Do Now

1. Do Now • What do you know about William Shakespeare? What other works of his have you read?

2. Macbeth William Shakespeare

3. Background • Macbeth was written for James I and performed in 1606. James I was King of Scotland when he came to the English throne. • James I’s descendants can be traced back to the character of Banquo. • Shakespeare’s plays reflect timeless conflicts and resolutions, as well as a view of Elizabethan society.

4. Shakespeare • One of the most celebrated authors of literature. • Shakespeare’s career spanned nearly 30 years. • 1588 – Comedy of Errors • 1613 – Henry VIII • Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s finest tragedies. • Othello • King Lear • Hamlet

5. Do Now • What do you think of what we’ve read so far? Do you find it interesting? Why or why not?

6. Do Now • What do you think it means that one of the witches’ prophecies has already come true? What does it foreshadow for Macbeth?

7. Do Now • Shakespeare begins ‘Macbeth’ with the witches talking on a barren a stretch of land in a thunderstorm. This creates a certain atmosphere and mood. What images contributed to this evil atmosphere? Do you feel the mood continues through Act 1?

8. Do Now • What have we learned so far about Macbeth? Do you feel he is a good leader? Explain.

9. Do Now • How important do you think the witches will be to the story? Will they cause positive or negative consequences for the characters?

10. Do Now • What have we learned about the characters so far?

11. Do Now • What does the murder of Banquo show you about the change in Macbeth’s character?

12. Do Now • How do Macbeth and Banquo differ in their responses to the Witches?

13. Do Now • What tactics does Lady Macbeth use to manipulate her husband?

14. Do Now • Why can Macbeth be considered a tragic hero?

15. Do Now • How does Lady Macbeth lose control over her husband?