Macbeth: Introductory Guide - Act 3 Rastrick High School 2019-2020 Year 9 Student name:

Introduction As part of your GCSE studies, you will be learning “Macbeth”- a play by William Shakespeare. You will be examined on this at the end of year 11. At Rastrick High School, we first study the play at the end of year 9. This is to give you clear understanding of: ● The characters of the play. ● The plot of the play. ● The main themes in the play. ● Key quotes from the play.

Each week, you will be given a new section of the play to study. This booklet contains new information about Act 3 of the play. The first few pages of this booklet contain the same background notes as previous booklets. You may wish to re-read this in order to refresh your memory. Using this booklet The key sections of this booklet are: 1) Characters 2) Context 3) Terminology 4) Plot- this section will be updated weekly with each new act of the plot. 5) Revision activities

Throughout the booklet, you will find blue boxes. These contain short quizzes for you to complete as you go. The answers to these quizzes are at the back of the booklet. You should write out your answers to these quizzes as well as your answers to any other key questions throughout the booklet.

At the end of each act, you are expected to complete a short essay. There is also a model essay to help you.

If you have any questions about the information in this booklet, please e-mail your English teacher.

Characters

Macbeth

The protagonist (main character) of the play. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a Thane (Lord) in Scotland. He rules over the area of Glamis. He is later given control of the area of Cawdor as a reward for his bravery from the king. He is well-respected by other Thanes and highly regarded by the king. He leads the Scottish army as a chief general and is considered a great fighter. However, Macbeth is an ambitious man and develops a hunger for power during the play.

Adjectives to describe Macbeth: Brave, ambitious, flawed, naive, guilt-ridden.

Lady Macbeth

Macbeth’s wife. Lady Macbeth is presented as a very unusual woman for the time during which the play is set. Whereas most women at the time were expected to do exactly as they were told by their husbands, Lady Macbeth has a lot of control over her husband. She is presented as manipulative and power hungry. She encourages Macbeth to gain power- whatever the cost.

Adjectives to describe Lady Macbeth: Manipulative, ruthless, dominating, ambitious.

King Duncan Duncan is the King of Scotland at the start of the play. He is a popular and well-loved King. He is known for being a good and fair leader. However, he has an unfortunate habit of trusting the wrong person.

Adjectives to describe Duncan: moral, just, fair, naïve. Banquo

Macbeth’s best friend. Banquo is also a Scottish nobleman and acts a leader in the Scottish army at the beginning of the play.

Adjectives to describe Banquo: loyal, calm, wise, cynical. The Witches

Three witches who appear throughout the play. The Witches like nothing more than causing chaos and destruction. They take pleasure in manipulating men to perform evil deeds.

Adjectives to describe the witches: evil, manipulative, supernatural. Malcolm

Duncan’s first born son. During the play he is made Prince of Cumberland. He is expected to be King after his father dies. He proves himself to be a fair and brave man.

Adjectives to describe Malcolm: loyal, just, intelligent. Donalbain

Duncan’s younger son and Malcolm’s younger brother.

Macduff

The Thane of Fife. Macduff is a Scottish nobleman who is extremely loyal to his King. He is a fierce warrior and a strong believer in justice. He does not trust Macbeth.

Adjectives to describe Macduff: Loyal, brave, moral.

Lennox

A Scottish nobleman.

Ross

A Scottish nobleman.

Fleane

Banquo’s son. He is normally presented as a young child during the play. Seyton

Macbeth’s chief servant.

Siward

The Earl of Northumberland. An English nobleman. He is a well-respected soldier and leads the English army during the play. Young Siward Siward’s son. A skilled fighter.

Please note: As well as the characters listed here, there are a number of servants and minor characters who appear in individual scenes throughout the play. Please note: You have been provided with adjectives to describe the main characters only.

Context Before we study a text, it is important we understand the ideas and environment that influenced the writer. This is called context. For example, a story written during the First World War may have been influenced by the context of the war. So, in this section, we are going to look at a number of historical details which influenced William Shakespeare when he wrote “Macbeth”.

The Jacobean era- This is a phrase you will hear a lot when studying Macbeth. Basically, it means the years 1603-1625. This was the period when James I was the King of England. “Macbeth” was written in 1606, very early in the reign of James I. James I- James I was the first Scottish King to rule England. He became King after his cousin, Elizabeth I (the last Tudor monarch), died. James I’s last name was Stuart and his descendants would rule England until 1714. However, he initially wasn’t a very popular King with certain people in England. One reason behind this was because he was Scottish and the English and Scottish had traditionally been enemies. Another reason was because he was a strict Protestant and disliked Catholics. A group of Catholics even tried blowing him up in 1605- this became known as the Gun Powder Plot. It is important to remember that the vast majority of people during the Jacobean era were Christians. Religion was a very important part of life and Christian beliefs shaped a lot of the society’s values. James I was used to having absolute power in Scotland, whereas in England the King had to have the support of Parliament in order to make laws. Some people think that Shakespeare wrote “Macbeth” in order to show James I what the English expected of a good King. The Supernatural- During James I’s reign, there was a great deal of interest in the supernatural. In particular, people became interested in witches. The Jacobeans believed that witches existed and that they were servants of the Devil. Witches were often put on trial and burned to death. Unfortunately, we now know that these were just ordinary women who were normally innocent of any crime. James I was so obsessed with witches that he wrote a book on the subject, “Daemonologie”. Theatre- During this period in history, theatre was a very popular form of entertainment. Shakespeare was the most popular playwright of his day. He was so popular in fact that his theatre company (the group of actors he worked with most often) was sponsored by King James, they became known as The King’s Men. Many people think that Shakespeare wrote “Macbeth” because he knew the King would like it and he wanted to impress his new boss.

Scotland- There was a lot of interest in Scotland in the Jacobean period as the new King of England was Scottish. The play “Macbeth” was actually based on a book of Scottish history called “Holinshed’s Chronicles” which mentioned a real life Scottish King called Macbeth who ruled in the 11th Century. Shakespeare’s play is set at the same time but he made up most of the details. Natural order- The Jacobeans firmly believed in the idea of “natural order”. This basically means that everything has a natural place in the world as chosen by God. So, if you were born poor, God had chosen you to be poor. This meant that the King was chosen by God and so if you challenged the King then you were going against God. This is called the “divine right of kings” meaning that kings can do what they want because they are chosen by God.

Themes A theme is a main idea or message within a piece of writing or other creative work. For example, if you think back to studying A Christmas Carol in year 7, one of the main themes in this novel was charity.

The main themes you need to be aware in “Macbeth” are:

Ambition- Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows how Macbeth’s ambition causes problems for himself and others. Chaos and Order- The witches are characters that cause chaos and this leads to death and violence. On the other hand, a good King is shown to create a sense of order and peace. Duty- This is an idea closely linked to order. Shakespeare shows how failing in your duty to the King and your country can have disastrous consequences. Greed- Some people think this play’s main message is about the impact of being greedy for power. Honour- Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows how the characters who have a strict sense of honour are rewarded. Leadership- Shakespeare contrasts the leadership style of several characters throughout “Macbeth”. One of the main questions he asks in the play is: what makes an effective King? Madness- Several characters show signs of madness in the play. This is linked to the chaos caused by the witches’ influence. The Supernatural- As shown by the disruption caused by the witches. Trust- Many of the problems in the play are caused by characters betraying the trust of others or appearing to be trustworthy but actually lying. Violence- Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’ most violent plays. There are two full battles in the play and several murders.

Terminology In this section, I will explain some key words and phrases which you need to understand before studying the play. If there are any other words you are unsure of, please check a dictionary online or ask your English teacher.

Dramatic terms Act- A large section of a play. There are 5 acts in a play. The 3rd act of a play acts as a turning point in the action of the play. Each act is made up of several scenes. Scene-A section of an act based in one location with no break in time. There are several scenes within one act of a play. Dialogue- Spoken words exchanged by two or more characters. Soliloquy- A speech where one character expresses their thoughts and feelings to the audience, alone on stage. Aside- A break in dialogue where a character speaks to the audience. The other characters on stage cannot hear them. Lines- The unit of measurement of a character’s dialogue. Verse- A line written in poetry. Most of the lines in Shakespeare’s plays are written in verse. They have a regular rhythm. Prose- Any form of language that is not poetry. When a character speaks in prose during a Shakespearean play, it means that they are either working class or their state of mind has changed. Dramatic irony- When the audience knows or realises something which the characters do not.

Tragic genre Tragedy- A play about unpleasant events with an unhappy ending. “Macbeth” is a tragedy. Tragic hero- The main character of a tragedy. Hamartia- A flaw in the tragic hero’s personality. This leads to their downfall and tragic ending at the end of the play. Macbeth’s hamartia is his ambition. Catharsis- The moment when a tragic hero’s experiences leads to a release of feelings of pity. Anagnorisis- The moment when the tragic hero realises what problems their actions have caused. Peripeteia- A turning point during the play.

English specific terms Pathetic Fallacy- The use of weather and setting to show the feelings of humans within a text. Metaphor- A word or phrase which is non-literal/symbolic of something else. Imagery- Visually descriptive language. Motif- An idea or symbol which continually appears in a text. Symbol- an object which is used to represent an idea. Characterisation- The way a character is presented. Foreshadowing - A warning or hint that something is going to happen in the future.

Meter- The rhythm in a line of poetry. Most of “Macbeth” is written in iambic pentameter (which means there are 10 beats per line). The exception is the witches who speak in trochaic tetrameter (which means there 8 syllables per line). Juxtaposition- Placing two things next to each other in order to highlight the contrasts and differences between them. Inciting incident- The moment in a story when the character is placed into the main drama or narrative. Callback- When a reference is made to an event or phrase earlier in the story.

Plot We will provide you with the notes for each act in the play. Key quotes for each act scene are in bold. Remember to complete your quizzes for each scene and the final essay question.

Methods Act 3 scene 1 Context

Metaphor- When The scene begins with a sollioquy from The role of a King- Macbeth refers to Banquo, shortly after Macbeth’s Macbeth has just wearing a “fruitless coronation. had his coronation crown” in this Banquo tells the audience that he and been officially soliloquy, he is saying suspects Macbeth of having cheated declared the King that there is little his way to the throne (But I fear thou of Scotland. He is point in him being played most foully for it). He goes on therefore planning King if his children to say how he gains comfort from the a feast of all the (“fruit”) will not second part of the Witches' prediction Thanes of — that his own children will be kings. follow him. He feels Scotland. This he has killed Duncan Macbeth and Lady Macbeth enter and would be expected only for Banquo’s begin questioning Banquo about his of him as a King family to be plans for the day. Having announced and his first rewarded. his intention to go riding with his son, opportunity to Fleance, Banquo is persuaded by the impress his new Macbeths to return later that evening to their new palace at Forres for a subjects. A King special feast. Macbeth claims that was also expected Dramatic Irony- Banquo will be the guest of honour to provide an heir, Banquo appears (“our chief guest”) Banquo agrees to hence Macbeth’s polite and loyal when attend and leaves. fear of what the speaking to Macbeth witches told however the Banquo. audience is aware However, Macbeth realizes that the that Banquo has Witches' prophecy regarding Banquo begun to fear his represents a threat to his own position (“our fears in Banquo stick deep”). In friend. particular he is concerned that the witches’ prophecy means that he will not have his own children to follow him as King. (“Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown.”)

Unable to endure the thought of Banquo's descendants claiming his position, Macbeth summons two hired murderers and confirms with them prior arrangements for the killing of Banquo and Fleance.

Key questions

1) How is Macbeth’s madness and paranoia seen further in this scene? 2) Do you think Macbeth feels secure in his role as King? Why might this be the case?

Comprehension quiz 1 1) Name two things a Kings was expected to do. 2) Why is Macbeth worried by Banquo? 3) Who does Macbeth have kill Banquo?

Methods Act 3 scene 2 Context

Foreshadowing- This short scene allows the audience once The divine right of The doubt more into the private thoughts of Macbeth kings- Macbeth is expressed by both and his wife. As the hired killers make their shown to way toward Banquo, Macbeth and his wife Macbeth and Lady increasingly Macbeth here is meet secretly. the first hint of the attempt to rule madness which His wife attempts to soothe his troubled mind without Lady affects them both but ironically feels the same doubts herself. Macbeth’s by the end of the She expresses her concerns that they are not guidance at this play. safe in their position of power (“our desire is point of the play. got without content”). He feels that the Metaphors- business that they began by killing Duncan is This perhaps Macbeth uses not yet complete because there are still reflects his belief in the metaphor of threats to the throne that must be the divine right of eliminated. He expresses his dark and a “scorpion” to tortured thoughts when he says “o full of kings. This is ironic refer to the dark scorpions is my mind.” as he has stolen and poisonous the throne and so thoughts in his Macbeth tells his wife that he has planned “a does not deserve own mind. deed of dreadful note” for Banquo and absolute power in Fleance and urges her to be cheerful and kind God’s eyes. to Banquo during the evening’s feast, in order to lure their next victim into a false sense of Imperatives- security. When Lady Macbeth asks for further Macbeth gives detail, he replies “be innocent of the Lady Macbeth a knowledge, dearest chuck” which direct order in demonstrates a change in their relationship this scene- “be as he is now planning independently of her. innocent.” This represents a shift in the power dynamic of their relationship as formally she was the one who gave him the orders. Key questions

How is the theme of madness shown in this scene? How has Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship changed since the beginning of the play?

Comprehension quiz 2 1) What does Macbeth mean when he says “o full of scorpions is my mind”? 2) What is different about the way Banquo’s murder has been planned compared to that of Duncan?

Methods Act 3, scene 3 Context

Staging- Whilst the It is dusk, and the two murderers, now James I- dialogue in this scene joined by a third, linger in a wooded park It is significant is very short, it is an outside the palace. Banquo and Fleance that Fleance approach on their horses and dismount. important moment They light a torch, and the murderers set escapes in this in the play. When upon them. The murderers kill Banquo, scene. James I performed, Banquo who dies urging his son to flee and to was is often shown to avenge his death (“thou may’st revenge”) apparently fight bravely in order . One of the murderers extinguishes the descended save his son. torch, and in the darkness Fleance from a escapes. The murderers leave with Banquo’s body to find Macbeth and tell Scottish hero him what has happened. called Fleance and so Shakespeare’s inclusion of this character can be read as an attempt to compliment the King. Key questions

1) How does the murder of Banquo compare to that of Duncan earlier in the play?

Comprehension quiz 3 1) How is the character of Fleance related to the real life James I? 2) Why has Banquo been killed?

Methods Act 3 scene 4 Context

Imagery- As there is This is arguably the most The role of the throughout the play, King- Macbeth has important scene in the play. It is there are frequent made an references to blood Macbeth’s first major public enormous mistake throughout this appearance as King and his in this scene. In his scene. Macbeth first public chance to earn the respect of his claims to be so appearance as deeply stepped in people. Onstage stands a table King, he has begun blood that he has no heaped with a feast. Macbeth to speak to thin air choice but to move and made several and Lady Macbeth enter as king forward into deeper references to blood. In this and queen, followed by their blood and murder. instance, blood is a court, whom they bid welcome. He has essentially symbol for both guilt shown himself to As Macbeth walks among the and violence. be an unfit King in company, the first murderer a very public appears at the doorway. setting. Symbolism- Macbeth speaks to him for a Banquo’s ghost is often interpreted to moment, learning that Banquo be a symbol of both is dead and that Fleance has Macbeth’s madness escaped. and his guilt, much like the dagger he saw in act 2 scene 1. The news of Fleance’s escape angers Macbeth—if only Fleance

Structure- In a had died, he muses, his throne tragedy, there is would have been secure. always a significant Instead, “the worm that’s fled / turning point in act Hath nature that in time will 3. In Macbeth this turning point is the venom breed.” murder of Banquo and the subsequent Returning to his guests, “banquet scene” which ruin Macbeth goes to sit at the head Macbeth’s of the royal table but finds reputation beyond Banquo’s ghost sitting in his repair and encourage him to commit chair. The rest of the characters further violence. see nothing but an empty stool. Horror-struck, Macbeth speaks to the ghost, which is invisible to the rest of the company (“shake not thy gory locks at me”). Lady Macbeth makes excuses for her husband, saying that he occasionally has such “visions” and that the guests should simply ignore his behaviour. Then she speaks to Macbeth, questioning his manhood and urging him to snap out of his trance. The ghost disappears, and Macbeth recovers, telling his company: “I have a strange infirmity which is nothing / To those that know me”. As he offers a toast to company, however, Banquo’s ghost reappears and shocks Macbeth into further reckless outbursts. Continuing to make excuses for her husband, Lady Macbeth sends the alarmed guests out of the room as the ghost vanishes again.

Macbeth mutters that “blood will have blood” meaning that violence leads to violence and tells Lady Macbeth that he has heard from a servant-spy that Macduff intends to keep away from court, behaviour that verges on treason. He says that he will visit the witches again tomorrow in the hopes of learning more about the future and about who may be plotting against him. He resolves to do whatever is necessary to keep his throne, declaring: “I am in blood / Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o’er”. Lady Macbeth says that he needs sleep, and they retire to their bed.

Key questions

Why is it significant that this is Macbeth’s first public appearance as King?

How would the audience in the theatre react to arrival of Banquo’s ghost?

Comprehension quiz 4 1) Which characters can see Banquo’s ghost? 2) How does Lady Macbeth try to excuse her husband’s behaviour? 3) Which Thane was notably absent from the feast?

Methods Act 3 scene 5 Context

This scene is often cut from the play and many people actually believe it was not written by Shakespeare but was added to the play at a later date.

In it, the three witches are shown meeting with Hecate, the chief witch. She punishes them for not telling her of their plans to ruin Macbeth’s life and declares her plan to take over the plot.

It is not necessary to revise this scene. Key questions

Methods Act 3 scene 6

Symbolism- It is That night, somewhere in significant that this Scotland, Lennox walks with scene takes place at another lord, discussing what night which can be has happened to the kingdom. seen as a symbol of Banquo’s murder has been the darkness that officially blamed on Fleance, Macbeth has caused who has fled. Nevertheless, both in Scotland. It also men suspect Macbeth, whom shows how fearful they call a “tyrant,” in the the lords are of being murders of Duncan and Banquo. caught as they can The lord tells Lennox that only meet at night. Macduff has gone to England, where he will join Malcolm in pleading with England’s King Edward for aid. News of these Bridging scene- This plots has prompted Macbeth to scene is important as prepare for war. Lennox and the it fills in the gaps of lord express their hope that elements of the plot. Malcolm and Macduff will be We learn that successful and that their actions Malcolm is gathering can save Scotland from an army in England Macbeth. which is significant for later in the play. We also learn that Macduff has left Scotland and that Macbeth has earned a reputation for violence. Key questions

How has Macbeth’s reputation changed by this point of the play?

Comprehension quiz 5 1) Which word from this scene means “cruel king”?

Revision tasks Once you have finished all the notes on acts 1, 2 and 3, you can move on to the following revision tasks. Each should take you about 15-30 minutes. However, if you wish to spend longer on each one then the more detail you include, the better.

1) Complete a flow chart of how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship has changed during the play. 2) Create a list of at least 5 quotes which show violence in the play. 3) Create a list of at least 5 quotes which show madness in the play so far. 4) Compare how the characters of Duncan, Banquo and Macbeth have been shown in the play so far. Draw an image of each one and label with quotes and adjectives to describe them. 5) Create a storyboard of the plot so far. 6) Lady Macbeth is the real villain of this story. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Write your answer in full paragraphs. 7) Draw an Macbeth at the start of act 1 and label with quotes. Do the same for him at the end of act 3. 8) Create a spider diagram for each of the key characters. Include quotes and adjectives.

Comprehension quiz answers Comprehension quiz 1 1) Name two things a Kings was expected to do. Celebrate their coronation and provide an heir. 2) Why is Macbeth worried by Banquo? Because the witches said that Banquo’s children would be Kings. 3) Who does Macbeth have kill Banquo? Two murderers

Comprehension quiz 2 1) What does Macbeth mean when he says “o full of scorpions is my mind”? He is metaphorically describing his poisonous thoughts 2) What is different about the way Banquo’s murder has been planned compared to that of Duncan? Macbeth has planned Banquo’s murder whereas Lady Macbeth planned the murder of Duncan

Comprehension quiz 3 1) How is the character of Fleance related to the real life James I? James I was descended from a Scottish hero called Fleance 2) Why has Banquo been killed? Because Macbeth saw him as a threat Comprehension quiz 4 1) Which characters can see Banquo’s ghost? Only Macbeth can see the ghost 2) How does Lady Macbeth try to excuse her husband’s behaviour? She claims he has “visions” 3) Which Thane was notably absent from the feast? Macduff Comprehension quiz 5 1) Which word from this scene means “cruel king”? Tyrant

Formative mini- assessment

How does Shakespeare present the character of Macbeth in Act 3 of the play? Ideas to consider: How has Macbeth’s attitude towards his wife changed? How has Macbeth’s attitude to violence changed by this scene? What is the significance of Banquo’s ghost in this act? What is the significance of Macbeth promising to visit the witches at the end of this passage?

Key vocabulary: Cruel Guilt-ridden Immoral Madness Paranoia Unemotional Remorseless Volatile

Model At this half way stage of the play, Shakespeare shows how Macbeth has become a remorseless killer. This is shown by how quickly he begins planning the murder of Banquo. When he was planning to kill Duncan in act 1, Macbeth was shown to be constantly conflicted about whether to go through with the murder and was wracked with guilty feeling after going through with as shown when he declared “Macbeth has murdered sleep” showing that felt as if he would never be able to sleep again to the guilt. In contrast, the murder of Banquo is planned quickly and independently. He is willing to kill his best friend simply because he has a “fear” of Banquo and he resents the fact that the witches said that Banquo’s children would be Kings. His lack of remorse is also shown by the fact that he hires murderers to kill Banquo which arguably indicates his lack of care for his friend. It is further demonstrated by his treatment of his wife as, when she asks what his plan is, he tells her to “be innocent of the knowledge.” This suggests that he is unwilling to share his plan with his wife but also that he is comfortable enough when committing murder that he doesn’t need her help, unlike earlier in the play. Arguably, Shakespeare is trying to highlight how Macbeth’s earlier violent actions have led to further violence. Perhaps he is trying to demonstrate the chaos and violence caused by breaking the great chian of being.

Use the following structure to help you as you write your own answer to the question above: What is Macbeth presented as? How does Shakespeare show this through the text? Why might Shakespeare have chosen to present Macbeth this way?

You should aim to write at least 3 full paragraphs.