Curriculum / ELA / 10th Grade / Unit 10: Macbeth / Lesson 9

Macbeth

Lesson 9

ELA

Unit 10

10th Grade

Lesson 9 of 23

Objective

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

Readings and Materials

Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare — Act 2, Scene 4 and Act 3, Scene 1

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Target Task

Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved

Multiple Choice

What problem does Macbeth present in his soliloquy? (52–55)

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What does Macbeth admit in lines 59–60?

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Writing Prompt

How has Macbeth’s character changed since Act 1 and Act 2?

How has Shakespeare developed the motif of order and chaos in the opening two acts? Explain the techniques he has used and what they are conveying.

Key Questions

Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding

Review Questions for Act 2.4

How long has the Old Man been alive? How does “this sore night” compare to nights in the past for the old man? (1–5)
What strange event does the Old Man describe in lines 13–16?
What other strange event do Ross and the Old Man bring up in lines 17–24?
Who does Macduff blame for the murder?
What does Macduff tell us about Malcolm and Donalbain in lines 35–38?
If the word “sovereignty” means king, what does Ross predict for Macbeth in lines 40–42?
What does Macduff tell Ross about Macbeth? (43–44)
Where is Macduff off to?
What motif is reinforced at the end in lines 55–56?

Act 3.1

What do lines 1–5 imply about the relationship between Banquo and Macbeth.
What does Macbeth ask of Banquo in lines 15–16? Why do you think he does this?
What has Banquo been spending his time doing? (20–30) When will he return? (30)
Why would Macbeth be curious about where Banquo has been and why?
What do lines 33–35 imply about Macbeth’s character?
What problem does Macbeth present in his soliloquy? 52–55
Which trait guides Banquo’s valor? (58) How is this problematic for Macbeth?
What does Macbeth admit in lines 59–60?
What is Macbeth saying in lines 69–75?
Who is Macbeth blaming for all of the murderer’s misfortunes? (92)
Based on lines 120–128, what can the reader infer of both murderers?
Circle the line in which Macbeth tells a major lie. Why does he tell this lie?
What is Macbeth doing in lines 148–155? Who is this like?
What will happen to Fleance?
What is Macbeth’s intention in his final lines?
Discuss: Is this the same Macbeth as Act 1? Different? How so?

Notes

Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson

Here, Macbeth plans for Banquo’s murder. This is a key shift in character. In Act 1.1 he is still loyal and noble to his king. However, as the act progresses he murders the king. This murder, however, was prompted by his wife. Here we see Macbeth plan a murder of a good friend all on his own.
Assign Act 3.2 for homework.

Lesson 8

Lesson 10

Lesson Map

Macbeth — Act 1, Scenes 1-2

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

Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 3

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

Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 4

Characterize King Duncan.

Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 5

Characterize Lady Macbeth. Analyze the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 6

Analyze Macbeth’s internal conflict in his soliloquy and explain how Lady Macbeth ultimately influences his decision.

Macbeth — Act 2, Scene 1

Analyze and explain Shakespeare’s use of the symbolism to convey Macbeth’s thoughts just before the murder.

Macbeth — Act 2, Scene 2

Analyze how Shakespeare builds both mood and suspense in this scene.

Describe the symbolism of “washing the hands."

Macbeth — Act 2, Scene 3

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

Macbeth — Act 2, Scene 4 and Act 3, Scene 1

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

Macbeth — Act 3, Scenes 2 and 3

Independently read and analyze Act 3, Scene 3.

Macbeth — Act 3, Scene 4

Analyze and explain how Shakespeare reveals Macbeth’s humanity throughout this scene.

Macbeth — Act 3, Scenes 5 and 6

Explain how Act 3, Scene 5 contributes to the plot as a whole.

Macbeth — Act 4, Scene 1

Analyze the events of Act 4, Scene 1 and explain how they contribute to the falling action of the play.

Macbeth — Act 4, Scene 2

Explain how Shakespeare solidifies Macbeth’s ultimate fate in Act 4, Scene 2.

Macbeth — Act 4, Scene 3

Defend a position regarding Macduff’s loyalty.

Macbeth — Act 4, Scene 3

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

Macbeth — Act 5, Scene 1

Analyze the change in Lady Macbeth’s character and explain what caused it.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scene 2

Analyze and interpret the figurative language in this scene.

Explain how this scene relates to the prophecy.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scene 3

Explain how this scene reveals Macbeth’s humanity.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scenes 4-6

Analyze Macbeth’s soliloquy to determine his mental state before the battle.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scenes 7 and 8

Explain how the denouement of the play restores order to the chaos.

“Morality as Anti-Nature”

Create and defend an argument about morality and Macbeth.

Assessment

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