Macbeth - Lesson 4 - Enter Macbeth PowerPoint

The fourth lesson on Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' is designed to delve into the playwright's use of stagecraft and language to shape characters. Students are set to explore how stage directions, dialogue, and action contribute to the portrayal of Macbeth, one of literature's most complex figures. The objective of the lesson is twofold: firstly, to understand the mechanics behind Shakespeare's character creation, and secondly, to initiate an analytical approach to the character of Macbeth. The lesson begins with a matching exercise where students connect the terms 'stage directions', 'dialogue', and 'action' with their correct definitions, laying the groundwork for a deeper analysis of the text.

Through reading the Captain's report from Act 1, Scene 2, students are encouraged to identify descriptive words and phrases that paint a picture of Macbeth before he even enters the stage. Following this, a series of questions guides the students through Act 1, Scene 3, prompting them to consider the witches' prophecies, Macbeth's and Banquo's reactions, and the subsequent news delivered by Ross. The exploration of Macbeth's character continues with a focus on his inner thoughts and how his dialogue reveals aspects of his personality. Students are tasked with finding quotations and explaining the traits they unveil about both Macbeth and Banquo. To consolidate their understanding, students are then asked to write a paragraph using provided sentence starters, articulating their first impressions of Macbeth based on the text they have studied. This exercise not only enhances their comprehension of the character but also hones their analytical writing skills.