Name: Class Period: MACBETH NOTE TAKING GUIDE: ACT I Please note that all italicized terms in this packet must be defined on the final exam. 1. List three characteristics of Macbeth that are heroic. Provide evidence from the text that supports each characteristic. Characteristic Textual Evidence of Characteristic 2. Describe the witches. What role do you believe they will play throughout the text? 3. Who is present when the witches make their prediction? What do they predict? How do these characters react to the witches predictions? 1
4. What is Macbeth afraid of? Why do you think he is afraid of this idea? 5. List three characteristics of Lady Macbeth that are different from archetypal female Shakesperean characters. Note her use of the term unsex in Act I, Scene 5, line 31. Provide evidence from the text that supports each characteristic. Characteristic Textual Evidence of Characteristic 6. Based on her reaction to his letter, what is Lady Macbeth s opinion of her husband? 7. What bizarre event occurs at the end of Act I? Describe the symbolism of this occurrence. 2
MACBETH NOTE TAKING GUIDE: ACT II 8. By the end of Act I, who do you believe to be the protagonist of the play? Who do you believe to be the play s antagonist or antagonists? Why? 9. What change of plans must the Macbeths make in the beginning of Act II? What does this change of plans emphasize about the natural character of each of the Macbeths? 10. In ancient Greek literature, the Gorgons were three sisters who had hair made of living, venomous snakes. Their appearance was so fearsome that if they gazed at a person, that person would turn to stone. Medusa was the most famous of the Gorgons. Scene 3, Line 45 contains an allusion to the Gorgon sisters. What is being implied about what is in the bedroom? 3
11. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not. How is the treatment of Lady Macbeth in Scene 3 an example of dramatic irony? 12. When Banquo declares that he will oppose and fight the unknown traitor who killed Duncan, how has he unwittingly changed his relationship with the Macbeths? 13. By the end of Act II, who do you believe to be the protagonist of the play? Who do you believe to be the play s antagonist or antagonists? Why? 4
MACBETH NOTE TAKING GUIDE: ACT III 14. What is Macbeth s primary goal in Act III, Scene 1? List three arguments he makes to achieve his goals. 15. Based on the conversation that occurs between the Macbeths in Act III, Scene 2, how have their roles in the play changed? Who now seems more vicious? More in control? 16. What bizarre event occurs at the end of Act III? What does this occurrence suggest about Macbeth s inner feelings about his actions against Banquo? 17. How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth s behavior at the banquet? 5
MACBETH NOTE TAKING GUIDE: ACT IV 18. How do the Second Witch s words in Scene 1, lines 44 47 reveal the depth of Macbeth s crimes? 19. Each of the first three apparitions give Macbeth a word of advice in Act IV, Scene 1. What is the advice of each apparition and how does Macbeth interpret it? Advice Given Interpretation of Advice Apparition 1 Apparition 2 Apparition 3 20. What do the apparitions of the eight kings followed by Banquo symbolize? How do you infer that this realization will influence Macbeth s behavior? Why? Pay particular attention to Scene 1, lines 122 124. 6
21. Ross tries to comfort Lady Macduff in Scene 2 because her husband has taken what action? Is her husband s action justified? How do you know? 22. In Scene 3, Malcolm tries to convince Macduff that he is unfit to be king. What three characteristics does he present that prove him to be unfit for power? Provide quotes from the text wherein Macduff describes each characteristic. Characteristic Textual Evidence of Characteristic 23. What do Macbeth and Macduff have in common by the end of Act IV? Why has each character reached this point? 7
MACBETH NOTE TAKING GUIDE: ACT V 24. Act V, Scene I is one of the most iconic scenes in Shakespearean literature. Summarize it here. 25. What is the symbolic significance of Lady Macbeth s hand washing in Act V, Scene 1? 26. Why is Macbeth unconcerned in Scene 3 about the thanes who leave him to fight with Malcolm? This lack of concern is directly related to what supernatural advice from Act IV? 8
27. The monologue from Act V, Scene 5 (lines 17 28) contains some of the most famous metaphors in Shakespearean literature. Identify and interpret three metaphors for life contained in this brief monologue. Metaphor for life Interpretation 28. What news is Macbeth given via messenger in Act V, Scene 5, lines 32 34? This news is directly related to what supernatural advice from Act IV? Why does Macbeth react as he does to the news? 29. How does Macbeth known in Scene 8 that Macduff will be the man who kills him? This realization is directly related to what supernatural advice from Act IV? 9
30. Reread Scene 1, lines 49 57. Which of the doctor s words best expresses one of the play s thematic statements ( morals )? 31. EXTRA CREDIT : Having completed the play, what is your impression of the witches? Are they evil or is life evil? Did they cause the events in the play to happen or did the play s characters cause the events to occur? Does the theme suggested by your answers correspond with your own life philosophy, as it relates to fate? Include textual support (cites) in your response. 10