Macbeth

Unit Learning goal: At the end of this Unit students will be able to analysis a motif found in Macbeth, create a thesis, and connect the motif to the meaning of the play as a whole.

Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:
4 – The student is able to combine more than one motif into a thesis statement, and answer it by evaluating the text and using specifics to back up his/her position.
3 – The student can choose a motif, develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.
2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can choose a motif, develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.
1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to choose a motif, or develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.


OBJECTIVES:  At the end of this unit students will be able to

• List the five elements of tragedy
• List the five elements of a tragic hero
• Discuss Macbeth’s tragic flaw
• Discuss who wins in Macbeth and why?  Who is the hero?
• Define soliloquy and monologue and point to examples from Macbeth
• Outline the plot according to the six elements of plot: exposition, inciting event, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution (give at least three events for the rising and falling action)
• Identify the following characters and discuss they roles in the play (Who they are, What they do, Why the do what they do)

Macbeth Macduff The Porter
Lady Macbeth Lady Macduff The Witches
Duncan Lennox The Doctor
Malcolm Ross The Bloody Captain
Donalbain Seyton Fleance
Banquo Menteith Siward


• Discuss and give examples of the following THEMES:

--Blind Ambition
--The Corruption of Power
--Appearance vs. Reality
--Superstition and how it affects human behavior
--Good vs. Evil

• Discuss the following symbols/motifs (what people and/or  ideas the represent and connect them to a theme)

--washing of hands --blood
--planting of seeds, things growing
--the atmosphere of Macbeth’s castle
--spells or chants and supernatural beings
--weather --daggers
--spirits, scorpions, snakes and things in the mind
--birds and flying:
Eagles Crows
Sparrows Geese
Owl Wren
Martlet
Falcon
• Identify the speaker and the significant of important and famous quotes from the following characters:

Witches, Apparitions, Banquo, Duncan, Macduff, Malcolm, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, The Bloody Captain, Lady Macduff, Ross

• Know and review your study questions for each Act (you should have done these for homework).  Some of these questions will be on the test.

• Act out from memory a scene of at least sixteen lines

• Discuss how Oedipus Rex fits the traditional role of a tragic hero

• Discuss what the chorus does in a Greek play

• Explain the theme Person vs. Fate in relation to Oedipus Rex

• List and explain two ironies from Oedipus Rex

• Discuss the following characters roles within the play: Creon, Teirisias, Iocaste, Shepherd of Laios, The Messenger

• List the climax and resolution

• Discuss the purpose of the following parts of a Greek tragedy: Prologue, Ode and Exodus.