1. + Macbeth The Scottish Play

2. + Quick Facts about Macbeth Written in 1606 by William Shakespeare Published in 1623 by two senior members of Shakespeare’s theatre company Set in the Middle Ages (11 th century) in Scotland and England Tragedy

3. + What Makes a Tragedy? Shakespearean Tragedy: A noble or highly ranked military officer Has a major ‘flaw’ This ‘flaw’ is what ultimately kills them Reverse of fortune

4. + Characters

5. + Main Characters Macbeth  Scottish General (Soldier)  Married to Lady Macbeth  Thane of Glamis  gained his land in being successful in battle for the King

6. + Feudal System in the Middle Ages

7. + Main Characters Lady Macbeth  Married to Macbeth  Extremely ambitious  Partnership The Three Witches  Identities remain unknown  Take delight in manipulating people’s lives  Compared to the “Moirai” or “Fates” in Greek Mythology

8. + Supporting Characters Banquo  Noble general whose children are prophesized to take the throne Fleance  Banquo’s son King Duncan  King of Scotland Malcolm  Duncan’s son Macduff  Nobleman, seeking vengence Lady Macduff  wife of Macduff

9. + Iambic Pentameter Why do we care about it?

10. + First, what is iambic pentameter? What does it include?  One line of ten syllables (five “feet”)  Rhyming couplets (last word of a line)  “Feminine Ending”  what is it? Why did Shakespeare use it?  Commonly used in poetry  Normal pattern for English conversation  Sticks in your head – important stuff!

11. + Your turn! In small groups, write your own poem using iambic pentameter! One line = ten syllables, unstressed and stressed pattern Goal: write two lines and share with the class