Introduction to guilt

Try re-writing this paragraph, which is the introduction to an essay on guilt in Macbeth, as a reflective response as suggested in the previous post. "In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, guilt is constructed as a powerful emotion, the force of which outweighs all others in the human sphere and ultimately leads to the downfall of the two major characters. However, the action of guilt on human beings is portrayed as complex, varying from one person to another and leading to different responses. The common factor in the portrayal of guilt in Macbeth is that it stems from breaking the moral code which is naturalised in the play. This moral code is based on the social hierarchy which has at its apex a king who rules by divine right and is therefore to be revered and protected. The second aspect of the moral code which is important when considering the concept of guilt is the expectations of men and women in the gender roles which are naturalised in the play."

Practice reflective response on guilt.

Practice Reflective Response In role as an actor who is about to play Lady Macbeth, reflect on what the play says about the concept of guilt. You have just re-read the play with this in mind, as your director has told you that he wants the production to really explore this concept. Focus, in particular, on what Lady Macbeth learns about guilt during the play. Again, remember not to look for a simplistic answer. Use your responses to the questions about guilt to help you consider the complexities of this topic.

Ambition

Make sure that you have done the work on ambition which was on the board in the classroom. Here it is again - What is ambition? Who is ambitious? How do they put their ambition into action? What are the consequences of their ambition? Rewards/punishment? What does this say to us about ambition? Practice reflective response: In role as Macbeth reflect on what you have learned about ambition during the course of the play. This should involve an analysis of what the play says about ambition, including the attitudes and values supported in the play in relation to this idea.

Consider what the play says about guilt

Consider how guilt is represented in the play. Construct a series of questions and answers to explore this as we did for ambition. Then develop a thesis as to what the play says about guilt as a result of these. Make sure that you take into account the complexity of what the play says about this topic.

Reflecting on power

Consider what the play says about power. Begin by answering the following questions. Who has power? What kind of power do they have? Where does their power come from? What is the effect when they exercise their power? Are they rewarded or punished? Practice reflective task: You are considering a career in politics. Having read the play "Macbeth", you reflect on what it says about power and what you can learn from this. Make sure that you justify your interpretation of the play's construction of power by providing evidence for it. You may feel that some of what the play says about power does not apply in today's world - you may discuss this.

Reflecting on themes and ideas

Practice reflective task – In role as Malcolm, consider the understanding you have gained of the “fair is foul and foul is fair motif”. What have you learned? How did you learn it? What are the implications for you of the outcome of the play? Ambition What is ambition? Which characters are motivated by ambition? How do they action their ambition? What are the consequences of their ambition? Rewards/punishment? What does the play say about ambition as a result of considering whose ambition is rewarded and whose is punished? Practice reflective task - In role as Macbeth reflect on what you have learned about ambition during the course of the play. This should involve an analysis of what the play says about ambition, the attitudes and values supported in the play in relation to this idea. Post to your blog as soon as possible.

Weekend homework Wk 3

Consider the characters in the play and decide which character you are going to choose for your oral. Go back through your notes and identify a possible gap in the play. Make notes on the character. What is your reading of him or her? On what do you base your reading? What are the implications of this for the gap you have identified? What might the character be considering at this point in the play?