MacbethThe Key Scenes for 2006

Name ……………………………..

Assessment Focuses

1

Your response to Shakespeare in the SAT exam will be assessed according to the following criteria:

AF2Can I find and quote information effectively?

AF3Can I read and interpret meaning beyond the obvious?

AF4Can I explain why writers choose to shape their work in a particular way?

AF5Can I explain why writers choose to use particular words and sentences?

AF6Can I explain the writer’s purpose, and how it achieved?

The question on the SAT paper will focus on one of the following:

Character and motivation Ideas, themes and issues The language of the text The text in performance

This booklet will help to prepare you for all these focuses.

Act 2 Scene 1Macbeth has reached the point where he must decide whether he will murder King Duncan or not. Remember Lady Macbeth’s attempts to persuade him. What should he do? List the reasons he should kill Duncan or not kill the King in the table below.

To kill Duncan . . . Not to kill Duncan . . .

2

Next:

Put the reasons in order of priority. Write a paragraph persuading Macbeth either to kill or not to kill Duncan

Review how Lady Macbeth has tried to influence her husband.

3

Analysing Act 2 Scene 1

Court of Macbeth's castle.

Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE bearing a torch before him

BANQUO

How goes the night, boy?

FLEANCE

The moon is down; I have not heard the clock.

BANQUO

And she goes down at twelve.

FLEANCE

I take't, 'tis later, sir.

BANQUO

Hold, take my sword. There's husbandry in heaven;Their candles are all out. Take thee that too.A heavy summons lies like lead upon me,And yet I would not sleep: merciful powers,Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that natureGives way to in repose!

Enter MACBETH, and a Servant with a torchGive me my sword.Who's there?

MACBETH

A friend.

BANQUO

What, sir, not yet at rest? The king's a-bed:He hath been in unusual pleasure, andSent forth great largess to your offices.This diamond he greets your wife withal,By the name of most kind hostess; and shut upIn measureless content.

MACBETH

Being unprepared,Our will became the servant to defect;Which else should free have wrought.

4

Highlight and draw arrows to the words that suggest darkness. What atmosphere is created?_________________________

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How is Banquo’s nervous state of mind shown in this speech?

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What does Banquo tell the audience about Duncan’s visit?_________________________

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BANQUO

All's well.I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters:To you they have show'd some truth.

MACBETH

I think not of them:Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve,We would spend it in some words upon that business,If you would grant the time.

BANQUO

At your kind'st leisure.

MACBETH

If you shall cleave to my consent, when 'tis,It shall make honour for you.

BANQUO

So I lose noneIn seeking to augment it, but still keepMy bosom franchised and allegiance clear,I shall be counsell'd.

MACBETH

Good repose the while!

BANQUO

Thanks, sir: the like to you!Exeunt BANQUO and FLEANCE

MACBETH

Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready,She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed.

Exit ServantIs this a dagger which I see before me,

The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.

I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.

Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible

To feeling as to sight? or art thou but

A dagger of the mind, a false creation,

Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?

5

What does Banquo ask Macbeth about? How does Macbeth respond? Why?_________________________

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How and why does Macbeth try to bribe Banquo?_________________________

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Macbeth is alone on the stage, speaking his thoughts aloud.

This is known as a SOLILOQUY

Match the statements below to quotations in the soliloquy

o Macbeth imagines that he sees a dagger

o Macbeth thinks the dagger is a hallucination due to extreme stress

o Macbeth reaches out for the dagger

o He thinks the dagger shows his feelings

o He can’t believe his eyes

Key question: how has the relationship changed between Banquo and Macbeth from Act 1?

I see thee yet, in form as palpable

As this which now I draw.

Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going;

And such an instrument I was to use.

Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses,

Or else worth all the rest; I see thee still,

And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood,

Which was not so before. There's no such thing:

It is the bloody business which informs

Thus to mine eyes. Now o'er the one halfworld

Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse

The curtain'd sleep; witchcraft celebrates

Pale Hecate's offerings, and wither'd murder,

Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf,

Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace.

With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design

Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth,

Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear

Thy very stones prate of my whereabout,

And take the present horror from the time,

Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives:

Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.

A bell rings

I go, and it is done; the bell invites me.

Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell

That summons thee to heaven or to hell.

Exit

TASK 1

Underline the images that suggest evil and supernatural events in Macbeth’s soliloquy

TASK 2

Write a paragraph to explain why you think Macbeth decides to kill Duncan. Before you write think about the following:

is he really evil? can he tell the difference between right and wrong?

is he ambitious?

6

Match the statements below to quotations in the soliloquy

o Macbeth believes the dagger is a hint to murder Duncan

o He thinks his eyes deceive him

o The dagger is stained with blood

o It is night timeo Strange and supernatural

events are occurringo Macbeth needs to be

stealthy and quieto Macbeth decides to kill

Duncano Action and not words is

what is needed

is he under the power of the witches and / or his wife?

is he aware of the seriousness and implications of what he is doing?

is he acting on the spur of the moment?

TASK 3

Imagine you are writing either Macbeth or Banquo’s PUBLIC SPEECH and INNER THOUGHTS for this scene. Split your page in half and use one half to write what the character is speaking and the other column to write what they are thinking

Example: Banquo

PUBLIC SPEECH INNER THOUGHTS

Fleance, we must be vigilant on a dark night such as this and guard the King with our lives . . .

I have a bad feeling that is preventing me from sleeping. Macbeth’s behaviour has been most strange at the banquet . . .

7

Analysing Act 2 Scene 2

The same.

Enter LADY MACBETH

LADY MACBETH

That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold;What hath quench'd them hath given me fire.Hark! Peace!It was the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman,Which gives the stern'st good-night. He is about it:The doors are open; and the surfeited groomsDo mock their charge with snores: I have drugg'dtheir possets,That death and nature do contend about them,Whether they live or die.

MACBETH

[Within] Who's there? what, ho!

LADY MACBETH

Alack, I am afraid they have awaked,And 'tis not done. The attempt and not the deedConfounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready;He could not miss 'em. Had he not resembledMy father as he slept, I had done't.

Enter MACBETHMy husband!

MACBETH

I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?

LADY MACBETH

I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.Did not you speak?

MACBETH

When?

LADY MACBETH

Now.

8

What has happened between this scene and the previous one? Why has it taken place offstage?

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Underline words in Lady Macbeth’s speech that show her confidence and exhilaration in the plot.

How does Shakespeare build tension here?_____________________________

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What is the effect of Shakespeare’s use of short speeches and questions in the dialogue between Macbeth and his wife?_____________________________

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MACBETH

As I descended?

LADY MACBETH

Ay.

MACBETH

Hark!Who lies i' the second chamber?

LADY MACBETH

Donalbain.

MACBETH

This is a sorry sight.Looking on his hands

LADY MACBETH

A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.

MACBETH

There's one did laugh in's sleep, and one cried'Murder!'That they did wake each other: I stood and heard them:But they did say their prayers, and address'd themAgain to sleep.

LADY MACBETH

There are two lodged together.

MACBETH

One cried 'God bless us!' and 'Amen' the other;As they had seen me with these hangman's hands.Listening their fear, I could not say 'Amen,'When they did say 'God bless us!'

LADY MACBETH

Consider it not so deeply.

MACBETH

But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen'?I had most need of blessing, and 'Amen'Stuck in my throat.

9

What is on Macbeth’s hands? _________________What state of mind after the murder?________________________________________

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Who is the dominant partner – Macbeth of his wife? Read through the speeches, highlighting quotations that show:Lady Macbeth being strong and decisive

Macbeth being weak and frightened

Copy and explain a quotation that shows Macbeth’s troubled mind“

“this means . . .

What does Macbeth’s inability to say ‘Amen’ suggest?

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LADY MACBETH

These deeds must not be thoughtAfter these ways; so, it will make us mad.

MACBETH

Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more!Macbeth does murder sleep', the innocent sleep,Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care,The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath,Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,Chief nourisher in life's feast,–

LADY MACBETH

What do you mean?

MACBETH

Still it cried 'Sleep no more!' to all the house:'Glamis hath murder'd sleep, and therefore CawdorShall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more.'

LADY MACBETH

Who was it that thus cried? Why, worthy thane,You do unbend your noble strength, to thinkSo brainsickly of things. Go get some water,And wash this filthy witness from your hand.Why did you bring these daggers from the place?They must lie there: go carry them; and smearThe sleepy grooms with blood.

MACBETH

I'll go no more:I am afraid to think what I have done;Look on't again I dare not.

LADY MACBETH

Infirm of purpose!Give me the daggers: the sleeping and the deadAre but as pictures: 'tis the eye of childhoodThat fears a painted devil. If he do bleed,I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal;For it must seem their guilt.

10

What is Lady Macbeth’s warning?

Why is Macbeth worried that he has murdered sleep?__________________________________

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What practical advice does Lady Macbeth give her husband?__________________________________

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How does this quotation suggest Macbeth’s guilt and regret on killing Duncan?__________________________________

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Copy and explain TWO quotations that suggest Lady Macbeth is frustrated with Macbeth__________________________________

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Exit. Knocking within

MACBETH

Whence is that knocking?How is't with me, when every noise appals me?What hands are here? ha! they pluck out mine eyes.Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this bloodClean from my hand? No, this my hand will ratherThe multitudinous seas in incarnadine,Making the green one red.

Re-enter LADY MACBETH

LADY MACBETH

My hands are of your colour; but I shameTo wear a heart so white.

Knocking withinI hear a knockingAt the south entry: retire we to our chamber;A little water clears us of this deed:How easy is it, then! Your constancyHath left you unattended.

Knocking withinHark! more knocking.Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us,And show us to be watchers. Be not lostSo poorly in your thoughts.

11

What is the dramatic impact of the knocking at the castle gates?

Explain what the following quotations reveal about Macbeth’s state of mind:

“What hands are here? ha! they pluck out mine eyes”________________________________

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________________________________“Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand?”

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________________________________“my hand will rather The multitudinous seas in incarnadine”

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Draw a line to connect the statement below to a quotation from Lady Macbeth’s speech.

She is not worried about bloodShe is braver than MacbethShe is confidentShe is practicalShe doesn’t feel as guilty as MacbethShe is happy to share in Macbeth’s guilt

MACBETH

To know my deed, 'twere best not know myself.Knocking withinWake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst!

Exeunt

TASK 1: Copy THREE quotations that suggest that Macbeth regrets killing Duncan. Explain how each quotation shows his guilt.

1. “ ____________________________________________________________”

explanation ________________________________________________________

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2. “ ____________________________________________________________”

explanation ________________________________________________________

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3. “ ____________________________________________________________”

explanation ________________________________________________________

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TASK 2

Imagine that you are creating a film production of this scene. Draw a storyboard to show how you would film the most tense moment of this scene. Think about how you would use camera angles, sound effects, costume, setting and lighting to create a tense atmosphere. Write a paragraph explaining your ideas.

TASK 3

Essay style question. In this scene Lady Macbeth awaits and is then told of Duncan’s murder. Explain how Shakespeare builds tension in this scene. Consider:

How tension is continued from the previous scene – Act 2 Scene 1 Lady Macbeth’s speech and behaviour as she awaits Macbeth’s return

The differences between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s reactions to Duncan’s murder

Dramatic techniques used to build tension12

What do Macbeth’s final lines reveal about his feelings?________________________________

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TASK 4

In this scene Shakespeare uses a number of techniques to create tension. Fill in the table below with an example of each technique and an explanation of how it creates tension.

Technique to create tension

Quotation: example of technique

Impact: how it creates tension

Punctuation

Sentence / line length

Use of contrast or opposites

Dramatic images

Sound

TASK 5 – who do you feel most sympathy for at this point in the play – Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? Explain why you think this.

13

Macbeth’s Three Prophecies

Prophecy 1: Prophecy 2: Prophecy 3:

Preparing for Act 5 Scenes 3 to 5

Remind yourself of the second set of prophecies the witches gave to Macbeth. As a result, Macbeth feels his position as King of Scotland is secure. Fill in the prophecies and explain why Macbeth feels so secure because of them.

14

Why does this prophecy make

Macbeth feel secure?

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Why does this prophecy make

Macbeth feel secure?

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Why does this prophecy make Macbeth feel

secure?

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Act 5 - Scene 3

Dunsinane. A room in the castle.

Enter MACBETH, Doctor, and Attendants

MACBETH

Bring me no more reports; let them fly all:Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane,I cannot taint with fear. What's the boy Malcolm?Was he not born of woman? The spirits that knowAll mortal consequences have pronounced me thus:'Fear not, Macbeth; no man that's born of womanShall e'er have power upon thee.' Then fly,false thanes,And mingle with the English epicures:The mind I sway by and the heart I bearShall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear.

Enter a ServantThe devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!Where got'st thou that goose look?

Servant

There is ten thousand–

MACBETH

Geese, villain!

Servant

Soldiers, sir.

MACBETH

Go prick thy face, and over-red thy fear,Thou lily-liver'd boy. What soldiers, patch?

15

Why is the doctor at Macbeth’s castle? Who has he seen? What have we learnt about the patient?

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Highlight quotations that show Macbeth relying on the prophecies for security. Explain how they show this

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Copy and explain THREE insults Macbeth uses to describe the servant

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Death of thy soul! those linen cheeks of thineAre counsellors to fear. What soldiers, whey-face?

16

Servant

The English force, so please you.

MACBETH

Take thy face hence.Exit ServantSeyton!–I am sick at heart,When I behold–Seyton, I say!–This pushWill cheer me ever, or disseat me now.I have lived long enough: my way of lifeIs fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf;And that which should accompany old age,As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,I must not look to have; but, in their stead,Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath,Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not. Seyton!

Enter SEYTON

SEYTON

What is your gracious pleasure?

MACBETH

What news more?

SEYTON

All is confirm'd, my lord, which was reported.

MACBETH

I'll fight till from my bones my flesh be hack'd.Give me my armour.

SEYTON

'Tis not needed yet.

MACBETH

I'll put it on.Send out more horses; skirr the country round;Hang those that talk of fear. Give me mine armour.How does your patient, doctor?

Doctor

Not so sick, my lord,As she is troubled with thick coming fancies,That keep her from her rest.

17

Colour code parts of this speech that

show Macbeth’s bravery

create sympathy for Macbeth

show Macbeth being demoralised

Copy words that suggest autumn imagery.

Why does Macbeth use them?

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How does Macbeth react to the news that his castle is surrounded?

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___________________________How are the audience meant to see Macbeth here?

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What is Lady Macbeth suffering from?___________________________

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MACBETH

Cure her of that.Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow,Raze out the written troubles of the brainAnd with some sweet oblivious antidoteCleanse the stuff'd bosom of that perilous stuffWhich weighs upon the heart?

Doctor

Therein the patientMust minister to himself.

MACBETH

Throw physic to the dogs; I'll none of it.Come, put mine armour on; give me my staff.Seyton, send out. Doctor, the thanes fly from me.Come, sir, dispatch. If thou couldst, doctor, castThe water of my land, find her disease,And purge it to a sound and pristine health,I would applaud thee to the very echo,That should applaud again.–Pull't off, I say.–What rhubarb, cyme, or what purgative drug,Would scour these English hence? Hear'st thou of them?

Doctor

Ay, my good lord; your royal preparationMakes us hear something.

MACBETH

Bring it after me.I will not be afraid of death and bane,Till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane.

Doctor

[Aside] Were I from Dunsinane away and clear,Profit again should hardly draw me here.

Exeunt

18

Macbeth asks the doctor to cure his wife. How might the cure also be relevant to Macbeth?___________________________

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What is the doctor’s diagnosis?_________________________________________

Macbeth ignores the doctor’s advice; he asks for a cure for Scotland’s ‘diseases’ – highlight phrases that suggest illness

Macbeth PERSONIFIES Scotland, making it seem like a diseased human. Why are images of disease used?___________________________________________________________________

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What does Macbeth continue to rely on?_____________________________

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What impression do the doctor’s final words give?_____________________________

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Macbeth – THEN and NOW

Compare your impressions of Macbeth in this scene with your views of him after the murder of Duncan in Act 2 Scene 2. Which words best describe him?

THENAct 2 Scene 2

Keywords NOWAct 5 Scene 1

in control

confident

nervous

calm

guilty

brave

deceptive

confused

ambitious

fearless

ruthless

fearful

aggressive

remorseful

weak

manipulated

vicious

confused

mislead

19

The next scene switches to Malcolm, Duncan’s son, and the English forces, who are preparing to attack Macbeth’s castle. The quick changes of scene remind the audience just how close Macbeth’s enemies are and make them wonder how reliable the witches’ prophecies are.

Act 5 - Scene 4

Country near Birnam wood.

Drum and colours. Enter MALCOLM, SIWARD and YOUNG SIWARD, MACDUFF, MENTEITH, CAITHNESS, ANGUS, LENNOX, ROSS, and Soldiers, marching

MALCOLM

Cousins, I hope the days are near at handThat chambers will be safe.

MENTEITH

We doubt it nothing.

SIWARD

What wood is this before us?

MENTEITH

The wood of Birnam.

MALCOLM

Let every soldier hew him down a boughAnd bear't before him: thereby shall we shadowThe numbers of our host and make discoveryErr in report of us.

Soldiers

It shall be done.

SIWARD

We learn no other but the confident tyrantKeeps still in Dunsinane, and will endureOur setting down before 't.

MALCOLM

'Tis his main hope:For where there is advantage to be given,Both more and less have given him the revolt,And none serve with him but constrained thingsWhose hearts are absent too.

20

Malcolm mentions “chambers” meaning bedrooms: what does this remind the audience of?__________________________________

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What has Malcolm ordered? Why? Explain how the witches’ prophecy comes true.__________________________________

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What is happening to people who were loyal to Macbeth?____________________________

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MACDUFF

Let our just censuresAttend the true event, and put we onIndustrious soldiership.

SIWARD

The time approachesThat will with due decision make us knowWhat we shall say we have and what we owe.Thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relate,But certain issue strokes must arbitrate:Towards which advance the war.

Exeunt, marching

21

What clues are given in these speeches that Macbeth will soon be defeated?____________________________

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Act 5 - Scene 5

Dunsinane. Within the castle.

Enter MACBETH, SEYTON, and Soldiers, with drum and colours

MACBETH

Hang out our banners on the outward walls;The cry is still 'They come:' our castle's strengthWill laugh a siege to scorn: here let them lieTill famine and the ague eat them up:Were they not forced with those that should be ours,We might have met them dareful, beard to beard,And beat them backward home.

A cry of women withinWhat is that noise?

SEYTON

It is the cry of women, my good lord.Exit

MACBETH

I have almost forgot the taste of fears;The time has been, my senses would have cool'dTo hear a night- shriek; and my fell of hairWould at a dismal treatise rouse and stirAs life were in't: I have supp'd full with horrors;Direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughtsCannot once start me.

Re-enter SEYTONWherefore was that cry?

SEYTON

The queen, my lord, is dead.

MACBETH

She should have died hereafter;There would have been a time for such a word.

22

Highlight phrases that show Macbeth’s confidence that he will win the siege of his castle

How does the cry of women affect Macbeth’s mood?

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Seyton brings news of Lady Macbeth’s death. How does Macbeth react?

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The news of his wife’s death causes Macbeth to brood on the hopelessness of life in this SOLILOQUY

To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day

To the last syllable of recorded time,

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage

And then is heard no more: it is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing.

Enter a MessengerThou comest to use thy tongue; thy story quickly.

Messenger

Gracious my lord,I should report that which I say I saw,But know not how to do it.

MACBETH

Well, say, sir.

Messenger

As I did stand my watch upon the hill,I look'd toward Birnam, and anon, methought,The wood began to move.

MACBETH

Liar and slave!

Messenger

Let me endure your wrath, if't be not so:Within this three mile may you see it coming;I say, a moving grove.

23

Connect the statements to the relevant quotations in the speech.

o Life is over as quickly as a burning candle

o Life is meaninglesso Repetition is used to show the

monotony of lifeo People are foolisho No-one knows the true meaning of

lifeo Life seems as short as an actor in a

performing a scene in a playo No-one is remembered after they

dieo Macbeth is unafraid of death

What news does the messenger bring? __________________________________

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MACBETH

If thou speak'st false,Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive,Till famine cling thee: if thy speech be sooth,I care not if thou dost for me as much.I pull in resolution, and beginTo doubt the equivocation of the fiendThat lies like truth: 'Fear not, till Birnam woodDo come to Dunsinane:' and now a woodComes toward Dunsinane. Arm, arm, and out!If this which he avouches does appear,There is nor flying hence nor tarrying here.I gin to be aweary of the sun,And wish the estate o' the world were now undone.Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind! come, wrack!At least we'll die with harness on our back.

Exeunt

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How does Macbeth react to this news?__________________________________

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SATS Practice Questions

Act 2 Scenes 1 and 2, Act 5 Scenes 3 and 5

Before you begin to write you should think about:

What the audience learns about Macbeth as he speaks to Banquo

Macbeth’s feelings after the murder and his relationship with Lady Macbeth

What the audience learns from Macbeth’s soliloquies

Macbeth’s behaviour and language as his enemies surround his castle

Act 2 Scenes 1 and 2, Act 5 Scenes 3 and 5

Before you begin to write you should think about:

The mood created before Duncan’s murder

How Macbeth’s soliloquies build up tension

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s behaviour after the murder

Macbeth’s behaviour and language as his enemies surround his castle

25

Task 1

In these scenes, Macbeth murders Duncan and covers up the crime. He gradually sees his position as King become less certain.

How do the audience’s impressions of Macbeth change as they watch these scenes?

Task 2

In these scenes, Macbeth murders Duncan and covers up the crime. He gradually sees his position as King become less certain.

How does Shakespeare make these two scenes dramatic and exciting for the audience?

Top Tips - How to Write a Successful SATs answer on ‘Macbeth’

DO . . . Read the question carefully: highlight key words and use them to plan your answer

Look back at the scenes quickly – SCAN them and highlight useful quotations that you will use.

Plan your answer – use a brainstorm or bullet points to plan your key points. Number them in the order you will do them.

Write a brief opening where you start to answer the question with a BIG IDEA – example: In these scenes Shakespeare shows the audience how Macbeth changes from being insecure and uncertain about killing Duncan to becoming convinced that his murder is justified.

Use POINT – EVIDENCE – EXPLANATION every time you make a point.

Make sure you balance you time so that you don’t say too much about one scene and then don’t have enough time to write about the later scenes.

Check your spelling and punctuation carefully.

DON’T . . .

Re-tell the story of Macbeth

When you use a quotation don’t use your explanation to rewrite it in your own words – instead explain what the quotation reveals about the character, how it builds drama or how it uses interesting language.

Don’t try to write about all the scenes – you haven’t got enough time!!! Pick out details that help you write a good answer to your question – ignore the rest.

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Heroes and Villains

TASK 1

Copy the table below, deciding which words best describe a hero and which best describe a villain.

Hero VillainBrave

CowardStrongCleverGoodBad

DeviousHonest

IdolCriminalHated

ChampionAdmired

CourageousUnpleasant

SuperiorDishonest

TASK 2

Now choose ONE person who you think is a hero or heroine and ONE person who is a villain.

Write a paragraph to explain WHY you have chosen these people. Use the ideas below to help you write:

I think (character’s name) is a hero / heroine / villain. What makes a heroic / villainous character is . . .

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TASK 3

Now read through the list of characters from ‘Macbeth’ below; decide which are heroes and which are villains. Set out in your work on a hero or villain line.

Worst villain Most heroic

Macbeth Duncan Malcolm Banquo Witches

First Thane of Cawdor

Lady Macbeth Captain Fleance The murderers

TASK 4

Now copy and complete the sentences below using your line from task 3.

1. The most heroic character in ‘Macbeth’ is _____ because . . .

2. The most villainous character in ‘Macbeth’ is _____ because . . .

3. Macbeth can be seen as a hero because . . . However, he can also be seen as a villain because . . . My view of him is that he is . . .

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