The Tragedy of Macbeth
Exploring the Expository Scenes in Macbeth:
exposition: The part of the play in which the playwright gives the audience the information it needs to follow the play. Most exposition occurs early in the play. The exposition included the inciting incident and the expository decision.
antagonist: Anyone or anything that stands in the way of the protagonist. The antagonist is not always the bad guy!
inciting incident: During the exposition, the playwright shows the forces gathering that will cause the protagonist to see the need to set up a goal. The inciting incident is the specific incident that opens the eyes of the protagonist to the need to set up a goal.
protagonist: The main character of the play, the character around which all action revolves. Usually the protagonist is the character with a strong goal that he/she wants to attain. The protagonist is not always the good guy.
I, i
The play opens at night during a furious thunderstorm. As the lighting flashes, three witches appear in a deserted field. The eerie “creatures” speak to one another in mysterious phrases.
1. The witches plan to meet again when ______.
2. The three witches will see ______the next time they meet.
3. All three witches agree that things are really not what they seem to be. They say, “The beautiful is ugly and the ugly is beautiful.” Look for the same idea in Shakespeare’s words and write those words down below.
______
4. Think about the meaning of the quote in question 3. Based on this quote, what kind of world would you say Macbeth lives in?
5. What is the point of the first scene literally and in reference to the whole play?
I, ii: Setting the Stage
Since King James I was born in Scotland, Shakespeare based Macbeth on real people and events in Scottish history. For example, Macbeth is set in Scotland early in the 1000s (11th century). At this time in history, there really was a King Duncan who ruled Scotland. He had two sons named Malcolm and Donalbain. Duncan became king in 1034 while Scotland was forming into a nation.
Another historical fact in Macbeth is Scotland’s violent past. Early Scotland was invaded many times, mainly because of its location. Since Scotland is surrounded by the sea on three sides, invaders from Denmark and Norway found it easy prey. The English to the south also constantly waged war until the two countries united in the 1600s. So both the characters and the battle in the play are based on Scotland’s history.
In this scene, notice how the outcome of a war could be decided by a battle between two warriors.
Scene ii
This scene opens as a war is in progress. Scottish rebels and Norwegians are attacking forces loyal to the Scottish king. Now the Scottish king (Duncan), his soldiers, and his two sons (Malcolm and Donalbain) await news of the latest battle. They watch as a wounded captain approaches the camp.
1. What news does the Captain bring about the battle between Macdonwald and Macbeth?
2. What does Duncan call Macbeth when he hears Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald?
3. According to the Captain, what did Macbeth and Banquo do when the Norwegian troops began a new attack?
4. What is a thane?
5. Who is sentenced to death? Why?
6. When King Duncan hears the battle report, he gives Ross two important commands. What does he order Ross to do?
I, iii: Setting the Stage
In this scene, the three witches call themselves the “Weird Sisters.” In Shakespeare’s time, the word weird meant more than strange-acting. It was closely tied to the ancient word wyrd, which meant fate. Thus, Elizabethans saw the sisters as supernatural beings who could control people’s lives.
Notice how the witches use their, “weird” powers in this scene by speaking of the future.
1. Write the first words that Macbeth speaks.
2. You heard similar words spoken earlier in the play. Who spoke those similar words?
3. When Macbeth orders the witches to speak, they address him by three different titles. Write these titles below.
4. What do the witches predict for Banquo?
5. Describe Macbeth’s reaction when he first hears the witches’ prediction for his future.
6. What message that matches the witches’ predictions does Ross bring Macbeth?
7. Banquo, like Macbeth, is surprised that the witches have predicted Macbeth’s new title. He is, however, leery. What does he say about the motives of the “instruments of darkness”?
8. Now Macbeth is both frightened and confused because he faces a hard choice. He can either let ______make him king or ______.
I, iv
1. Malcolm describes Cawdor’s last moments before execution. What is Duncan’s reply?
2. Macbeth says, “Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires.” What are Macbeth’s desires?
I, v
1. After Lady Macbeth reads the letter, what does she tell us is her opinion of Macbeth, and how does she plan to help him?
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s “prayer” to the spirits after she learns Duncan is coming?
3. What advice does Lady Macbeth give Macbeth when he arrives home?
I, vi
1. Symbolism: Why is there a discussion about the “temple haunting martlet”?
I, vii
1. What are Macbeth’s arguments to himself against killing Duncan?
1. What arguments does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to commit the murder?
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s plan?