Work for April 3-5

ENG3U - Week of April 3-5

This week, you will be wrestling with Macbeth all on your very own.

But you can do it because you are all awesome.

Here is what to work on this week:

Finishing Act 1:

Translate and analyse Macbeth’s soliloquy from Act 1, Sc.7. “If it were done...” (this put us up to 3 of our 4 so far)
Evaluate the conflict between Lady Mac and Mac in this scene. Explain what’s happening here, specifically be able to know HOW she is manipulating her husband and be able to DISCUSS what this shows about her character.

Starting Act 2:

Read Act 2 Sc.1

Hey, here’s another soliloquy by Macbeth! “Is this a dagger...” Analyse and evaluate the meaning, as per.
Be sure that you understand what is going on between Banquo and Macbeth in this scene. It sets some things up down the road.

Read Act 2, Sc.2

This scene has in it the murder of King Duncan. In a way, because it actually happens off stage.

Why do you think the murder of the king is not depicted?
Consider carefully how Lady and Mac behave in this scene. Discuss their strange behaviour, note examples to illustrate your ideas and consider the reasons for these odd behaviours.
Once again, we have friction between the couple. Why? What does it tell us?


Read Act 2, Sc.3

This scene has a key moment of comic relief, brought to us through the character of the Porter, a drunk with a hangover and some dirty jokes, but then takes us to the discovery of the dead king and the introduction of Macduff, another thane.

Why would Shakespeare put a scene of comic relief in after the previous act?
Consider Macbeth’s behaviour in this scene. What does he do? How do you think his behaviour will affect his plans moving forward?
Once again, Lady Macbeth takes over. Describe what she does and what it tells us about their relationship.
Consider also how Malcolm and Donalbain respond to the death of their father. Why do they react this way?

Read Act 2, Sc.4

This scene is there to show us how the world has been affected by the murder of the rightful king.

Make a list of the ways in which Nature has responded to Macbeth’s crime.
Consider Macduff’s reaction to the death of the king... What does he do and what do you think will come of this?

That should be enough to keep you going until my joyous return from the UN.

Salut!

Mr. The L