This half term we will be studying the blood curdling, horrific, spine tingling, gory, violent, disturbing, tragic tale of……

The Scottish Play This play is so scary that actors dare not even say its name, they call it The Scottish Play. If an actor says the name they have to leave the Theatre, walk round it three times, spit over their shoulder and say an obscenity and be invited back into the Theatre..

Lesson objective – To introduce the new text – ‘Macbeth’ – and learn some facts about the play Lesson objective – To introduce the new text – ‘Macbeth’ – and learn some facts about the play To understand about the social context of the play – vital to be able to understand ‘Macbeth’. To understand about the social context of the play – vital to be able to understand ‘Macbeth’. Who knows how it starts? Who knows how it starts?

It starts off with WITCHES!

Starter There is a lot of SUPERSTITION surrounding the play! There is a lot of SUPERSTITION surrounding the play! What is superstition?? What is superstition?? What superstitions do you believe in? What others can you think of? What superstitions do you believe in? What others can you think of?

Superstition and Macbeth Even today Macbeth is regarded with superstition. Even today Macbeth is regarded with superstition. Shakespeare is said to have used the spells of real witches in his text. Shakespeare is said to have used the spells of real witches in his text. This is supposed to have angered the witches, causing them to curse the play. This is supposed to have angered the witches, causing them to curse the play. To say the name of the play inside a theatre is believed to doom the production to failure, and perhaps cause physical injury or death to cast members. To say the name of the play inside a theatre is believed to doom the production to failure, and perhaps cause physical injury or death to cast members. A large mythology has built up surrounding this superstition, with countless stories of accidents, misfortunes and even deaths, all mysteriously taking place during runs of Macbeth (or by actors who had uttered the name A large mythology has built up surrounding this superstition, with countless stories of accidents, misfortunes and even deaths, all mysteriously taking place during runs of Macbeth (or by actors who had uttered the name

In Shakespeare’s time – people believed in witchcraft Witchcraft - What is it? Witchcraft is the term for using magical powers and the supernatural to control people, events and happenings. Most human societies have believed in witchcraft

People believed witches could… could control the weather could sink ships had the power of flighthad the ability to make people go mad could vanish into thin airwould become your enemy if you refused them food were able to change their physical form usually 'worked' at night could see into the futurehad contact with the devil and their familiars (animals) could bring disease and illnesses to crops, animals or people were able to cast spells (for 'good' and 'bad') by chanting and making potions

Context In Shakespeare’s time witches were considered by many to be a fact. In Shakespeare’s time witches were considered by many to be a fact. When events such as illness or crops failing were often blamed on witches. When events such as illness or crops failing were often blamed on witches. Individuals were often accused of being witches Individuals were often accused of being witches If they were disliked in a village or they fitted in the characteristics of a witch. If they were disliked in a village or they fitted in the characteristics of a witch.

JAMES I When Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, the King of England was James 1. He was personally terrified of witches. He believed that a group of witches had raised a storm to try and drown him. He was so scared, he got Parliament to pass a law promising death to anyone practising witchcraft.

What does this scene depict?

Christianity When Christianity became established, the works of the devil became associated with witches. People believed that witches were the Devil's helpers.

Demons/ Familiars In Macbeth the witches call to their familiars/pets to help them with their spells In Macbeth the witches call to their familiars/pets to help them with their spells “Come Gray-malkin” – Grimalkin is an old name for an old (grey) cat. “Come Gray-malkin” – Grimalkin is an old name for an old (grey) cat. “Paddock calls” – This is an old English term for a toad. “Paddock calls” – This is an old English term for a toad.

Kings in Scotland ‘Macbeth’ set around 1040/1050 in a time when Scotland was independent from England. It had its own Kings. ‘Macbeth’ set around 1040/1050 in a time when Scotland was independent from England. It had its own Kings. The King got to chose his successor – it didn’t have to be his oldest son. The King got to chose his successor – it didn’t have to be his oldest son. People would plot to become King themselves. People would plot to become King themselves. Thane = Lord. Each Thane has an area of power. Macbeth is Thane of Glamis at first. The way to become a Thane is to impress the King. Thane = Lord. Each Thane has an area of power. Macbeth is Thane of Glamis at first. The way to become a Thane is to impress the King.

Questions Sum up what you remember so far about the context of the play. Use the headings – Setting - Witchcraft - Kings Sum up what you remember so far about the context of the play. Use the headings – Setting - Witchcraft - Kings What might the audience have felt when they see witches on stage during Shakespeare’s time? What might the audience have felt when they see witches on stage during Shakespeare’s time? Why might Shakespeare have chosen to use witches in his play? Why might Shakespeare have chosen to use witches in his play?

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Macbeth By The Simpsons

Macbeth A great warrior; Scottish general; Thane of Glamis; Fought for his country and his king; A hero.

Lady Macbeth Macbeth’s wife; Strong; Ambitious; Domineering; Loves her husband.

King Duncan King of Scotland Trusts Macbeth A good king.

Banquo Macbeth’s best friend; A Scottish general who has fought for his country and king.

Macduff Scottish nobleman; Suspicious of Macbeth; A supporter of Duncan and his sons.

Malcolm Duncan’s son; Macbeth’s challenge.

The Witches There are three witches; Plot mischief against Duncan and Macbeth; Start the ball rolling on Macbeth’s downfall.

Act 1 The play opens with the witches; They arrange to meet Macbeth on a wasteland.

Act 1 Macbeth and Banquo are returning from battle victorious; They are hailed as heroes.

Act 1 Seemingly by accident, Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches; The witches give three prophecies – they tell Macbeth that he will be Thane of Cawdor and then King. They tell Banquo that his children will be kings.

Act 1 Macbeth starts thinking about killing Kind Duncan

Act 1 The prophecies start to come true when Duncan has the old Thane of Cawdor executed for treason and awards the title to Macbeth.

Macbeth (the Scottish play) The story in 10 steps.

1. Macbeth, a mighty warrior, is greeted by three witches. They predict that Macbeth will become king. “ All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter. ”

However there is already a King, Duncan! Lady Macbeth tells him to invite Duncan to the castle and then kill him as he sleeps. “ Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent underneath it. ”

Macbeth agrees to the murder and that night sees a ghost dagger! “ Is this a dagger I see before me? ”

Macbeth kills Duncan. When everyone finds out they cry: “ O, horror, horror, horror. ”

Macbeth becomes king but feels guilty. “ O, full of scorpions my mind! ”

Macbeth decides to kill everyone who might be a danger to him. He sends someone to kill his best friend Banquo who suspects Macbeth. “ O, treachery! ”

Macbeth holds a feast, but the ghost of Benquo appears. Macbeth tells it to go away. “ Quit my sight! ”

Things get worse. Lady Macbeth has nightmares and she sleepwalks trying to rub blood off her hands. “ Out damned spot! ”

Macbeth is caught and challenged to a swordfight. Macbeth accepts this challenge. “ Lay on Macduff! ”

Macbeth is killed and everything goes back to normal. Malcolm is made King of Scotland. “ Hail, King of Scotland. ”