Macbeth

1. Excerpts from the play Macbeth

2. Vocabulary • Tragedy- a dramatic composition, typically that of a great person destined through a flaw of character or conflict with some overpowering force, such as fate or society, to downfall or destruction • Tragic Hero - A great or virtuous character who is destined for downfall, suffering, or defeat • Tragic Flaw - The character defect that causes the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy

3. Fantasy on the Stage • We have explored various kinds of literature that fall into the Fantasy genre through their usage of magic, monsters, spirits, and the like • However, epic poems, folktales, and long prose are not the only ways to experience Fantasy • Drama provides a unique way of experiencing Fantasy in a much more visual way • We shall explore fantasy on stage through Shakespeare’s classic: The Tragedy of Macbeth

4. About the Play • Shakespeare’s Macbeth is one of many plays that were based on historical events • Macbeth was also written with the intent to satisfy Shakespeare’s primary patron: King James of Scotland • James was fascinated with Scottish history and was known to believe in mystical elements such as witches and ghosts • James was also known for not sitting through long plays which explains why Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s shortest plays

5. About the Play • Macbeth is a tragedy • Tragedies are characterized by a heroic character’s fall from grace through bad choices or poor deeds • These choices/deeds are the result of a certain characteristic of the hero known as a tragic flaw • The protagonist of a tragedy is commonly referred to as a tragic hero

6. Tragic Heroes

7. About the Excerpts • While studying Macbeth we will explore three scenes • Each scene will deal with something supernatural • Each scene will also reveal something about the character of Macbeth himself

8. Viewings • In addition to reading the text for each scene, we will also watch the scenes in two different productions of the play • After all, theatre is meant to be SEEN not just read • These productions feature some famous Shakespearean actors in the role of Macbeth • Sir Ian McKellen • Sir Patrick Stewart

9. Viewings • The version starring Sir Ian McKellen is a very basic, intimate performance • Costumes, sets, props, are all minimal • This puts an emphasis on the actors’ performances rather than the spectacle of the theatre

10. Viewings • The version starring Sir Patrick Stewart drastically changes the setting of the play • Rather than a Scottish castle or the fields of battle during the Middle Ages, the play is set in an old, worn down medical hospital like something one would see during World War II • This does not affect the story of the play, but only the visual elements of the performance

11. Things to look for • Be mindful of the prophecies given by the witches • Do they come true? Would they have come true had Macbeth not done anything to influence fate? • Why does Macbeth do the things he does? • Try to identify his tragic flaw • Elements of Fantasy • What elements of Fantasy do you see in the play?