Activities for Macbeth Act 1 Scene 3

Pre-Reading Activity: Scruples

1. On mini whiteboards, pupils write down three things they want to happen. Share and discuss briefly. 2. Someone tells you these three things will happen at some point. Pupils write down their feelings. Share. 3. The first two things happen in quick succession. What do you do about the third one on your wish list? Do you wait and see what happens or do you decide to help it happen? Discuss. 4. This may then be related to the scene from Macbeth.

The Truth About Witches?

True or False Card Sort Activity:

. Hand out the statements about witches. Place them in two piles: one they consider true, the other false. . Go through answers and discuss.

Extension:

. Students find evidence for the true statements in the scene and/or rest of the play.

. You may wish to give some historical background as to why people believed in witches and why they were persecuted at this time. Act It Out!

. In groups of three or four, work out a dramatic presentation of the witches at the start of this scene.

. Students should try to include sound effects, music, rhythm, etc. in order to create a sense of character and atmosphere.

. As stimulus you may want to use pictorial examples of past presentations of the witches and discuss.

. After their performances you could also compare with film versions.

Appearance and Reality

When the witches vanish they leave Macbeth and Banquo experiencing mixed emotions. They say one thing but do they mean something completely different?

. Reread this extract from the scene.

. Get students into fours: two Macbeths and two Banquos. One of each

will simply read the lines spoken by the character and the others will

say what they think their character really thinks.

. Students should experiment with it and change parts if they want. Macbeth’s Letter

At the end of this scene Macbeth decides to write home to his wife. Write his letter.

You should include: . Details of the recent battle . Meeting with the witches . The three prophesies . Becoming Thane of Cawdor . His fears and ambitions

Remember no one else will read this except his wife so he is free to say what he really thinks and feels.