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Macbeth Discussion: Acts I-III

Class Discussion Rubric

A / B / C / D / F
  • You have both answered questions and asked questions during the discussion.
  • You have been thoughtful and referred to the text.
  • You have listened well to others and not interrupted them while speaking.
  • You have taken notes while others have spoken.
/
  • You have either answered questions or asked questions during the discussion.
  • You have been thoughtful and referred to the text.
  • You have listened well to others and not interrupted them while speaking.
  • You have taken some notes while others have spoken.
/
  • You have either answered questions or asked questions during the discussion.
  • However, you did not refer to the text.
  • You have listened well to others and not interrupted them while speaking.
  • You have taken a few notes while others have spoken.
/
  • You seemed to be listening well, but only spoke once or twice during the discussion.
  • You did not interrupt others.
  • You have only taken notes on your questions.
/
  • You did not speak up at all and did not seem particularly engaged.
  • Or, if you did speak up, you were rude during the discussion.
  • You have taken no notes.

  1. Write your own THICK question here. Remember, a THICK question, is a discussion question like those below.
  1. Summarize each scene of act III in order to ensure that everyone has understood it. What do you think is the most important part of act III and why? Has the climax of the play occurred?
  1. Discuss and analyze Macbeth’s soliloquy in III.i.47-71. How has Macbeth’s character changed from when we first hear of him in I.ii? What diction indicates this shift?
  1. Consider the allusions in Macbeth’s soliloquy in III.i.47-71. Note that there are Biblical allusions and allusions to Caesar’s rule and downfall in Rome.
  • You might find these lines from the Bible useful:
  • Mark 8.36: "For what shall it profit a man, though he win the world if he lose his soul. Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul."
  • Matthew 13.45: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls."
  1. Is Lady Macbeth more responsible than Macbeth for the murder of King Duncan? Is Lady Macbeth a more evil character than her husband and, if so, why?