Study Guide

A Teacher's Guide to the Signet Classics Edition of Macbeth by William Shakespeare

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This A Teacher's Guide to the Signet Classics Edition of Macbeth by William Shakespeare study guide also includes:

Double, double scholars' appreciation of the Scottish Play with a guide that adds a rich brew of pre-reading background information, chapter discussion questions, activities, and writing prompts to provide readers with a "firm and good" understanding of Shakespeare's famous tragedy.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Set aside extra prep time to access and prepare the opening scene from several films for class members to compare and discuss
  • Before reading the play, have pupils access the provided link to view the videos that review Shakespeare's language and poetic devices
  • Create and post a large clock face, set the minute hand to represent the act of the play, and move the hour hand clockwise each time a character dies (1 being Macdonwald, 2 being The Thane of Cawdor, 3 being Duncan, etc.)
  • After reading the play, show Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood and have viewers compare  the two versions, the symbols used, and the changes Kurosawa made
  • Have class members interested in theatre investigate the superstitions associated with The Scottish Play
Classroom Considerations
  • Partners need access to devices with internet to play "The game of Shakespeare's Life!" and to take the virtual tour of the Globe Theatre
  • Provides a link to a self-guided review of the poetic devices Shakespeare uses
Pros
  • Includes discussion questions for each act
  • Readers complete a "Continuum of Change" worksheet to follow Macbeths's decline as the play progresses
Cons
  • None