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Playwrighting 101

Playwrighting 101. Structure and Function in Macbeth. Act I, scene i – “The Witches”. Set the mood (scary, foreboding). Introduce the Supernatural (the Wëird Sisters). Establish Macbeth as a pawn (if you wish). Act I, scene ii – “Setting the Scene”.

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Playwrighting 101

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  1. Playwrighting 101 Structure and Function in Macbeth

  2. Act I, scene i – “The Witches” Set the mood (scary, foreboding). Introduce the Supernatural (the Wëird Sisters). Establish Macbeth as a pawn (if you wish).

  3. Act I, scene ii – “Setting the Scene” Establish the plot and certain key characters. Introduce Macbeth (heroic: valiant, loyal, skillful, cold-blooded, fate-disdaining) Introduce Duncan (good king: inspiring loyalty and rewarding good service) Introduce Malcolm (king’s son, weak fighter)

  4. Act I, scene ii (Continued) Introduce Banquo (Macbeth’s right-hand and comrade-in-arms) Foreigners and mercenaries (Their presence indicates that there was no popular support for the rebellion.) Thane of Cawdor (Traitor. His title goes to Macbeth.)

  5. Act I, scene ii – (Continued) “Bellona’s Bridegroom” (Probably not Macbeth, despite what your textbook suggests. This is a matter of some debate in the Shakespearean community. How about Macduff, who is, after all, the Thane of Fife?).

  6. Act I, scene iii – “First Encounter” First Steps in Macbeth’s Transformation (The “Stairway to Hell”) “So fair and foul a day. . .” Under their influence, or just simpatico? “Why do you start, and seem to fear. . .” Initial, gut reaction [Also, provides a ‘close-up’ on Macbeth] “Your children shall be kings. . .” The first “equivocation”

  7. Act I, scene iii – (Continued) “This supernatural soliciting. . .” Assessing the situation “If chance will have me king. . .” Waiting, for now Banquo– a loyal, concerned friend “That, trusted home. . .”

  8. Act I, scene iii – (Continued) Prophecies Macbeth : establish a linkage (Glamis – Cawdor-King) Banquo: will become a distant threat

  9. Act I, scene iv – An Unforeseen Obstacle This is the first scene set in a castle (“Civilization” as opposed to the Wilds) Death of Cawdor “A careless trifle. . . “ “An absolute trust. . .” More deception from Macbeth “The service and loyalty I owe. . .”

  10. Act I, scene iv – (Continued) The succession established Macbeth takes another step “In my way it lies. . .”

  11. Act I, scene v – Lady Macbeth (Establishing the Relationship) The letter “My dearest partner of greatness” 100% on board “[Thou] shalt be/ What thou art promised” Doubts about Macbeth He “lacks the illness should attend it [taking the throne]” Your book calls it “wickedness”. It’s more complex than that.)

  12. Act I, scene v – (Continued) She means to convince him “Hie thee hither. . .” “Unsex me here” Soliloquy (Fair turns Foul) A direct appeals to the Forces of Darkness Take away her womanly nature No “remorse” Mother’s milk turned to poison A (brief) glimpse of a passionate relationship

  13. Act I, scene v – (Continued) Time to act! “Never/ Shall sun that morrow see” Can Macbeth disguise his emotions? “Look like the innocent flower. . .” Macbeth’s last word “We will speak further”.

  14. Act I, scene vi – Poor, good Duncan Function: A little breather Between the horrible actions of scene v and scene vii Poor, trusting Duncan “This castle hath a pleasant seat. . .” Dissembling Lady Macbeth

  15. Act I, scene vii – The Die is Cast Part I: Reasons not to kill the king The key: “We but teach/ Bloody Instructions. . .” “We will proceed no further. . .” Part II: Macbeth knuckles under What doesn’t work “Such I account thy love” “Art thou affeared?”

  16. Act I, scene vii – (Continued) What starts to work “I have given suck. . .” What does finally work “When Duncan is asleep. . .” The End Result “I am settled and bend up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat.”

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