Macbeth Reading 6 Date: Objectives Read Macbeth Act 3 scene 4, 5 and 6 Understand what’s going on in the story. Mark important quotes and complete exercises. Warm-up – write and share a response What is your understanding of the term ‘vengeance’. As in, I will have vengeance, avenge me or give me my revenge.

Today’s Reading Act 3 Scene 4, (9 minutes) Macbeth holds a party when news of the assassins success and failure reach him. He starts seeing Banquo’s Ghost while hosting this feast and begins talking to it. Act 3 Scene 5, (2 minutes) The queen of the witches appears and makes plans to mess with Macbeth. Act 3, Scene 6 (2 minutes) Lennox and a Lord discuss the suffering state of the country and Macbeth being a tyrant. They also wish for the son of Duncan to save them. Audiobooks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6nnFtuuEBw Starts at 14 min

Notes – Act 3 Scene 4 (Part 1) Macbeth is holding another banquet to celebrate his reign as king. Unlike when Duncan arrived, Lady Macbeth does not play host but instead sits back, detached from events. Macbeth plays host and welcomes the guests. The murderers report back to him during the party. He gets more relaxed when he hears of Banquo’s murder but then is told that Fleance survived. His fears come rushing back , though he tries to remain positive. He can try to kill Fleance later. Lady Macbeth reminds Macbeth to be a good host, during which he does not notice Banquo’s ghost enter and sit at the table. When he does see the ghost, Macbeth starts shouting at it which the other guests find confusing. Lady Macbeth tries to help by saying Macbeth is having a fit and everyone should ignore him. She also tries giving out to him and questioning his manhood, which does not work.

Notes – Act 3 Scene 4 (Part 2) The Ghost disappears as Macbeth complains that killing someone does not get rid of them. This is still during a party while everyone is staring at Macbeth. Just when Macbeth regains his composure, the ghost re-enters. He commands the Ghost to leave. Macbeth wishes the Ghost would take any physical form so he could fight it. The Ghost disappears again and Macbeth, not realising that no one else could see the ghost, is confused at everyone else’s reaction. Macbeth decides the next biggest threat to him is Macduff so he must be killed. He will need the help of the witches and their dark powers to do it however. He feels he has done too much to stop now and will kill anyone he has to to feel safe again.

Notes – Act 3 Scene 5 The three witches are visited by their mistress and the queen of witchcraft; Hecate. She is angry at the witches for not involving her in their schemes about Macbeth. She knows Macbeth is on his way to see them again and has plans to mess with him. He witches will use ‘moon vapour’ to create ‘sprites’, apparitions or ghosts who will talk to Macbeth. They will tell Macbeth about the future but only tell him half-truths to mislead him. The witches will make Macbeth feel safer and more confident. Overconfidence will then be Macbeth’s weakness ad lead him to destruction.

Notes – Act 3 Scene 6 Lennox talks about Macbeth as a leader and the suffering state the country is in. He notices all the people who have died. Duncan’s sons are still believed to have killed their father and Fleance is thought to have killed Banquo. Lennox cannot speak openly about Macbeth for fear of being killed. Freedom of speech has been lost in Scotland under the Tyrant Macbeth. The Lord understands what Lennox is trying to say; that he is opposed to Macbeth. They discuss Malcolm; Duncan’s son and their one hope to get rid of Macbeth. Malcolm has gone to England; where a king appointed by God resides. Macduff, who refused to go to Macbeth’s feast, now refuses a summons from Macbeth. Lennox and the lord agree it would be dangerous for him to go to Macbeth.

Time for Reflection - pair work Write down the two quotes below and what you think about them. “I am in blood Stepped so far, that should I wade no more ” (Act 3, scene 4) “And you all know, security Is mortals’ chiefest enemy” (Act 3, scene 5) Write and perform a scenario / story about the following, based on what happened in the play but about yourself. You are so nervous or scared of being caught for something bad you did that you see a ghost. Your friend can’t see the ghost and tries to control you but you keep arguing with the ghost.

Cooldown If you could ask about the future: What would you ask? Would you trust the answer you were given? Would the answer affect what you do after you hear it?