What is one major THEME you noted in Macbeth? Explain the theme and how it is seen in the play Remember theme is the main idea or truth that can be applied universally!

Macbeth Discussion Groups

Goal: To discover authentic writing topics for an in- class essay on Macbeth and review important concepts in the novel to prepare for our exam.

Groups 1.yellow 2. Orange 3. Light lime 4.Green fern 5.Bubbly blue 6.Blazin blue 7.pink 8.red 9.brown 10.black 11.Orchid 12. Purple

Play Dough You have been assigned a theme, topic, motif, purpose, etc of Macbeth. With your partner you are to create a 3D representation of the concept. You can be literal or figurative. Symbolic or representative. It is up to you. Once you have created your model, you are to write a brief but elaborative explanation that includes AT LEAST one direct quote from the play to support your representation. Cite your quote in MLA FORMAT (See pg 8 of your packet for details in citing, but essential it is Act#.Scene#.Line#. (V.ii.22)

How would you represent to motif of BLOOD? We created a 3D image of a hand to represent the motif of blood. We did this because Macbeth and Lady Macbeth literally had blood on their hands from killing the king and they both had different ideas of how to both literally and figuratively get rid of the blood/guilt. She even says, “Out damned spot! Out I say! One: two: why then ‘tis time to do’t,” when referring to the blood she sees on her hands that will not come off (V.i.31-32). In the end, though Macbeth felt guilty and hesitant at first, he becomes the tyrant and Lady Macbeth succumbs to her own guilt-filled mind and commits suicide.

Play Dough You have been assigned a theme, topic, motif, purpose, etc of Macbeth. With your partner you are to create a 3D representation of the concept. You can be literal or figurative. Symbolic or representative. It is up to you. Once you have created your model, you are to write a brief but elaborative explanation that includes AT LEAST one direct quote from the play to support your representation. Cite your quote in MLA FORMAT (See pg 8 of your packet for details in citing, but essential it is Act#.Scene#.Line#. (V.ii.22)

1. How would you represent the author’s writing style ? 2. How would you represent Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s motivation? 3. How would you represent Macbeth’s tragic flaw? 4. How would you represent the theme of dysfunction’s affect on families as seen in Macbeth? 5. How would you represent the motif of sickness and madness as seen in Macbeth? 6. How would you represent the motif of dreams or nightmares as seen in Macbeth? 7. How would you represent the theme of the eternal battle of good vs. evil as seen in Macbeth? 8. How would you represent the theme of fate vs. free will as seen in Macbeth? 9. How would you represent the theme of the relationship of cruelty and masculinity as seen in Macbeth? 10. How would you represent the theme of succumbing to peer pressure as seen in Macbeth? 11 How would you represent the theme of the corrupting power of ambition as seen in Macbeth? 12. How would you represent the theme of distinguishing leadership and tyranny as seen in Macbeth?

Play Dough Group 1. & 2. will be a discussion group (yellow/orange) Group 3. & 4 will be a discussion group (green) Group 5. & 6. will be a discussion group (blue) Group 7. & 8. will be a discussion group (pink/red) Group 9. &10. will be a discussion group (brown/black) Group 11. & 12. will be a discussion group (purple)

Discussion Topic 1 Discuss the author, William Shakespeare’s, writing style. Use the first page of your study guide to help you.first page of your study Consider these guiding questions as you discuss What is important or noteworthy about the writing style? How does the writing style affect my understanding? How does the writing style reflect culture? What are other styles (prose, novel, short story, historical document etc.) the author could have chosen? How does another style change the effect of the story?

Discussion Topic # 2: Motivation Consider and discuss each character’s motivation and the effect on the plot. Macbeth Lady Macbeth Banquo Macduff Malcom What motivates you to complete different actions? Consider internal and external motivating factors.

Discussion Topic # 3: Tragic Flaw What is Macbeth’s Tragic Flaw? What Tragic Flaws do you see most commonly in “real life”? Give some examples.

Discussion Topic # 4: Dysfunctional Families What does it mean for a family to be dysfunctional? How is Macbeth’s family dysfunctional? How does dysfunction affect the plot? Is dysfunction a common societal issue? What are some dysfunctional family issues you see in our society?

Discussion Topic # 5: Sickness A recurring idea of sickness or madness occurs through the novel. Discuss your reaction to these ideas. Consider… What is the effect of “sickness” in the novel? Who is sick? What can “sick” imply? Does “madness” or “sickness” affect free will? Who are some other historical figures who could be considered “sick” or “mad”?

Discussion Topic # 6: Dreams What turns a dream into a nightmare? What is Macbeth’s dream? What are some of your dreams? How did Macbeth’s dream turn into a nightmare? How could/did your dreams turn into nightmares? Does reality ever resemble dreams? What does this tell us about dreams?

Discussion topic 7: Theme the eternal battle of good vs. evil fate vs. free will the relationship of cruelty and masculinity succumbing to peer pressure the corrupting power of ambition distinguishing leadership and tyranny

Open Discussion What important truth, idea, reaction, feeling, emotion, etc. did you get from reading Macbeth. Discuss with your group.

Decisions Based on your discussions, choose a topic for your in class essay on Friday and start to develop ideas on how you are going to organize and write it. Your thesis for your in class essay should answer the essential question. Your essay topic should use Macbeth as a jumping off point. You could use a theme, recurring idea, writing style etc. to choose your topic from. You will also use Macbeth as a point of comparison. Decide what YOU want to express about the story. If you are having problems coming up with a topic, see the list on my website (at the end of this PowerPoint.

Topic ideas Reflections and effects of madness on free will Sources of personal motivation (faith, getting something back, proving something etc.) Effects of dysfunctional families on societies and individuals What it takes to “be a man” Analysis of real life tragic flaws (such as alcoholism or drug abuse) Cavorting with evil transforms one into evil