Macbeth #10 Act IV Scenes 1-3

02/15/2011

Objectives: Students will understand how Shakespeare uses various literary devices to portray Macbeth's degeration from a hero to a villain.

Aim: a. How did Shakespeare createa feeling of horror and impending doom at the beginning of Act IV? (scene 1)

b.How does Macbeth's character deteriorate further as demonstrated in the murder of Macduff's family? (scene 2)

c. How has Macduff become the the nemesis of Macbeth?(scene 3)

Literary Concepts- Supernatural element, mood, irony, character's degeneration, nemesis

Agenda-

Do Now: What effects does supernatural power create in the beginning of the Act (IV)? What are the three apparitions ?

Acqusition- Character study of Macbeth and the development of his foil character Macduff as his nemesis

Meaning Making-

Part I Read scene 1 and discuss-

• Why did the witches make their hell-broth? Explain why they included the ingredients they did?
• What is Macbeth's attitude toward the witches when he first greets them?
• Describe the three apparitions in detail and give the exact words of each.
• How does Macbeth react to the words of each apparition?
• What final apparition has such a shattering effect on Macbeth? Why is he so shaken? How does he now feel about the witches?
• How does Macbeth's final soliloquy show a change in his character as a result of his meeting with the witches?

Part II Read aloud scene 2and answer the following questions:

• When did Macduff first show lack of support for Macbeth? What has he done since to provoke Macbeth further?
• How has Macbeth resolved to take actions against him?
• Why is Ross present at Macduff's castle? How does his appearance here show a weakening of Macbeth's position
• .List words or phrases that represent her feelings for her husband, Macduff.
• Use your own words to rephrase how her son feels towards his father, Macduff.
• Explain who the stranger might be who came to warn Lady Macduff to flee. Who could have sent him?

Part III (Scene 3)

• View the map of the Great Britain. Try to picture in your mind the distance between Scotland and England.
• Where does the scene take place? What has Malcolm been doing in England?
• Why is Malcolm suspicious of Macduff in the beginning? Is his suspicion justified?
• Why does Malcolm put all kinds of evils on himself? List all the evils he described.
• How does Macduff respond to Malcolm when he accuses himself of being lustful and avaricious?
• What finally causes Macduff to break and reject allegiance to Malcolm? How does his reaction insure Malcolm of his real royalty?
• Find at least four lines at two different places in this scene to respond ( you must find the lines that evoke strong feelings in you to respond). Copy the lines and write your responses separately; Or you may use double entry journal to do this.
• On line 156 a doctor enters, and there is talk of King Edward of England whom people touch to rid them of maladies. What reason do you think Shakespeare included this scene in the play? Visit the web site again to review the divine rights of a king
• Why has Ross come to England? What CONDITIONS IN Scotland does he describe?
• Why does he use ambiguity in his answer to Macduff’s questions? How does macduff receive the news of his family’s slaughter? How is he now in a stronger dramatic position to serve as nemesis to Macbeth?
• What decision do Malcolm and Macduff make? Who will assist them in their campaign to unseat Macbeth?

Transfer-

• How does Macbeth's final soliloquy show a change in his character as a result of his meeting with the witches? (scene 1)
• The language in this scene is very impressive. Find your favorite lines or expressions in this scene and make a list of them that you would like to share with the class.(scene 2)
• Respond to Malcolm’s line, "Macbeth is ripe for shaking." Is his estimate right?(Scene 3)

Homework Assignment: Analyze how Shakespeare uses various literary devices to portray Macbeth's degeration from a hero to a villain. Consider his reactions to the witches' new prophecies, his dealing with Macduff's family and his reputation home and abroad.