Macbeth test on Friday 5/28 (this week)

If you will not be here Friday for the test, please see me prior to the test to make alternative arrangements.

Act 5 - notes - review (scs 1-4)

Act 5, sc i - Duncinane - the King's castle
Lady Macbeth incriminates herself in the various murders as she sleepwalks at night.  She tries desperately in sleep to wash her hands clean of the bloody "spots".  The doctor tells the gentlewoman that there is nothing he can do to cure her as she is not physically sick... she needs spiritual help to clean her conscience.

Act 5, sc ii - The country near Birnam Wood
The English army is gathering... growing strong.  They are not afraid of Macbeth and are resolved in their purpose to over throw him.  They call him a "tyrant" and discuss that his army only fights because they are commanded to and not because they  passionate about their job.

Act 5, sc iii -Duncinane
Macbeth starts to faulter and tries to convince himself that he has nothing to fear... but he is clearly trying to hold onto the prophecy of no woman born of man will hurt Macbeth... He questions Malcolm's strength.  He sits in the castle getting armed and ready for battle.  He doesn't want any person is afraid fighting on his behalf.  He tells the doctor to cure Lady Macbeth of what ails her mind. The doctor then says no amount of money will ever bring him back to the castle.

Act 5, sc iv - Country near Birnam Wood
The English army grows stronger... they plan a sneak attack hiding in the shadows so that Macbeth won't know how many people await him.  Shakespeare builds suspsense by shifting settings back and forth showing what each side is doing.  The attack is imminent.

Final Macbeth exam is on Friday, May 28th

Next Friday you will have a test in class... Make sure to come prepared with a pen.

If you miss the test for whatever reason, a makeup exam (that is different from the class exam) will be given upon your return to class.

Getting in your work

If you are having difficulties accessing google docs, please send me your assignments (reflections and/or news articles) via word attachment or as an email.

Please don't use the website as an excuse.

Act 4 study guide

Act 4, sc i

1. Note how many ways the number 3 is used in this supernatural scene.  List the ways - what is the significance?
2. Describe the first apparition.  What is the message?
3. Describe the second apparition. What is the message? What does Macbeth decide to do? Note: Macduff's mother was dead when he was born, thus he is not considered "of woman born"
4. Describe the third apparition.  What is its message?
5. What does Macbeth finally ask of the witches? What is their initial response - before bringing on the line of kings?
6. Upon viewing the lineage of Banquo, what does Macbeth Lastly request? (121)
7. What news does Lennox bring to Macbeth?
8. What is meant by "from this moment/the very firstling of my heart shall be/ the firstling of my hand..."
9. What does Macbeth plan to do? (147-151)

Act 4, sc ii

1. Why is Lady Macduff angry at her husband?
2. Why does the son know his father is still alive?
3. What is most horrible about the impending murders of Lady Macduff and her son? How does the messenger heighten this concept?
4. How does this scene end? What is the dramatic effect?

Act 4, sc iii

1. In their conversation, find the line: a) Malcolm does not trust Macduff b)Malcolm questions why Macduff would leave his family c) Malcolm explains he may prove to be WORSE, more despotic than Macbeth d)List that which Malcolm explains he might do were he to become king (This is to test Macduff's allegiance) e) What is Macduff's response - that earns him Malcom's trust? (cite ln and ln #s)
2. List the King becoming graces as stated by Malcolm (90-94).
3. What help has Siward (General from England) supplied Malcolm in his plan to retake the throne of Scotland?
4. What news is brought to Macduff by Ross? Why does Macduff feel responsible?
5. What revenge does Malcolm suggest? Paraphrase and write the original line with proper citation
6. What does Malcolm swear to do?

Act 3 - study guide

Please make sure that your groups address the answers to the following questions in your presentations starting on Monday...

Act 3, Sc i

1. What suspicion does Banquo reveal in his opening speech, beginning with "thou has it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, /As the weird women promised"?
2. What does Macbeth request of Banquo and Fleance?
3. Why is Macbeth so interested in their riding plans?
4. In his soliloquy, Macbeth expounds upon his reasons for not being happy having attained his crown.  What is bothersome?
5. How does Macbeth convince the murderers to take care of Banquo and Fleance?
6. Fine the lines tht tell who will be killed, when it will be done and who will devise the plan

Act 3, sc ii

1. Note the lines that display Lady Macbeth's discontent.
2. Of what does Macbeth complain and how does his wife respond to "cheer him"? (lines 14-29)
3. Why is Duncan to be envied?
4. How do we know Lady Macbeth is kept from knowing the plot against Banquo and Fleance? (cite lines) What does this show about the Macbeths' marriage and how their roles have changed?

Act 3, sc iii

1. Who joins the two murderers? Where is the scene set and why?
2. Who first hears the approach of Banquo and Fleance?
3. What is the result of the ambush of Banquo and Fleance?

Act 3, sc iv

1. What information is shared with Macbeth by the first murderer?
2. What does Lady Macbeth remind Macbeth to do - as he once again becomes saddened? (li 33-38)
3. Who invites Macbeth to sit next to him at the banquet? Who, then, sits in Macbeth's place?
4. Who first mentions Banquo's absence?
5. Describe Macbeth's reaction to the visitor:
6. What does Lady Macbeth give an excuse for her husband's behavior?
7. Upon toasting the guests, Banquo's ghost reappears.  Paraphrase what Macbeth says to the ghost in lines 99-107.
8. How does Lady Macbeth once again distract teh company from hearing anything further?
9. What nobleman is missing from the feast?
10. To whom does Macbeth plan to go for advice?
11. What does Lady Macbeth believe her husband needs first?
12. What is meant by "... we are young yet in our deeds."

Act 3, sc v

1. Why is Hecate angry at the three witches?

Act 3, sc vi

1. Where has Macduff gone? According to the Lord conversing with Lennox, who is there as well? What are they planning?
2. Was the third murderer Macbeth? Take a stand and use the lines of the play and action to prove your opinions.  No right or wrong answer.

Act 1 - study guide

Please write the answers to the following questions in your notebooks.




Act 1, sc i



What words can be used to describe the atmostphere? What is the mood?

Define paradox

find a paradoxical line in the witch's speech and write it down (use the online version)



Act 1, sc ii

Definition of antecedent action: A preceding occurrence, cause, or event.





List the antecedent actions as explained by:

the sargeant:

Ross:

2. What title is bestowed upon Macbeth? by whom?



Act 1, sc iii



What evil deeds done by the tree witches are discussed?

What 3 predictions are made by the witches about Macbeth? Quote lines

What do they say about Banquo?

How do Banquo and Macbeth differe in their reactions to the witches?

What information do Ross and Angus bring to Macbeth?

Write the line and then paraphrase: How does Banquo "caution" Macbeth?

In your own words, summarize Macbeth's soliloquy.

Act 1, sc iv



How does Malcolm describe Cawdor's death?

In his discussion with Macbeth King Duncan displays a soft, emotional side. What does he say?

Explain how Macbeth's humble words reflect the acceptable relationship between the king and those beneath him.

By the end of this scene, a) what announcement is made by Duncan? b) where are Duncan and his entourage headed? c) why is Macbeth going on ahead of them?

Define dramatic irony (review)

How does Duncan's line ending the act reflect dramatic irony?

Act 1, sc v



Briefly explain the contents of the letter Lady Macbeth reads. Find teh line that reflects her fear that Macbeth may be unable to do what is necessary to become king.

In Lady Macbeth's soliloquy (lines 37-49)what does she request of the spirits? Be specific and explain Why she makes the requests in the light of the society of that time.

Why does Lady Macbeth cry, "Your face, my thane, is as a book where men may read strange matters." (56-57)

What directsions does Lady Macbeth give her husband?

What is her purpose?

Act 1, sc vi - Setting: Inverness, Macbeth's Castle



Explain the dramatic irony of the Setting and in Lady Macbeth is the perfect hostess.

Act 1, sc vii



What 2 reasons does Macbeth give for backing out of teh plan to kill Duncan?

How does Macbeth describe the king - which allows us to sympathize with Duncan?

What does Macbeth claim overrides any of the above... quote the lines directly

How does Lady Macbeth take her husbaqnd to task, ending with the insulting reference to "the poor cat in the old adage" ?

In Lady Macbeth's reaction to her husband's ambivalence, reticence, what act does she say she would perform has she sworn to do so? What is her point?

How does Lady Macbeth plan to take care of teh King's guards. Paraphrase, but cite the lines

Why does Macbeth feel his weife should "Bring forth male children only." How does this relate to Macbeth's earlier requests of the spirits?

What is teh murder plan?

What is meant by "False face must hide what false heart doth know"?

Act 2 study guide

1. Whose sleep has been tormented by "cursed thoughts"? Why?
2. What is Macbeth's "dagger of the mind" vision? Explain what he sees and what he decides at the end of this soliloquy.
3. What help Lady Macbeth back from killing the king herself?
4. What is Macbeth's state after the murder? Use Quotes
5. Why does she insult Macbeth yet again?
6. How does the porter answer the door? What is the significance of this line? What is this scene meant to do?
7. Who is at the door and how is the murder realized?
8. How does Macbeth explain the murder of the chamberlains?
9. Where do Duncan's sons go? and Why?
10. Who does Macduff suspect the murderer to be? how do you know?
11. The storms and bizarre circumstances that accompany the witches' appearances and Duncan's murder are more than mere atmospheric disturbances. Explain.

Act 3 and 4 - group break down

Act 3, sc 1-2,  p. 81-95 (5 people) - set to go on Monday, 5/17 (period 8 can add 1 person)
Act 3, sc 3-4, p. 95-109 (5 people) -set to go Tuesday, 5/18 (period 8 add 1 person)
Act 3, sc 5-6 p.111-115 (4 people) set to go Tuesday, 5/18 (period 8 can add 1 person)

Act 4, sc 1, p.119-131 (5 people) set to go on Thursday,  5/20 (period 8 can add 1 person)
Act 4, sc 2 p. 133-139 (4 people) set to go on Thursday, 5/20 (period 8 can add 1 person)
Act 4, sc 3 p. 139-157 (4 people) set to go Friday, 5/21 (period 8 can add 1 person)

Act 2 - Make sure you have read all of Act 2 by class tomorrow

You will have time in class today to complete the scenes not read in class yesterday...

If you didn't get a chance to finish all of it (period 8 in particular) Make sure you read the rest of Act 2 and the reactions to Duncan's death

The Murder of Duncan happens in Act 2, scenes 1 and 2 - how does it go down?

Confusion's Masterpiece  in Act 2, scenes 3 and 4 - what are the immediate results of Duncan's murder? What of the suspicion and alienation of Macduff and Duncan's sons?

Understand the Porter scene is provide well needed humor to digest the murder of the king... he complains about his menial job and talks about the night of debauchery that just passed.

Who is blamed for Duncan's death?

What of the image of blood?

What of the idea of handwashing? 

Answer all of the above in your notebook... Make sure you have taken notes... I have posted a link to the whole play a few posts down.

Scene stealers - group activity

You will be performing scenes from Acts 3 and 4.

You will be assigned a scene where your group will be expected to act before the class (you may use the books... don't have to memorize)
You will have to follow stage directions
Use props
Create context

Once you are done performing, you will need to explain what happened in your scene and.how it is important to the plot
You should also be able to speak to specific literary elements that are employed in your scene - irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, figurative language, motif, theme

Then all group members will have to reflect to be submitted via google docs:
What was the experience like?
strengths?
weaknesses?
Standards addressed - nylearns.org
what would you do differently?

Short writing activity - King Duncan has been murdered!

Write a news story about the death of Duncan and its immediate results.  You may use modern newspaper style or you may try to capture the flavor of the 11th century.

Make sure to include an active headline
a byline
a strong lead
the who, what, when, where, why and how using the inverted pyramid

Due May 19th via google docs

Macbeth text - online

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126611413 - hand washing on NPR

http://shakespeare.mit.edu/macbeth/full.html

http://shakespeare.mit.edu/macbeth/ - if you want to skip around by act and scene

http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/xMacbeth.html -study guide and supplemental info

Impressions of Macbeth so far... Act 1, sc 1-4

What do you think so far?

Post your ideas.

Independent Reading Assignment

The last assignment is due on Friday, May 7th.  please make sure you complete the assignment for work in class with the laptops.

If it isn't complete, come to class with a book to read on Friday.