Today we begin our lesson with a kahoot assessment on act 1, scenes 1-4
After finishing our assessment, we went straight to the beginning of scene 7, which we read collaboratively. Below is a short summary of the scene:
-Macbeth begins the scene with a soliloquy (his second of seven total), in which he doubts and thinks over his plans to murder King Duncan. He is so hesitant due to the good nature of Duncan and what he has done for him. He is then interrupted by Lady Macbeth, thus making it a soliloquy. Lady Macbeth reminds Macbeth of his deepest desires to become king and shames him to do it in order to show his manhood. She assures and convinces Macbeth to go forth with the plan and he submits.
We then began to watch the film adaptation of scene 7, which helped the class note more details like emotion, tone and appearance. It became evident that Lady Macbeth used the persuasion tool of crying to guilt Macbeth, which we have discussed is a powerful tool women have over men. The film also establishes a more clear setting, showing a warm setting where Duncan dances with Lady Macbeth, the same woman who most desires his death.
Below is the soliloquy:
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We'd jump the life to come. But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
To our own lips. He's here in double trust;
First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,
Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan
Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off;
And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on the other.
This soliloquy consists of Macbeth thinking over the murder. He considers what could go wrong and hopes that his plans go uninterrupted and without consequence. He realizes he can not be suspected due to the fact that he is not only related to Duncan, but also thought of very dearly.
He does not want to kill Duncan himself and would rather have it done by someone else. He also thinks about the consequences of the death, noticing that since Duncan is so valuable and loved by the people, killing him would be too great of a sin for Macbeth to handle.
Next, we had to answer these questions:
What reasons does Macbeth give for not wanting to kill King Duncan?
He finds that the murder has no real reason, only greed. Killing Duncan would also be too great a sin for Macbeth to bear for his conscience considering their relationship. He also is the host of Duncan, meaning murder would mean he is breaking xenia and violating essential ethics. Macbeth also believes the murder will come back to haunt him in the form of karma, not only on earth but on heaven.
What is the only reason Macbeth provides in favor of killing King Duncan?
The only reason Macbeth would commit the murder would be to fullfil his ambition.
How does Macbeth explain the consequences for this world and his belief of heaven?
Macbeth believes that “the heavens will cry” upon the death of King Duncan, meaning the world will be devastated and immediately rally against the prime suspect.
As for his belief of heaven, Macbeth believes he will receive divine judgement and be doomed in the afterlife.
Based on King Duncan’s characterization, and how Macbeth views him, how does he feel heaven would respond to Duncan’s death?
He believes the heavens will be enraged and strike down on Macbeth for having greedily murdered an amazing man.
What is Macbeth’s final decision at the end of this soliloquy?
Macbeth’s final decision is initially go through with the murder, but in the short moments where we don’t see him, he changes his mind and tells Lady Macbeth not to go through with the plan.
What can be concluded about Macbeth’s characterization after hearing all of his thoughts? Consider not only this soliloquy, but through the beginning of the play
We can tell that Macbeth is conflicted, indecisive, self-aware, logical and extremely cautious.
Next the class was asked to construct a list of pros and cons of Macbeth murdering King Duncan. The list is as follows:
Pros:
One step closer to becoming king
Might be only opportunity to become king
He can use the potential social outcry for Justice as leverage to become king
If he were to become king, would gain great wealth and influence
Lady Macbeth would be satisfied
He may have more influence
Cons:
Risk of getting caught
Chaos would ensue
Reveal of the murder would result in the people revolting against Macbeth even after he is king.
If caught, certain death.
Decision would conflict with his beliefs
Heavy toll on conscience
Lady Macbeth would commit the murder herself and risk getting caught.
Banquo, his trusted friend and a fellow subject of Duncan, would know of the murder and seek revenge.
This list really puts into perspective the importance of this one scene, or soliloquy rather, and how it fits in with the rest of the tragedy. A good side of Macbeth is revealed and the reader is allowed to intrude further into his mind, allowing for the class as a whole to extract so much valuable and personal info based on one scene alone.
If you would like to read Macbeth for yourself, feel free to use this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JufH5466fkgWbVjA0kepq4JciT3QrkI2/view
Reflection:
Today’s lesson was really jam packed with analysis and exploration into literary info only decipherable by the reader. It was basically an active class from start to finish, and I really feel like Ms. Peterson was able to keep it engaging. The analysis questions were challenging and thus demanded cooperation for efficient answers. The list we were asked to make added on to this, and aso allowed the class to piece together their thoughts to create a comprehensive list that also somewhat acts as a summary of what we have learned thus far. Overall, this lesson really taught me how to derive info from what a person says or thinks, which is an essential skill to learn, not only in academics but in every aspect of life. Moving forward, I will be able to understand that when I notice a soliloquy in a work of literature, not just Macbeth, I will be able to derive extremely important information.
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