Lords at the time? Would it have saved his life and the lives of others? DEBATE MOTION 1 This House believes that Lady Macbeth is a witch. DEBATE MOTION 2 This House believes that it was Malcolm who persuaded the witches to meet with Macbeth in the first place. It was he who dreamt up the whole sordid plan so that he could hasten his succession to the throne. English IPS Code: 105/M 15 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)

16 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING FICTION Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb Macbeth (Shakespeare: the Animated Tales) by Leon Garfield Macbeth (Classic Drama) Audio CD with Stephen Dillane and Fiona Shaw Mr William Shakespeare s Plays by Marcia Williams POETRY ANTHOLOGIES Shakespeare s Sonnets edited by Katherine Duncan-Jones The Nation s Favourite Shakespeare BBC Books The Sonnets (Cambridge School Shakespeare) NON-FICTION Shakespeare by Bill Bryson Macbeth study guide produced by York Notes Macbeth Shakespeare Made Easy edited by Alan Durband The Wicked Wit of William Shakespeare compiled by Dominique Enright English IPS Code: 105/M 16 ENGLISH IN PREP SCHOOLS (2008)