1. The Tragedy of Macbeth William Shakespeare Introduction Background Discussion Starters Menu

2. The Tragedy of Macbeth William Shakespeare Images provided by Index Open, Jupiter Images, and Shutterstock.

3. The Tragedy of Macbeth William Shakespeare “Shakespeare’s leanest tragedy. No wasted words.” -Harold Bloom Be careful what you wish for.

4. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction and then those predictions started coming true? What would you do if you encountered three strange women who predicted your future

5. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction Suppose the women predicted that you would become a powerful ruler someday. Would you want to wait to see if this came true? Or would you want to make it come true?

6. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction As The Tragedy of Macbeth opens, the Scottish army is battling invading forces Scotland and King Duncan wants a victory. Norwegian forces

7. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction Macbeth fights ferociously King Duncan is impressed. killing the traitor Macdonwald and planting Macdonwald ’ s head on the castle battlements.

8. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction While crossing the stormy countryside after the battle, Macbeth and Banquo encounter a trio of witches. Double, double, toil and trouble, Fire burn and cauldron bubble

9. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction The weird sisters make these predictions: Then, the witches vanish, and a messenger appears to tell Macbeth that King Duncan has just given him a noble title. Macbeth will earn noble titles. Banquo will produce a line of kings. Macbeth will be King of Scotland.

10. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction All Macbeth can think about is the sisters ’ final prophecy … And the thought that he might become king.

11. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction His wife, the ambitious Lady Macbeth longs for She ’ ll do anything to make her husband king. power high position wealth prestige

12. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Introduction She just may get her chance. King Duncan decides to visit Macbeth ’ s castle. Will the king live to rule another day?

13. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Background In the tragedy Macbeth, Shakespeare explores the damaging nature of overwhelming ambition and greed. It is the shortest of Shakespeare ’ s tragedies, and includes this simple message: “ Thou shalt not kill. ”

14. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Background Before Shakespeare ’ s time, troupes of actors traveled the countryside, to perform courts halls in parks courtyards and in other open spaces they could find.

15. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Background In 1576, the first playhouse, called The Theater, was built outside London ’ s city walls. Soon other famous London theaters followed. the Rose the Swan the Globe Theater the Fortune the Red Bull

16. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Background Now drama could be a permanent experience for theater crowds, rather than a traveling show. main stage actors covered seats cheap standing room

17. The Tragedy of Macbeth: Discussion Starters Discuss (2) Macbeth and his wife are overwhelmed with ambition, so they plot to steal the throne of Scotland. Which character is more willing to do evil? Why? Do you think they will suffer a price for their actions? Do you think Shakespeare means for this story to be a cautionary tale, or warning? How?