WHAT WE DID IN CLASS TODAY:
Today we discussed ambition and what it drives man to do. We then read historical background on Macbeth located on page xiii in the book. After, we listened to the first scene of the play and discussed the following questions:
1. How is the plot set into motion?
2. Find three examples of verbal contradictions.
3. What is the atmosphere of the scene?
4. Describe the lighting and sound effects that are appropriate to this scene.
5. How does the scene gain the audience's interest?
6. What stage properties would dominate the scene? (Note especially that the first witch has a cat - Graymalkin - and the second has either a toad or a hedgehog - Paddock. These are likenesses assumed by the devil. Later in the play we find that the third witch is accompanied by a large owl - Harpier.)
7. What effect does this scene have on the audience?
HOMEWORK: Read and mark up Act I, Scenes 1-3 in Macbeth.
