Curriculum / ELA / 10th Grade / Unit 10: Macbeth / Lesson 20

Macbeth

Lesson 20

ELA

Unit 10

10th Grade

Lesson 20 of 23

Objective

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

Readings and Materials

Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare — Act 5, Scenes 4-6

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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

How does Shakespeare use diction in the monologue to reveal Macbeth’s thoughts on life? Explain both Macbeth’s thoughts and how Shakespeare uses diction to convey them.

What does the soliloquy reveal about Macbeth’s mental state? Support your answer with evidence from the play.

Key Questions

Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding

Questions for review of Act 5.4

Explain Malcolm’s motive as the scene opens. Use text.
Where are they?
What is Malcolm’s plan for a guise?
How does this confirm the prophecy?
How is Macduff feeling before the battle?

Act 5.5–5.6:

How is Macbeth feeling about his castle according to lines 1–5?
How does the stage direction under line 8 contribute to the mood before the battle?
What does line 11 suggest about Macbeth?
What do lines 12–17 suggest about Macbeth?
What was the cause of the cry in line 19?
What does the use of the word “creep” suggest?
What does the use of the word “petty” suggest?
What is the effect of the repetition in lines 22 and 23?
What does Macbeth imply about humanity by using the word “fools”?
What theme is revealed in lines 22–26?
Read the line from the monologue: “Out, out, brief candle!” What does he mean here?
Why do you think Shakespeare uses so much imagery here? How is this a shift?
Why do the messenger’s words shock Macbeth? Be specific.
What does this soliloquy reveal about Macbeth’s mental state before battle?

Notes

Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson

Begin class with a review of Act 5.4: This scene is key in that the part of the prophecy about “Burnam Wood” coming toward them will come true. The men will pull down branches and use them as a disguise, thus appearing as a moving forest.
Act 5.5–5.6: Macbeth finds out his wife is dead and in his monologue suggests that life is pointless.

Lesson 19

Lesson 21

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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