Curriculum / ELA / 10th Grade / Unit 10: Macbeth / Lesson 16

Macbeth

Lesson 16

ELA

Unit 10

10th Grade

Lesson 16 of 23

Objective

Explain the ways in which Macduff serves as a foil to Macbeth.

Readings and Materials

Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare — Act 4, Scene 3

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Target Task

Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved

Writing Prompt

In what ways does Macbeth serve as a foil to Macbeth? Be sure to offer an explanation of the term “foil” as well as sufficient evidence to prove that Shakespeare intends for Macduff to serve as a foil for Macbeth.

Key Questions

Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding

How does Macduff counter this in lines 80–84?
Track Malcolm’s faults as told by him in lines 91–115.
How does Macduff counter these fears?
How does Shakespeare use the interactions between Macduff and Malcolm to further characterize Macduff?

Notes

Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson

Macduff is a foil in that he is not swayed by another and stays loyal to his king. He is also brave and a family man, unlike Macbeth. Macduff’s loyalty and bravery serve to underscore Macbeth’s failings in these areas.

Lesson 15

Lesson 17

Lesson Map

Macbeth — Act 1, Scenes 1-2

Analyze the exposition of Macbeth, identifying the mood and the traits of major characters.

Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 3

Characterize Macbeth and Banquo based on their reaction to the witches.

Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 4

Characterize King Duncan.

Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 5

Characterize Lady Macbeth. Analyze the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Macbeth — Act 1, Scene 6

Analyze Macbeth’s internal conflict in his soliloquy and explain how Lady Macbeth ultimately influences his decision.

Macbeth — Act 2, Scene 1

Analyze and explain Shakespeare’s use of the symbolism to convey Macbeth’s thoughts just before the murder.

Macbeth — Act 2, Scene 2

Analyze how Shakespeare builds both mood and suspense in this scene.

Describe the symbolism of “washing the hands."

Macbeth — Act 2, Scene 3

Explain how this scene contributes to the rising action of the play.

Macbeth — Act 2, Scene 4 and Act 3, Scene 1

Track Macbeth’s character development and changes since Act 1.

Macbeth — Act 3, Scenes 2 and 3

Independently read and analyze Act 3, Scene 3.

Macbeth — Act 3, Scene 4

Analyze and explain how Shakespeare reveals Macbeth’s humanity throughout this scene.

Macbeth — Act 3, Scenes 5 and 6

Explain how Act 3, Scene 5 contributes to the plot as a whole.

Macbeth — Act 4, Scene 1

Analyze the events of Act 4, Scene 1 and explain how they contribute to the falling action of the play.

Macbeth — Act 4, Scene 2

Explain how Shakespeare solidifies Macbeth’s ultimate fate in Act 4, Scene 2.

Macbeth — Act 4, Scene 3

Defend a position regarding Macduff’s loyalty.

Macbeth — Act 4, Scene 3

Explain the ways in which Macduff serves as a foil to Macbeth.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scene 1

Analyze the change in Lady Macbeth’s character and explain what caused it.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scene 2

Analyze and interpret the figurative language in this scene.

Explain how this scene relates to the prophecy.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scene 3

Explain how this scene reveals Macbeth’s humanity.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scenes 4-6

Analyze Macbeth’s soliloquy to determine his mental state before the battle.

Macbeth — Act 5, Scenes 7 and 8

Explain how the denouement of the play restores order to the chaos.

“Morality as Anti-Nature”

Create and defend an argument about morality and Macbeth.

Assessment

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