Macbeth (2021)

Lesson 8
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ELA

Unit 15

10th Grade

Lesson 8 of 23

Objective


Explain how this scene contributes to the rising action of the play.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare  — Act 2, Scene 3

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does this scene contribute to the rising action of the play? 

Key Questions


  • Why would Shakespeare choose to open the scene with a joking porter?
  • How will this affect later events in the scene?
  • Why has Shakespeare chosen to have Macbeth lead Macduff to the door? How does this change the mood?
  • Examine the diction used in Lennox’s words in lines 61–69. How does Shakespeare use diction here to contribute to the rising action?
  • Which technique is Shakespeare using in line 70? How does it contribute to the tension in the scene? 
  • Circle strong diction that contributes to the atmosphere of the scene in lines 73–92.
  • What else does Shakespeare do here to build atmosphere/mood?
  • What are Donalbain’s and Malcolm’s first lines? Why has Shakespeare done this?
  • What does Macbeth do when he discovers the dead king? (124–125)
  • How do Macbeth’s actions above contribute to the mood?
  • What reason does Macbeth give for killing the stewards? (127–128)
  • What does Lady Macbeth do in reaction to the news?
  • What will Malcolm and Donalbain do and why? (160–172) Be specific.
  • Read the line: “The near in blood, the nearer bloody.” Using the translation, explain how this is actually true for Malcolm and Donalbain.

Notes


  • Note: this is a very long scene and may need to be broken up. 
  • Rising action: heightens mood/tension through dialogue, character
  • Assign Act 2.4 for homework.

Next

Track Macbeth’s character development and changes since Act 1.

Lesson 9
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Lesson Map

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