Macbeth Prestwick Individual Learning Pack.pdf - Advanced...

Advanced Placement in
English Literature and Composition
Individual Learning Packet
Teaching Unit
Macbeth
by: William Shakespeare
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Macbeth
Objectives
By the end of this unit, the student will be able to:
1. analyze the characters of Macbeth, Banquo, and Lady Macbeth and their relationships to
each other.
2. trace the development of Macbeth’s character from his first mention in the play until his last,
noting how and why he changes.
3. trace the mental and emotional make-up of Lady Macbeth from the first time she appears
until her death.
4. discuss the techniques Shakespeare uses to convey character and character relationships to
his audience.
5. discuss the dramatic development of the play in terms of exposition, conflict, climax,
resolution.
6. analyze the importance of literary elements like dramatic irony and foreshadowing on the
development of the play.
7. discuss the frequent references to children in the play as characters, symbols, and elements of
a metaphor.
8. analyze Shakespeare’s use of language (verse, prose, rhythm, rhyme) and its importance in
setting mood and establishing character.
9. identify and analyze the use of comic relief.
10. define by example the terms tragedy, and tragic hero.
11. respond to multiple choice questions similar to those that will appear on the Advanced
Placement in English Literature and Composition exam.
12. respond to writing prompts similar to those that will appear on the Advanced Placement in
English Literature and Composition exam.
13. offer a close reading of Macbeth and support all assertions and interpretations with direct
evidence from the text, from authoritative critical knowledge of the genre, or from authoritative
criticism of the play.

Macbeth
Lecture
I. Shakespeare and His Times
When William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was born in Stratford-on-Avon, England, Queen
Elizabeth I was the ruling monarch. It was a time of national strength and wealth, and the
prevailing attitude was that life was exciting. It was an age of exploration, not only of the world
but also of man’s nature and the English language. Shakespeare’s time was also considered the
English Renaissance of 1500-1650. Some ideas that characterized this period that are important
to this play are:
1. Humans had potential for development.
2. The idea of medieval Christianity, that this world is a preparation for eternal life, was
questioned. Instead, people began to see everyday life as meaningful and an
opportunity for noble activity.
3. This was a time for heroes. The ideal Elizabethan man was a talented courtier,
adventurer, fencer, poet, and conversationalist. He was a witty and eloquent
gentleman who examined his own nature and the causes of his actions.