EA 190 WEEK 3: DISCUSSION NOTEBOOK QUESTIONS AND PRESENTATION 2

In answering the following questions, to get full credit: 1) the answers are typed 2) they answer the questions 3) they provide lines/page numbers for quotations that support your points.

A. Major characters in Macbeth: choose ONE of the following (Macbeth or Lady Macbeth) to answer.

1. Trace the development of Macbeth’s character over the course of the play, listing page numbers and lines.  

How does Macbeth understand himself as a man? How is gender (masculinity) related to ruthless ambition in his mind? What are the key moments for his decision-making process? When do things change for him? How is he influenced by the witches? Does he have a choice or is he fated?

2. Trace the development of Lady Macbeth’s character over the course of the play, listing page numbers and lines.

How does Lady Macbeth understand herself as a woman? How is gender (masculinity) related to ruthless ambition in her mind? What are the key moments for her decision-making process? When do things start changing for her? How is she related to the witches? Does she have a choice or is she fated?

B. Manhood in Macbeth

Discuss the definitions of "manhood" proposed by characters throughout the play. ANSWER ALL THREE.

1. What is Lady Macbeth's definition of manhood (see I. vii. 35-59)? Does Macbeth agree? What convinces Macbeth to adopt Lady Macbeth's argument?

2. Contrast Malcolm's and Macduff's views of manhood (see IV. iii. 213-235). Does Malcolm's view of manhood seem to contradict his earlier description of himself (see IV. iii. 125-132)?

3. How does Macbeth espouse this definition in his conversation with Banquo's murderers (see III. i. 75-142)? Does Macbeth find this definition of manhood viable by the end of the play?

C. CLASS PRESENTATION #2 (3-4 minutes) Imagery in Macbeth: Choose ONE of the following kinds of imagery to analyze. How does the imagery function in the play to support the development of theme, mood, and/or character? Be prepared to present your ideas in class with examples (page and line numbers). SIGN UP HERE by April 14 at 5 pm.

1. Animal imagery (ravens, owls, horses etc.). How do animals represent human character/personality? Which animals are positive, which negative? When are they linked to the current situation or foreshadowing of what is to come?

2. Blood imagery (in war, relating to guilt). Foregrounded in Posner and Teller's production. How does it function in the play?

3. Clothing (indicating new rank or status, mental state, judgements about moral character, etc.) Note that whether clothing fits or not is an important indicator of status and character.

4. Weather imagery, especially as a sign that social relations have been disturbed, or the mental state of a character Thunder and lightening, rain, fog, and sunlight. How do descriptions of the weather represent the internal mental state of Macbeth, as well as external the state of Scotland and England?

5. Light and Dark: how does imagery involving light versus dark (or visible versus concealed) relate to themes of doubleness and deception in the play?