Macbeth Witches Remote learning See link below for

Macbeth Witches Remote learning – See link below for full online script http: //www. shakespeare-online. com/plays/macbeth_1_1. html Tuesday 3 rd November 2020

Lesson Objectives • To understand the context surrounding Macbeth. • To look at how language and structure are used to present key characters. • To explore theme of the supernatural in the opening of the play. Future Learning Previous Learning To understand themes, What do we already know characters and events of about Shakespeare? Macbeth. What do we already know To write analytically about key extracts and the entire about the play? play.

Words of the Week • Jacobean era – Following the Elizabethan era the time King James I was on the throne. • Witches – A woman thought to have evil magic powers, usually achieved through a deal with the Devil. • Supernatural – Something which is beyond the laws of nature.

The Real Macbeth • Shakespeare wrote many historical plays – this one is not quite exact but involves some historical figures. • The original Macbeth killed the previous king of Scotland, Duncan I, in battle in 1040. He ruled for 17 years until the throne was taken from him by an Earl called Siward and given to Duncan’s son, Malcolm. • Write 4 facts about Macbeth • What can we guess about the play from the real events?

King James I and Witches King James I was the king of Scotland (where he was known as James VI) before he became king of both England Scotland. He became king of England after the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603. There was a large sense of distrust for those high up on the social ladder at the time, as well as a lot of violence. James I was also deeply concerned with the issue of witches in his country, after he and his wife nearly drowned when their ship hit bad weather. He blamed the evil spells of witches for the storm, and ordered a witch-hunt when he returned to Scotland. He later wrote “Daemonologie”, a book on witchcraft that inspired further persecution against witches.

Witches • What is a superstition? • Make a list of reasons you think women were accused of witchcraft in this era. Women often accused of witchcraft for a number of reasons. Some may have been older (or younger) women living alone, whose behaviour was perceived as strange. Some practiced their own kind of medicine, specifically treating women’s health. Some were too perhaps seen as too beautiful or overtly sexual to be seen as “normal” for the time. Superstition played a large part in people’s belief in witchcraft.

Rule of three Three is a number with great significance in this play. It also has significance in religion, where it symbolises completeness and harmony. The witches also mirror the Fates of Greek (where they are called the Moirai) and Norse (where they are called the Norns) mythology. The fates decided on the lives of everyone and everything in existence. How do the witches upset these ideas?

The Great Chain of Being During the times Shakespeare was writing, the Jacobean Era, people believed that everyone and everything was arranged in a certain order – a hierarchy. This order was called the Great Chain of Being, The Chain of Being represented the social order of the time. Anything that is outside the chain is considered to be chaos, evil or madness– all of these things are outside the chain and are not considered to be made by God. • ORDER = GOOD • CHAOS = EVIL The Divine Right of Kings meant that rulers were chosen by God. Betrayal of the king was a sin against God, who had chosen that king.

The Great Chain of Being What order would Jacobean society put these things in? Other Minerals God Demons Nobles Men Other Plants Moons Kings Stars Princes Precious Stones Trees Precious Metals Wild Animals Angels Domesticated Animals

The Great Chain of Being • God • Angels • Demons • Stars • Moons • Kings • Princes • Nobles • Men • Wild Animals • Domesticated Animals • Trees • Other Plants • Precious Stones • Precious Metals • Other Minerals

Macbeth – A Brief Summary Macbeth is a the Thane of Glamis and a famous captain in the army of King Duncan of Scotland. Following a battle with Norwegian invaders and another battle with rebels, Macbeth and his friend Banquo come across three witches who deliver a prophecy. Soon, their first prediction comes true, which causes Macbeth to covet the crown of Duncan for himself. How can we apply the Great Chain of Being to this? Why would Shakespeare include the witches? Thane – A kind of Duke Covet – To jealously want

Act 1, scene 1 In the opening scene of the play we meet the three witches. They set the tone for the rest of the play. What is noticeable about the way they speak? What techniques has Shakespeare used in this scene and why? How has Shakespeare used language and structure to present the witches?

How has Shakespeare used language and structure to present the witches? Shakespeare has used language to present the witches. One with says “When shall we three meet again in thunder lightning or in rain? ” This shows she is asking a question, which might mean she is confused. Remote Learning Improve this paragraph!

Act 1, scene 2 We move away from the witches for this scene and meet King Ducan, his son Malcolm and other important men, Donaldbain and Lennox. They receive a report from a wounded captain about the battle and the brave actions of Macbeth and Banquo.

Act 1, scene 2 • Go through the scene again and find quotations that show us what Macbeth is like. • Why would Shakespeare present Macbeth like this at the beginning of the play?

Act 1, scene 3 A crucial scene in the play, the witches meet with Macbeth and Banquo and tell them their prophecies. Answer the following questions with evidence • What have the witches been up to? Why does Shakespeare tell us this? • Why is Macbeth’s first line significant? • What does Banquo say about the witches when he sees them? • What prophecies are made? • How do Banquo and Macbeth react to Macbeth’s new title? • What does Macbeth’s aside (Lines 127 -141) tell us about his thoughts?

How has Shakespeare presented theme of the supernatural? Write a detailed answer to this question, focusing on scene 3. Include all the features of good analytical writing and think about the model response we improved together earlier. Remember to focus on the language and structure used by Shakespeare to present theme. Remember to zoom in on words and techniques and say how they help to prove your point.

Complete the Quotes! No books! “So ____ and ____ a day I have not seen” Macbeth, Act _, scene 3 “In _____, _____ or in ____? ” ____ Witch, Act _, scene _ “____ is ____ and ____ is ____” _____, Act _, scene _ “For ____ Macbeth – well he deserves that name” Captain, Act 1, scene _ “That look not like ______ o’th’earth, and yet are ___? ” _____, Act _, scene _ “Stay, you ______ speakers” _____, Act 1, scene 3