Language Games

Identify a significant word (not "thou," "the" or prepositions, etc.) that occurs AT LEAST three times in the play as we did today in class.  Please cite the line in which the word appears and then offer both an explanation of the meaning/connotation of the word and your reason for why the word appears so often and what this means for the play.  You can use the words you looked up today, BUT MAKE SURE YOU USE EXAMPLES OF THE WORD THAT YOUR GROUP DID NOT CITE PUBLICLY TODAY IN CLASS.  In other words, you can use your notes, but just use examples that you didn't share with the rest of the class.

Pity for the Future King?

In Act II, scene ii, Macbeth seems genuinely shocked and even remorseful about his actions.  First, how and why based on your interpretation of the text does he show or not show these traits?  Please be sure to use at least three lines from the text to prove your point.  Secondly, and most importantly, given his apparent sense of fear or guilt, should we not pity Macbeth?  Do you feel sympathy for his character?  Why or why not?  Please answer both questions in AT LEAST TEN SENTENCES (that is, 10 sentences in total as your answer for both questions combined).  Thanks and looking forward to your responses.

To Kill or Not to Kill

Choose THREE lines in Macbeth's address at the beginning of Act I, scene vii.  Please use each line to explain why you think Macbeth might be for or against the killing of Duncan.  Defend your reasoning in ABOUT 10 THOUGHTFUL AND WELL-CONSTRUCTED SENTENCES.

The Perils of Pursuing What We Most Desire

Blog Journal Entry: Have you ever wanted something so badly that you pursued it indirectly and even secretly instead of directly or overtly?  If so, what? How did it effect you and those around you and involved?  Please respond in 7-10 THOUGHTFUL AND WELL-CONSTRUCTED SENTENCES.  Thank you.

The Lady of the House

Choose three lines of text spoken by Macbeth's wife that strike you particularly concerning the character of Lady Macbeth.  Explain why you chose those lines?  Please make sure your reflection is thoughtful and AT LEAST SEVEN-TEN SENTENCES.  Thank You.

A Witches' Gathering and a Battle to Begin

Macbeth opens with two short scenes, one in which the witches chant and comment on a battle that Macbeth is fighting against invading forces and a second in which we see the battle and its events in very bloody detail.  The witches refer to the battle as "the hurly-burly" and Macbeth is described first as a warrior.  What reasons might Shakespeare have for beginning the play with these two events: the gathering of witches and a battle in which Macbeth uses "brandished steel" to cut down his "enemies" who are traitors to Macbeth's King?  Moreover, what do you make of the witches and the characters in the opening scenes?  Please respond to these questions in no fewer than 10 SENTENCES (thoughtful and well-constructed, of course).  Most importantly, DO NOT USE SPARKNOTES or outside guides.  Read the passages carefully and try and offer your best insight into what happen.  We're only a few pages into the play -- now is the time for creative suspicion about what might happen and why Shakespeare has made certain choices.  Excited to read your reflections.