MacbethAct 1, scene 4 and 5

Lesson Objective

At the end of this lesson we will have studied the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in more detail.

Starter

To what extent do you find this statement true or false? Be sure to explain your response.

Appearances are decieving

Act 1, scene 4

The following roles will need to be read for this scene:

DuncanMalcolmMacbethBanquo

Questions

When Macbeth enters the scene it is immediately after Duncan expresses his dismay over being betrayed by the former Thane of Cawdor, saying he was

a gentleman on whom I builtAn absolute trust.How is this an example of

dramatic irony?

Questions

in lines 44 - 47 in lines 49 - 53

Macbeth already shows a difference in his outward speech and inward thought. Consider what he says…

How is Macbeth’s outward appearance different from the reality?

Act 1, scene 5The introduction of Lady Macbeth

Consider what you know about Tudor society. How would the typical woman be expected to act, etc?

Act 1, scene 5

For this scene we will need the following roles:Lady MacbethAttendantMacbeth

Questions

This is Lady Macbeth’s first appearance in the play.

Based on the way Shakespeare has her speak, how do you visualise her?

(age, costume, physical apperance, etc)

Questions

What does Macbeth’s letter to his wife reveal about what he is feeling/thinking?

Why is Lady Macbeth not shocked at hearing about the witches and their predictions? What does this suggest about her character?

How does Lady Macbeth feel about her husband’s nature?

Questions

Lady Macbeth states that she will

pour my spirits in thine earAnd chastise with the valour of my tongueAll that impedes thee from the golden round,Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seemTo have thee crowned withal.

What does this tell us about the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

Questions

Consider Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy on lines 36 – 52

What can we pull from this speech that makes it almost like a witch’s spell?

Questions

Macbeth: My dearest love, Duncan comes here

tonight.Lady Macbeth: And when goes hence?Macbeth: Tomorrow, as he purposes.

These lines can be spoken in various ways, to affect the meaning and tone.

* Macbeth’s innocence

* Macbeth’s cunning

Questions

Consider how Lady Macbeth’s lines here could have dual (murderous) meaning….

He that’s comingMust be provided for, and you shall putThis night’s great business into my dispatch,Which shall to all our nights and days to comeGive solely sovereign sway and masterdom.

(lines 64 – 68)

Questions

What does Lady Macbeth tell her husband he must do, in order to get what she feels he deserves?

How does Shakespeare show us that Lady Macbeth does not trust that he husband is man enough to murder Duncan?

What sort of relationship do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have?

Plenary

What have we learnt about Lady Macbeth in this scene? What type of woman is she?

Fill in your character outline of Lady Macbeth.

Add to your outline of Macbeth as well, using what we’ve learnt of him from his wife.