Curriculum / ELA / 10th Grade / Unit 10: Macbeth / Lesson 8

Macbeth

Lesson 8

ELA

Unit 10

10th Grade

Lesson 8 of 23

Objective

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

Readings and Materials

Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare — Act 2, 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

How does this scene contribute to the rising action of the play?

Key Questions

Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding

Why would Shakespeare choose to open the scene with a joking porter?
How will this affect later events in the scene?
Why has Shakespeare chosen to have Macbeth lead Macduff to the door? How does this change the mood?
Examine the diction used in Lennox’s words in lines 61–69. How does Shakespeare use diction here to contribute to the rising action?
Which technique is Shakespeare using in line 70? How does it contribute to the tension in the scene?
Circle strong diction that contributes to the atmosphere of the scene in lines 73–92.
What else does Shakespeare do here to build atmosphere/mood?
What are Donalbain’s and Malcolm’s first lines? Why has Shakespeare done this?
What does Macbeth do when he discovers the dead king? (124–125)
How do Macbeth’s actions above contribute to the mood?
What reason does Macbeth give for killing the stewards? (127–128)
What does Lady Macbeth do in reaction to the news?
What will Malcolm and Donalbain do and why? (160–172) Be specific.
Read the line: “The near in blood, the nearer bloody.” Using the translation, explain how this is actually true for Malcolm and Donalbain.

Notes

Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson

Note: this is a very long scene and may need to be broken up.
Rising action: heightens mood/tension through dialogue, character
Assign Act 2.4 for homework.

Lesson 7

Lesson 9

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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