1. POWER In Shakespeare “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”
John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902).

2. What does Macbeth teach us about POWER?
Our Big Question:
What does Macbeth teach us about POWER?
Is this still relevant today?

3. Define Power? The ability to do or act;
capability of doing or accomplishing something.
Power helps people accomplish things.
People with power want more power.
Too much power can cause serious damage on a person and have serious consequences.
Everything in the play happens because of power.
All characters think that power brings happiness.

4. Power can overtake someone’s life and take control of everything they do
Just because you get what you want doesn’t mean it is good for you
When we want something but can’t have it right then.. If we wait it will come to us when the time is right
Being patient is better than taking situations into your own hands
Temptation to want more than we should have or deserve
Immoral and illegal things to get them
Message of Macbeth…

5. Duncan announces Macbeth will be given the title Thane of Cawdor for his bravery in the battle
Macbeth and Banquo meet the Three Witches and they tell Macbeth that he will be Thane of Cawdor and King, and that Banquo will be father to a line of kings, but not one himself.
Macbeth is announced official Thane of Cawdor
Although Banquo warns him that the witches try to lure people to evil, Macbeth is excited by their prophecies.
POWER IN Act 1

6. POWER IN Act 1 continued…
Macbeth’s excited for power gets him thinking about killing King Duncan but he hides his thoughts
Lady Macbeth receives a letter from her husband telling her about his meeting with the witches. She fears he is too good-natured to kill Duncan and decides to persuade him
King Duncan arrives at the castle and Macbeth is told by his wife to look innocent
Lady Macbeth reassures Macbeth of her plan to kill King Duncan

7. Power in act 2
Macbeth tests Banquo’s loyalty
Macbeth has a vision of a bloodstained dagger
Macbeth kills Duncan
Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are haunted with bloodstained hands

8. Power in act 3 Macbeth plans to kill Banquo and his son Fleance
Banquo is murdered and Macbeth starts to see the Ghost of Banquo
Macduff and Malcolm plan to defeat Macbeth with their army after they are suspicious of Macbeth’s guilt

9. Power in act 4
Macbeth goes to the witches and convinces himself he cannot be killed by a man born of woman
Macbeth gets Lady Macduff and her children murdered
Malcolm and Macduff plan to get revenge from Macbeth with the help from England

10. Lady Macbeth is seen sleepwalking
Scottish lords join forces with Malcolm and his English Army
Macbeth decides to fight the soldiers until the end
POWER IN ACT 5

11. Who has the Power??
On a scale of -5–5, rate how much power either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth has in the different acts of the play.
A score of -5 (minus five) means that Macbeth has by far the most power,
5 (five) means that Lady Macbeth has by far the most power,
and a score of 0 (zero) means that you are unsure, or that they have equal power.
Act One ____ Act Four ____
Act Two ____ Act Five ____
Act Three ____

12. Universal ideas… (why this is still relevant)
Humans thrive on power and control
Temptation of being the best/highest in something e.g. career
Stereotypes - what it means to be a “real man”
Judging others and being deceived
Power struggles within a marriage
Devastating effects guilt has on our psychological state of mind and the way we act towards others
Universal ideas… (why this is still relevant)

13. Why do we study Shakespearian texts? & Why is are they classics?
They are timeless, engaging, and captivating stories
We can still identify with the characters and their struggles (the human condition, emotions, and relationships)
They deal with universal themes and ideas that teach us lessons on life and make us consider new perspectives
It teaches us where modern language came from and how to “turn a phrase”
They enrich our cultural literacy and add to our understanding of and appreciation for literature
Why do we study Shakespearian texts? & Why is are they classics?

14. Using our Big Question from this unit you will create an Create a Character Map of either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth. Use what you know about the character and creatively show your chosen character’s personality. Use pictures, words (character traits), and quotes (properly cited) to create your character map. In addition, you will provide a one (1) page written character profile analysis describing your character’s personality (wants, needs, motivations, intentions, desires, internal and external conflicts, etc…) and why their role is instrumental in the play. (*make connections to themes and conflicts we discussed from the play) Our Big Question: What does Macbeth teach us about POWER? Is this still relevant today?
Assignment