Macbeth (2021)

Lesson 1
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 15

10th Grade

Lesson 1 of 23

Objective


Analyze the exposition of Macbeth, identifying the mood and the traits of major characters. 

Readings and Materials


  • Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare  — Act 1, Scenes 1-2

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Shakespeare develop the mood in the opening scene of the play? Explain using examples from the play.

Characterize Macbeth, Banquo, and Duncan based on Act 1.2. Use evidence to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What does the term “exposition” mean?
  • What is the weather like as the witches convene? What does this signify or foreshadow?
  • What mood is being developed in this scene? How?
  • The witches say that a battle has been “lost and won.” What does that mean? What major motif does this illustrate?
  • How does Shakespeare want readers to feel after reading Act 1, Scene 1?
  • What is the name of the King?
  • Macbeth is a “Thane” what does this mean?
  • Who speaks first? Why would Shakespeare choose to have this person speak first?
  • Why is this first line a question? What central motif is reinforced?
  • Who is Macdonwald? 
  • What is fortune personified as? How is this connected to the motif of chaos and confusion?
  • Track the diction used to describe Macbeth AND the evidence used to describe his actions.
  • What happens at sunset? 
  • What did the Norweyan Lord do? (lines 35–36)
  • What is Macbeth's next action? How does this make Duncan feel? (60–67)
  • Check for understanding: What is Duncan giving Macbeth in return for this action? (73–75)

Notes


  • The exposition is a great time to show students that our analysis will be better than that of No Fear Shakespeare (a version they may have read in the past). Have students compare their analysis at the end of class to that of No Fear Shakespeare and see how much more they pick up on.
  • The mood/atmosphere is one of chaos and confusion. There are many contradictions, and the weather is stormy.
  • By the end of this lesson, students should be able to describe the following characters similarly to what is described below:
    • Macbeth: fierce, violent, loyal warrior
    • Banquo: fierce warrior
    • Duncan: A kind king who rewards Macbeth for his actions against the rebel—this is key to understanding the later betrayal.

Next

Characterize Macbeth and Banquo based on their reaction to the witches.

Lesson 2
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free