Macbeth Reading 2 Date Objectives Read Macbeth Act

Macbeth Reading 2 Date: Objectives • Read Macbeth Act 1 scene 4 -7 • Understand what’s going on in the story. • Mark important quotes and complete exercises. Warm-up Trust – define and explain.

Today’s Reading • Act 1 Scene 4, (starts around 13. 30 min) (3 minutes) • Macbeth is officially given the title of Thane by King Duncan, who also gives the title of ‘Prince of Cumberland’ to his son; Malcolm. This annoys Macbeth. • Act 1 Scene 5 (4 minutes) • This scene introduces Lady Macbeth; his wife, who thinks Macbeth is too nice to do what needs to be done. She and Macbeth plot to kill their way to power. • Act 1, Scene 6 (3 minutes) • King Duncan arrives at Macbeth’s castle and is greeted warmly by Lady Macbeth. • Act 1 Scene 7 (5 minutes) • Macbeth is unsure about killing his king while Lady Macbeth questions his manhood. Audiobooks at https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=XEYzz 3 xlafo – ends at 29. 30

Notes – Act 1 Scene 4 • This scene begins with news of the Thane of Cawdor’s execution. King Duncan was surprised at the Thane’s betrayal and comes to the conclusion that one cannot judge someone based on appearances. • During this time in Scotland, titles and honours were not hereditary. Things like kingship were not passed from father to son without question. A person earned titles through achievements. Duncan names his son, Malcolm, the new Prince of Cumberland however, despite Macbeth winning the last battle almost single-handedly. • Macbeth, who might not have even thought about kingship before the witches, is now very annoyed. Duncan invites himself to Macbeth’s home as Macbeth is thinking of killing him. Macbeth rides ahead to speak to his wife.

Notes – Act 1 Scene 5 • Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband in which he explains everything that has just happened. She really wants the witches prophecy to come true; for Macbeth to be King and her to be Queen of Scotland. • She knows her husband however and believes he might be too nice a person to murder his way to power. She thus calls on evil spirits to make her less lady-like and more capable of doing the evil acts necessary to gain power. • Macbeth enters and she asks that he leave all the planning to her. All he has to do is act innocent and play host to the king.

Notes – Act 1 Scene 6 • The King arrives at the castle. He appears nice and gentle as he compliments the castle and it’s surroundings. He has no idea what is being plotted within those walls. When he meets Lady Macbeth, he apologises and thanks her for the trouble he causes in coming to stay. • Lady Macbeth does not reveal her evil intentions. She is polite and humble, thanking Duncan for the honour of hosting him while only moments before she was plotting his death. • King Duncan confuses the reason why Macbeth rode so fast and got to the castle ahead of them. He believed it was out of love for his wife while really it was about the witches prophecy and the plot to murder him.

Notes – Act 1 Scene 7 • While the lords and king are enjoying a feast, Macbeth is alone in his chambers. He debates with himself what he should do. He comes up with a list of reasons NOT to kill Duncan: violence leads to more violence, they are kinsmen, they are king and loyal subject, Duncan is a guest in his home, Duncan is a good man and murder is a sin. Macbeth believes there is no good reason to kill Duncan. • Lady Macbeth enters and gives a list of reasons why he should kill Duncan: Macbeth wants to be king, Macbeth is all talk, Macbeth is a coward, Macbeth is not a real man and ‘she would rather kill her own child than back out of a promise’. • They devise a plan to kill Duncan and Macbeth agrees.

Time for Reflection - pair work 1. Write down the two quotes below and what you think about them. • “There’s no art To find the mind’s construction in the face” (Act 1, scene 4) • “Come, you spirits, That tend to mortal thoughts, unsex me here” (Act 1, scene 5) 2. Write and perform a scenario / story about the following, based on what happened in the play but about yourself. You wanted to be in charge or the leader of something but someone else was chosen. You talk to a friend about this and they suggest that you do some nasty, horrible things so that you are chosen instead. You are unsure but you’re friend insists you try.

Cooldown • Ambition – Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are willing to do anything to get what they want? • What would you be willing to do to get what you want?