MacBeth

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

         Macbeth

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will have a comprehensive understanding of Macbeth

- themes

- plot

- characters

- place it in context

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain what they will achieve by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about Macbeth?

“The Globe welcomed all sections of society”.

• Wealthy patrons would sit on the balconies; rowdy crowd (penny) would stand in the pit (= the open air section)
  
• companies funded by noblemen
• noisy area: spectacle, phrases that rhyme/are repeated
• tragedy, comedy, history
• this one: tragedy. Hero fails because of own character flaws
• in historical setting: create distance

Reign of Queen Elizabeth I

What did Queen Elizabeth I do?

1. Reinstated Protestantism
2. Voyages of discovery
3. Defeats Spanish Armada
4. Art flourished
5. Internal stability (and some oppression :) )  after Henry VIII

• ''Golden Age of England''

Written for King James I

- James I of England =
   James VI of Scotland 

- focus on king's legitimacy

- Witch-hunting
   (James's obsession)

- 4000 women killed

- Macbeth:  1040 real events

- also made-up parts

Introduction to Macbeth

- One of most famous plays

- 1606

- tragedy 

- themes of ambition, power, and guilt.

Provide a brief overview of Macbeth to set the context for the lesson.

Why should you read Macbeth?

Macbeth - setting

Plot Overview

Macbeth, a Scottish general, receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become the king. Driven by ambition and influenced by his wife, he murders King Duncan and takes the throne. However, guilt and paranoia consume Macbeth, leading to his downfall.

Explain the main plot points of Macbeth, emphasizing the key events and character motivations.

Macbeth - important scenes

Lady Macbeth persuading Macbeth

Macbeth - important scenes

Dagger scene

Act 4. The Witches prophecies:

 “Beware Macduff,” 

“none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth.” 

 Macbeth will be invincible (onverslaanbaar):  

"until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill  Shall come against him.”

Macbeth - important scenes

Lady Macbeth beset by guilt, takes her own life

Next: Macbeth's famous response to death of his wife: 

Loopholing the prophecies... 

c-section

caesarean section = keizersnee

A very rare procedure then, performed only when a woman died during childbirth)

Final scene: a blood-curling struggle with McDuff. 

Macbeth: I can not be harmed by a man born to a woman. 

McDuff: I was untimely ripped from my mother's womb. 

Then McDuff kills Macbeth. 

Malcolm is the new king of Scotland 

Characters

Characters in Macbeth

Macbeth: The ambitious protagonist 

Lady Macbeth: Macbeth's manipulative wife 

Banquo: Macbeth's loyal friend 

The Three Witches: Supernatural beings who influence Macbeth's actions (?)

Donalbain+Malcolm: Duncan's sons and leaders of rebellion

Introduce the main characters in Macbeth, highlighting their roles and relationships.

Themes in Macbeth

Ambition 

Power and Corruption 

Guilt 

Fate vs. Free Will

Supernatural

Discuss the major themes explored in Macbeth and encourage students to think about how these themes are portrayed in the play.

Supernatural Elements

- The witches

- Apparitions 

- Floating dagger (leads Macbeth
   to his victim King Duncan)

- Prophecies 

Which quote from Macbeth is about supernatural elements?

1. Out, damned spot! Out, I say!
2. I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition
3. Is this a dagger which I see before me?
4. Fair is foul, and foul is fair

Which quote from Macbeth is about ambition?

1. Fair is foul, and foul is fair
2. Is this a dagger which I see before me?
3. I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition
4. Out, damned spot! Out, I say!

Which quote from Macbeth is about guilt?

1. Is this a dagger which I see before me?
2. Fair is foul, and foul is fair
3. Out, damned spot! Out, I say!
4. I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition

Which quote from Macbeth is about deception?

1. Out, damned spot! Out, I say!
2. I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition
3. Fair is foul, and foul is fair
4. Is this a dagger which I see before me?

Language and Imagery

Shakespeare's use of poetic language and vivid imagery enhances the dramatic impact of Macbeth. Examples include:
- 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair.'
- 'Is this a dagger which I see before me?'
- 'Out, damned spot!'

Highlight the unique language and imagery used by Shakespeare in Macbeth, providing specific examples.

Character Analysis: Macbeth

Describe Macbeth's transformation from a brave warrior to a ruthless tyrant. Analyze the factors that contribute to his downfall, including his ambition and the influence of the witches and Lady Macbeth.

Engage students in a character analysis of Macbeth, prompting them to examine his motivations, actions, and character development.

Character Analysis: Lady Macbeth

Explore Lady Macbeth's role in Macbeth's descent into darkness. Discuss her ambition, manipulation, and eventual guilt. Examine how she challenges traditional gender roles of the time.

Promote a deeper understanding of Lady Macbeth's character by analyzing her motivations, actions, and the impact she has on the plot.

What leads to Macbeth's downfall?

Who is most to blame for Macbeth's downfall?

The witches

Macbeth

Lady Macbeth

King Duncan

Conclusion

Macbeth is a timeless tragedy that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. By revisiting this play, you gain valuable insights into human nature, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked power.

Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson and emphasize the importance of revisiting Macbeth for a deeper understanding of its themes and relevance.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.