Macbeth Act 1 Info

For each act you will be completing a scene guide to help you understand and follow the important elements of your reading. For each scene, complete each section fully; however, use short phrases or words to keep your note-taking short and succinct. The chart below will assist you in completing the activity. Act One, Scenes 1 and 2 have been completed for you as an example.

Example:

Characters In this section, list the major characters that are a part of the action. It is not necessary to list minor characters who are not directly involved in the plot. Action In this section, list the important action that takes place in the scene. Staging What sets, furniture, or important props should be used in this scene to help establish the setting and/or action? Explain your choices. Problem or solution? How or why? Ask yourself whether the scene raises a problem or provides and solution to a previous problem. Almost all scenes will work in this way, either bringing up a problem or proposing a solution to some earlier problem. Sometimes, problem after problem is presented without a solution until the very end. Once you have decided, explain how or why you answered problem or solution.

Scene One: An Open Field

Characters Three witches Action Three witches meet in an open field, speaking about a war that is almost over. They agree to meet again, upon the heath, with Macbeth present. Staging The “heath”; thunder, lightning- witches may be flying above a cauldron Problem or solution? How or why? We are not sure whether it is a problem yet, but they want to meet with Macbeth for some reason. Since this very short scene is the opening of the play, we are not sure what is to come. It begins the play with a dark sense of the unknown.

Scene Two: King Duncan’s Camp at Forres

Characters King Duncan, Malcolm, the Captain, Lennox, Ross Action The Captain meets King Duncan and tells about Macbeth and the way he valiantly fought Macdonwald. He says it was a good fight. Macbeth slit Macdonwald down the middle, then cut off his beard and stuck it on the top of his sword. Ross announces they have won the battle. The King sends Ross to crown Macbeth the Thane of Cawdor.

Staging King’s throne, good furniture, flags of Scotland; Bloody Captain Problem or solution? How or why? Solution; Macbeth has helped Duncan and Scotland win the war against Norway, now Macbeth is being honored by Duncan by being promoted to the title of Thane of Cawdor.

You will complete this for Acts 3-7. Also, Now that you have read and taken notes on Act One, make a prediction about what you believe will happen next in the play.

My prediction:

______