Macbeth

Introduction

The Macbeth Web Quest

 

Image result for macbeth shakespeare

 

Macbeth, and any other play written by William Shakespeare, can seem very old, stuffy, and pointless in the modern day. A lot of this is because of the difficult language, and some of it has to do with the fact that a lot of the story seems irrelevant to what is going on in the world today.

But, make no mistake, there are themes in Macbeth that are still at work in the world today. Macbeth can still be relevant on a couple different levels.

Today, you will explore these themes, and how they are still alive.

Task

The task

Image result for macbeth shakespeare

Go through the various topics, reading carefully the information contained in the web links. Take notes as you go along, as there will be a quiz on the information covered in this research process.

 

Process

1. Shakespeare’s life and times

Image result for shakespeare

  • What do we know about Shakespeare as a man? What are some important biographical details that we need to be aware of?
  • What was life like in his time? What was the society he lived in?

 

http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/life/lifesubj.html

http://www.folger.edu/template.cfm?cid=865&CFID=7649660&CFTOKEN=2df6ef89e230317d-FBD73EA4-1CC4-74E0-1CF48FF39DDAD48D

 

2. Shakespeare’s theatre

Image result for shakespeare theater

 

  • What did theatre look and work like in Shakespeare’s time?
  • What do we know about acting, costumes and audiences in Shakespeare’s time?
  • What do we know about Shakespeare as a theatre man?
  • Be sure to take an interactive tour of Shakespeare’s Globe.

 

http://www.bardweb.net/globe.html

http://www.enotes.com/william-shakespeare/shakespeares-globe-theater

 

 

 

3. King James

Image result for king james

King James was the king at the time that Shakespeare wrote and performed “Macbeth”.

 

  • How did James become king?
  • What was he like as a king?
  • What was the political climate in England at the time?
  • How was James connected to “Macbeth”?

 

http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/history/jamessubj.html

 

 

4. Witchcraft

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Christianity continued to dominate people’s lives in the Renaissance period. People regarded witchcraft as the work of the Devil. They often went on witch hunts which resulted in the deaths of many people, especially women.

 

  • How was King James connected to the campaign against witches and witchcraft?

 

http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/ideas/witches.html

 

 

5. The Real Macbeth

Image result for the real macbeth

  • Was there a “real” person named Macbeth? What did Shakespeare use as his inspiration for writing this play?
  • What was Shakespeare’s historical source for “Macbeth”?

 

http://www.pathguy.com/macbeth.htm

 

 

6. The Macbeth Curse

Image result for macbeth curse incidents

Over the years, people have reported suffering misfortunes, injuries and deaths after being associated with this play. Some assert that the play is cursed.

 

  • Why do people think the play is cursed?
  • Where did this idea originate?

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A78882

Evaluation

Evaluation Rubric
 

 

Poor - 5 points

Developing - 10 points

Good - 15 points

Fantastic - 20 points

Score
 

Completing Tasks

Only 1 of the 3 task completed and less than 1/2 of questions are answered

Some of the Tasks (2 out of 3) tasks are completed with at least of 1/2 questions answered

All tasks are completed with some of questions answered

All tasks are completely and questions are answered

_/50

  
 

Content of Answers

Very little to none questions are answered.

There is some information but most does not pertain to the question. There is no use of resources to support claims.

Most information is clear and relevant with few to no grammar errors and properly cited supporting evidence (or citing has some errors).

All information is clear and relevant to the question and in full sentence format. There are properly cited where needed.

_/30

  
 

Grammar and Proper Word Usage

Answers have numerous grammatical and structural errors, to the point that the message is unclear.

Answers have a large amount grammatical and structural errors, but the message of the response is understandable.

Answers have a few large word usage and/or grammatical errors, but the response is clear.

Answers have few to no errors. The errors, if any, are small and do not affect the content of the response.

_/20

  

 

Total Score: __/100

Conclusion

 

Now that you have finished this project you should pat yourself on the back! Great job! Hopefully through this assignment you have been able to see Shakespeare in a different light. I hope this project has given you the courage to tackle Macbeth in the coming weeks. 

Below is a video rap by Flocabulary summarizing Macbeth you may find helpful.  This song is just one from Flocab's "Shakespeare is Hip-Hop" CD/Book.  Check it out and enjoy!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyytzE13iV4

 

Credits

Teacher Page

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As both students and teachers know, reading at least one Shakespeare play is inevitable.  Many students struggle with Shakespeare's language  making the work less enjoyable. This project is a way to take a common core recommended Shakespeare play and give students some front loaded knowledge prior to starting the unit. It is a way to engage students through videos, audio and interactive tours to help them learn about the man and times while enjoying themselves. 

 

Prepared by:

JM Sumaoy

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