Macbeth (2021)

Lesson 15
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ELA

Unit 15

10th Grade

Lesson 15 of 23

Objective


Defend a position regarding Macduff’s loyalty. 

Readings and Materials


  • Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare  — Act 4, Scene 3

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Explain how Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty in this scene and what he learns from this test. Defend your answer with examples from the text.

Key Questions


  • Which characters are in the scene and in which country does it take place?
  • What does Malcolm think of Macbeth? Use textual evidence.
  • What does Malcolm mean by “To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb t’appease an angry god.” Who is the “lamb” and who is the “angry god”?
  • How does Malcolm counter this in lines 22–25?
  • Which literary technique is used in line 27? 
  • What is Malcolm’s motive for being skeptical in lines 35–37? 
  • What literary technique does Shakespeare use in lines 47–51?
  • What is the effect of the personification in lines 47–51?
  • What has “gracious England” offered according to lines 53–54?
  • Macduff uses three literary techniques in his description of Macbeth. What are they?
  • In lines 70–79, Malcolm makes a case for why he cannot rule. What reasons does he give? 

Notes


  • Malcolm spends the beginning of this scene lying about his character to Macduff, claiming he would be a terrible king. When Macduff still does not falter to support him, Malcolm realizes he can trust Macduff. 
  • Act 4.3 is very long and is therefore split into two days.

Next

Explain the ways in which Macduff serves as a foil to Macbeth.

Lesson 16
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