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Session 1
10 mins: Sparknotes Macbeth summary movie
25 mins: Macbeth animated movie
HA: Read Act 1 Scene 1
Session 2 and 3
30 mins: Introduction to Shakespeare’s Theater
45 mins: Pre‐teaching Themes
Think Write Share Fair
Define in own words/ Give examples / Discuss connotation
Ambition/Blind ambition/Unchecked ambition
Corruption/Power Corrupts/Absolute power corrupts absolutely
10 mins: Introduction to Reading Journal writing
HA: Journal Prompt: Witches
Sessions 4
40 mins: Pre‐teaching Themes
Think Write Share Fair
Define in own words/Give examples/Discuss connotation
Free will/Fate/Fate vs. Free will
HA: Look up these literary devices:
Equivocation
Foreshadowing
Paradox
Session 5
40 mins: Act 1 Scene 1
Discuss:
Setting
Witches
Foreshadowing
Language: Equivocation, Paradox
HA: Read Act 1 Scenes 2 and 3.
Sessions 6 and 7
85 mins: Act 1 Scene 1
Write:
Describe the setting of this scene. How might it be significant considering this is the first scene of the play? What
sort of mood does it create? [5]
The witches say together, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” This is one of the most famous lines in Macbeth. What do
you think it means? [5]
HA: Read Act 1 Scenes 2 and 3.
Session 8
40 mins: Act 1 Scenes 2 and 3
Discuss:
Questions to be divided between 6 groups to discuss, then shared with the class by a designated spokesperson from
each group. Audience will make notes in the given sheet. [Photocopy]
What is ‘a tragic hero’ in literature?
Act 1 Scene 2
1. Summarize the Captain's description of the battle and the part Macbeth played in securing victory.
2a. What does the Sargent specifically report about Macbeth? What does this reveal about Macbeth’s
character?
2b. The Thane of Cawdor was obviously a traitor. What does this foreshadow?
Act 1 Scene 3
3. What do we learn about the witches’ nature and power in Scene 3?
4a. Macbeth's entry is a shock because his first words echo those of the witches in scene one: “So foul and fair a
day I have not seen”. Explain why Macbeth says this line?
4b. What literary purpose does it serve for Macbeth’s first line to echo the witches? To bring him into this
paradoxical theme.
5. What is the witches’ prophecy for Banquo and Macbeth? How are their reactions similar/different?
6. Macbeth's response comes in the form of a soliloquy. What does the soliloquy suggest about Macbeth's state
of mind? What conclusion does Macbeth come to? He is conflicted by ambition and loyalty and fear. He decides
to leave it up to fate – for now.
Session 9
40 mins: Act 1 Scenes 2 and 3
Sharing and discussion (Continuation of previous session)
HA: Read Act 1 Scenes 4 and 5.
Session 10
40 mins: Act 1 Scenes 2 and 3
Write:
Read the sample answer given and then complete the RTC. [Photocopy]
RTC: Explain the quotations by answering these questions: [20]
• Who is the speaker of the quotation? Who (if anyone) is listening?
• Where does the quotation occur within the play?
• What does the quotation reveal about the speaker’s character?
• What does the quotation tell us about other characters within the play?
• What does the quotation show us about the themes of the play?
• What significant imagery do you see in the quotation, and how do these images relate to the overall imagery of
the play?
But ’tis strange.
And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s
In deepest consequence.
(aside) This supernatural soliciting
Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor.
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings.
HA: Read Act 1 Scenes 4 and 5.
Session 11
40 mins: Act 1 Scenes 2 and 3 [Continued from the previous session]
Write:
Read the sample answer given and then complete the RTC. [Photocopy]
Sessions 12 and 13
40 mins: Pre‐teaching Themes
Think Write Share Fair
Define in own words/Give examples/Relate to play
Gender roles/Masculinity/Femininity/examples
40 mins: Act 1 Scenes 4 and 5
Discuss:
Act 1 Scene 4
In lines 12‐14, Duncan is talking about the Thane of Cawdor. Why might his words apply equally to Macbeth?
What happens to make Macbeth realize that he himself must act (and not leave matters to Fate) if he is to
become king?
How does Macbeth’s aside in 1.4.55‐60 shed new light on his loyalty to Duncan?
Duncan greets Macbeth by saying, “There's no art/ To find the mind's construction in the face”. How does this
reflect the fair is foul theme? He is referring to his inability to trust the Thane of Cawdor. It ties into the theme
because it shows that “looks can be deceiving”.
How would you describe Duncan’s character up to this point? He has been a noble and decisive leader who
rewards loyalty.
How does Macbeth react to the naming of Malcolm as heir to the throne? He realizes that he will after give up
his ambition to become king, or move Malcolm out of his way.
What does Macbeth mean when he says:
Stars hide your fires;
Let not light see my black and deep desires:
The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be
What the eye fears, when it is done, to see?
Act 1 Scene 5
Why does Lady Macbeth fear her husband’s “kindness”?
When Lady Macbeth hears that Duncan is coming to Inverness, why does she call this “good news”?
Describe Lady Macbeth as you see her in 1.5, referring to specific actions and lines to support your answer.
What does the tone of Macbeth's letter suggest about his relationship with her? She “wears the pants”. She
holds the power in their relationship, but loves her husband.
Explain her assessment of Macbeth and his ambition. Find a quote to support your answer. She is afraid that he
doesn’t have the stomach for the job. “…yet I do fear…” (lines 15‐18)
Carefully read her soliloquy.
What is she attempting to do? She is steeling herself to prepare for Duncan’s murder.
What do these lines suggest about her psychological state? It shows how deep her ambition is and that
she will stop at nothing (it has made her mad).
Come thick night,
and pall the in the dunnest smoke of hell,
That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,
Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark,
To cry 'Hold hold!'
HA: Journal Prompt: Macbeth’s letter to Lady Macbeth
Session 14 and 15 [Tuesday, 7/2]
40 mins: Imagery
Write:
Analyzing imagery in Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 5 through Interrupted Text worksheet [Photocopy]. Guided
practice of Part 1.
HA: Read Act 1 Scenes 6 and 7.
40 mins: Imagery
Write:
Analyzing imagery in Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 5 through Interrupted Text worksheet [Photocopy].
Independent practice of Part 2. [12]
HA: Read Act 1 Scenes 6 and 7.
Session 16 [Friday, 10/2]
40 mins: Act 1 Scenes 6 and 7.
Discuss:
Act 1 Scene 6
Explain the dramatic irony in (A) Banquo’s description of Macbeth’s castle and (B) Duncan’s greeting of Lady
Macbeth
What impression does Lady Macbeth make in this scene?
Describe the contrast between appearance and reality.
Act 1 Scene 7
After saying that if the deed is to be done it must be done quickly, what arguments does Macbeth raise for not
doing it?
• What does he finally conclude?
• Macbeth tells his wife flatly, “We will proceed no further in this business.” However, Lady Macbeth changes his
mind completely. Describe the arguments by which she persuades him to carry out her plan.
• Macbeth’s response to her about what a man may dare is frequently quoted. What is his meaning?
• What is the point of Lady Macbeth’s baby imagery? Note the many times images of babies and mothers are
presented in this play.
• What evidence is there that Lady Macbeth is in control of Macbeth?
• Who has the power?
What is the plan for killing Duncan?
HA: Prepare Act 1 for RTC assessment on Tuesday, 14/2
Sessions 18 [Monday, 13/2]
40 mins: Act 1 Scene 7
Read and Write:
Read the handout “14 signs of Psychological and Emotional Manipulation” and complete the worksheet “Lady Macbeth
– The Master Manipulator” to analyze LM’s monologue [Photocopy].
HA: Read Act 2 Scenes 1 and 2.
Sessions 19 and 20 [Tuesday, 14/2]
85 mins: Act 1 Assessment
Write:
Reference to Context [Photocopy].
Session 21 [Friday, 17/2]
40 mins: Act 1 Scene 7
Read and Write:
[Continued from the previous session]
Read the handout “14 signs of Psychological and Emotional Manipulation” and complete the worksheet “Lady Macbeth
– The Master Manipulator” to analyze LM’s monologue [Photocopy].
HA: Journal Prompt: Lady Macbeth is shown to be a strong, ambitious, dominant female character who has a great
influence over Macbeth. Write about another such female character from history, literature or movies who breaks the
stereotype of a typically oppressed and submissive woman. Explain how she is similar to and different from Lady
Macbeth.
Read Act 2 Scenes 1 to 4.
Session 22 and 23
40 mins: Act 2 Scenes 1 and 2
Read and Write:
As you read Act 2 Scenes 1 and 2 find evidence for the following and analyze their significance. Discuss answers in your
group and write them on the flipchart. Put up your sheet on the wall. Students to rotate around the class, read each
chart and ask the original group questions or make comments:
Banquo’s uneasiness
Macbeth’s lie
Appearance versus Reality
Foreshadowing
Lady Macbeth’s feminine ‘weakness’
Lady Macbeth’s callousness
Macbeth’s guilt
Color imagery
40 mins: Act 2 Scenes 1 and 2
Discuss and Present:
1. In Scene i, Macbeth asks Banquo to meet him later for “some words.” What incentive does he offer Banquo?
How does Banquo respond?
2. After Duncan’s murder, Lady Macbeth both chides and mollifies Macbeth by saying, “These deeds must not be
thought /After these ways; so, it will make us mad”. How much do you think she understands his state of mind?
3. What excuse does Lady Macbeth give for not killing Duncan herself? What does this show about her?
4. Macbeth is worried about hearing a voice saying, "Macbeth does murder sleep." What does Lady Macbeth then
tell him to do?
5. Why won't Macbeth take the daggers back to the scene of the crime?
6. Characterizations, themes and devices.
HA: Read Act 2 Scenes 1 to 4.
Session 24
40 mins: Act 2 Scenes 1 to 4
Write:
RTC passage will be given for analysis.
Session 25
40 mins: Act 3
Discuss:
Why does Macbeth have Banquo killed? Macbeth fears that Banquo's children will end up with the throne and
he doesn't want that to happen.
Why does Macbeth hire murderers to kill Banquo? He is already guilty enough from killing Duncan and doesn't
want to have more guilt by killing his friend Banquo.
How does Macbeth feel with his new found power? He is very insecure about having one of his enemies take it
from him.
What happens when the murderers try to kill Banquo and his son? They kill Banquo but let his son Fleance
escape.
What does the ghost of Banquo do to Macbeth's paranoia? It makes him completely insane. He knows that he
can never be free of the guilt connected with the murders of his friends.
How does Lady Macbeth make her husband feel better after seeing the ghost? She attempts to get him to go to
sleep.
Session 26
40 mins: Characterization ‐ Macbeth
Students will read article ‘Power DOES go to your head’ and make notes. They will connect to how Macbeth is corrupted
by power to the various ways given in the article that show how corrupt people misuse their power.
HA: Journal Prompt: Find a character in history whose life fits the saying ‘power corrupts’. Explain what they were like
before they became powerful, how did they achieve power, misuse their power, and finally how did their life end.
Session 27 and 28
30 mins: Characterization – Macbeth
Discuss and Plan:
Students will use the article given in the previous session to plan and answer an essay question. The notes they made in
the last session will be shared and discussed. They will also be given a handout on vocabulary/ sentence frames for
writing analysis. They will plan with teacher guidance.
55 mins: Characterization – Macbeth
Write:
How has Macbeth been corrupted by power? [15]
HA: Read Act 4 and complete the worksheet.
Session 29
40 mins: Act 4
Discuss:
Students will share and discuss the answers they wrote in their worksheet for Act 4.
Session 30
40 mins: Act 5
Read and Write:
Students will read the article ‘Top 5 Regrets of the Dying’. They will then choose either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth and
write what they think would be the 5 things their chosen character might regret.
HA: Read Act 5
Journal Prompt: What's your greatest regret so far, and what will you set out to achieve or change before you die?
Session 31 and 32
40 mins: Act 5
Activity Bank to be used if time
1. Think/Pair/Share/Fair
tyrant/tyranny
2. Complete the worksheet “The Criminal Mind” to show the development of Macbeth’s character at the end of
Act 1 [Macbeth packet pg 8] [Photocopy].
3. [Manga Macbeth pg 54 of reader, pg 47 of comic for fill the blank speech bubbles at end of Act 2]
4. Journal Prompt: Choose a painting of scenes from Macbeth and analyze the artwork, write artist bio, choose
quotes from the play and analysis of quote.
5. Watch Simpsons and complete worksheet [End of play]
6. Paradox Folger Act 1 scene 3
Lesson Plan Worksheets (given below)
Notes
Use a pencil to jot down your ideas. Your notes should be in words and phrases. DO NOT USE COMPLETE
SENTENCES.
Act 1 Scene 2
• 1. Summarize the Captain's description of the battle.
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• 2a. What does the Captain specifically report about Macbeth? What does this reveal about Macbeth’s
character?
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• 2b. The Thane of Cawdor was obviously a traitor. What does this foreshadow?
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Act 1 Scene 3
• 3. What do we learn about the witches’ nature and power in Scene 3?
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• 4a. Macbeth's entry is a shock because his first words echo those of the witches in scene one: “So foul and fair a
day I have not seen”. Explain why Macbeth says this line?
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• 4b. What literary purpose does it serve for Macbeth’s first line to echo the witches?
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• 5. What is the witches’ prophecy for Banquo and Macbeth? How are their reactions similar/different?
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• 6. Macbeth's response comes in the form of a soliloquy. What does the soliloquy suggest about Macbeth's state
of mind? What conclusion does Macbeth come to?
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Reference to Context (RTC) Sample Answer
Explain the quotation by answering these questions:
• Who is the speaker of the quotation? Who (if anyone) is listening?
• Where does the quotation occur within the play?
• What does the quotation reveal about the speaker’s character?
• What does the quotation tell us about other characters within the play?
• What does the quotation show us about the themes of the play?
• What significant imagery do you see in the quotation, and how do these images relate to the overall
imagery of the play?
If you can look into the seeds of time
And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Speak, then, to me, who neither beg nor fear
Your favors nor your hate.
These lines are spoken by Banquo to the Witches while Macbeth is also present. Banquo and
Macbeth are on their way home after defeating the invading Norwegian army when they
encounter three witches who prophesize that Macbeth will be the future king. Banquo’s
curiosity and suspicion are aroused as he doubts the Witches’ prediction but wants to test whether
what they can see in his future comes true or not. However, he is indifferent to their predictions,
because he believes them to be evil, compared to Macbeth who is intrigued by the Witches and
wants to believe that they are speaking the truth.
The theme of Fate versus Free Will is introduced here as Shakespeare makes not only the
characters but also the audience wonder and question whether Banquo and Macbeth are
destined to get the honors promised to them by the Witches or will they need to take action to
ensure they get what the Witches prophesied.
An interesting image is shown to the readers through the analogy of a growing grain of seed to illustrate the
idea that time will tell whether the Witches’ predictions come true or not.
But ’tis strange. But ’tis strange.
And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths, The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s
In deepest consequence. In deepest consequence.
(aside) This supernatural soliciting (aside) This supernatural soliciting
Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success, Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor. Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor.
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings. Are less than horrible imaginings.
But ’tis strange. But ’tis strange.
And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths, The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s
In deepest consequence. In deepest consequence.
(aside) This supernatural soliciting (aside) This supernatural soliciting
Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success, Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor. Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor.
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings. Are less than horrible imaginings.
But ’tis strange. But ’tis strange.
And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths, The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s Win us with honest trifles, to betray ’s
In deepest consequence. In deepest consequence.
(aside) This supernatural soliciting (aside) This supernatural soliciting
Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success, Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor. Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor.
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings. Are less than horrible imaginings.
Théodore Chassériau. Macbeth and Banquo Meeting the
William Blake. 1795. ‘Pity’. Macbeth Act 1 Scene 7. Pen Witches on the Heath (1855) Act 1 Scene 3. Oil on canvas.
and ink, watercolor on paper.
MACBETH: ACT IV STUDY QUESTIONS
Scene 1
1. Record two disgusting things the witches put into the cauldron:
2. Complete the following chart for the apparitions:
Form/Appearance Quote/Prediction for Macbeth
First Apparition
Second Apparition
Third Apparition
3. What is the answer to Macbeth’s question: “shall Banquo’s issue ever / Reign in this kingdom?”
4. Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff has “fled to England.” What does Macbeth intend to do in
response to Macduff’s action?
Scene 2
5. How does Lady Macduff react to the news that her husband has gone to England?
6. The conversation between Lady Macduff and her son is supposed to be comic relief (it can occur
just before a tense scene). However, like the porter scene, ridiculous characters/scenes often have
a hidden truth. What truth does this scene make about being a traitor during the rule of a tyrant?
Scene 3
7. The English King is a great example of a foil for Macbeth. Below, record a quote about each
King’s hands and the role his hand plays with his subjects:
The English King Macbeth
8. Ross, Macduff and Malcolm each have different reactions to the murder of Macduff’s family. How
do they react?
Ross:
Macduff:
Malcolm: