TRAGEDY A play with an unhappy ending usually

TRAGEDY A play with an unhappy ending, usually involving the downfall of the main character, also known as the Tragic Hero. Falling Action & Resolution Exposition & Rising Action Climax Acts 1 & 2 • The story starts in an ordered society, with the Hero being a respected member of society. Acts 4 & 5 Act 3 • • • Extreme and often violent events take place, usually resulting in a character's death. The characters’ personalities and relationships are changed. • The Hero comes into a direct and final conflict, usually resulting in his death. At the very end, a new hope is presented for the future.

§ Begins as a respectable, well-liked member of society often of a higher class § The Hero has a Tragic Flaw – a characteristic that at first may seem harmless, but will lead to the Hero’s downfall § The Hero has an encounter with a character that changes their priorities, attitudes, and overall behaviour How did these committing questionable acts characteristics § The Hero commits an unforgivable actions which changes apply to Romeo? the lives of the Hero and everyone around them How might they apply to § The Hero loses control over their thoughts and actions, becoming a despicable member of society, almost a Macbeth? § The Hero is consumed by the encounter, and starts villain § In their final confrontation with their opposing forces, the Hero gives in to their Tragic Flaw, faces his mistakes, and dies

Turn from hero to villain Progression of the play

THE WITCHES How have the Witches been portrayed in each version of the scene? How does way they speak and deliver their lines change in each version? Overall, are the Witches good or evil?

“FAIR IS FOUL, AND FOUL IS FAIR: HOVER THROUGH THE FOG AND FILTHY AIR. ” Antithesis = The use of opposites to communicate struggle, contrast, or complex meaning. ‘More light and light, more dark and dark our woes!’ § How does this relate to theme of appearance vs. reality?

§ Duncan § Malcolm § Captain § Lennox § Ross What kind of language is used to describe Macbeth? What sort of person is he expected to be?

"The fearefull aboundinge at this time King James VI King of Scotland in this countrie, of these detestable 1567 – 1603 slaves of the Devil, the Witches or enchaunters, hath moved me (beloved reader) to dispatch in post, this following treatise of mine (. . . ) to resolve the doubting (. . . ) both that such assaults of Satan are most certainly practised, and that the instrument thereof merits most severely to be punished. ” King James I King of England & Ireland 1603 - 1625

CONTEXTUAL TIMELINE Elizabeth I crowned Queen of England William Shakespeare Born Elizabeth I dies King James I (also becomes patron of Shakespeare’s theatre company) 1558 1564 1603 1563 1597 1604 Scotland passes the Witchcraft Act James VI publishes Daemonologie England passes the witchcraft Act Shakespeare writes Macbeth 1606 How are the events in the timeline interlinked? How was Shakespeare affected by the beliefs of James I?

§ First Witch § Second Witch § Third Witch § Macbeth § Banquo § Ross § Angus How do the three prophecies relate to themes of the play: Ambition, the supernatural, appearance vs reality, gender, kingship and fate?

A. At the start of the play Macbeth is a warm and friendly character with many good qualities. B. At the start of the play Macbeth is already a murderous and dark figure whom we dislike. C. At the start of the play Macbeth is show to be capable of violence and cruelty but also to be much admired and respected. D. The Witches poison Macbeth’s character and mind with evil suggestions. E. Strongly Disagree The Witches exploit Macbeth’s ambition. Strongly Agree

“This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good… Present fears are less than horrible imaginings. ” 3 -- Act 1 Scene

The existing Thane of Cawdor has been executed. Before he died, it is revealed that: “ …very frankly he confess’d his treasons, Implored your highness' pardon and set forth A deep repentance: ” To which King Duncan replies: “There's no art To find the mind's construction in the face: He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust. ” What do these lines mean? How did Duncan feel about the Thane of Cawdor? What does he look for in leaders?

“. . MY BLACK AND DEEP DESIRES” Soliloquy = An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone. Only the audience can hear these thoughts. Why would Shakespeare have Macbeth speak his thoughts so only the audience can hear them? Who might Macbeth be trying to hide his true thoughts from, and why? [Aside] The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires, The eye wink at the hand. Yet let that be, Which the eye fears when it is done to see.

Just as Macbeth talks of hiding his “black and deep desires”, Duncan is saying to Banquo: “he [Macbeth] is full so valiant, And in his commendations I am fed; […] It is a peerless kinsman. ” How does the audience feel about Macbeth by the end of the scene?

Lady Macbeth’s Comments Unravelling of Lady Macbeth’s Character Unravelling of Macbeth’s Character Lady Macbeth says that Macbeth is “too full o’th’milk of human kindness” Lady Macbeth is cold and careless – she doesn’t value kindness but instead thinks Macbeth should do whatever it takes to gain power. Macbeth is too forgiving and is weak. It shows his kindness and care for people will be his downfall.