Act 5

Today, we need to revisit Act 4.  Then move on to Act 5.  First let's put the words of the day on the board, and then discuss your Unit Goal. 

Unit Learning goal: At the end of this Unit students will be able to analysis a motif found in Macbeth, create a thesis, and connect the motif to the meaning of the play as a whole by writing a short 2-3 page essay.

Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:
4 – The student is able to combine more than one motif into a thesis statement, and answer it by evaluating the text and using specifics to back up his/her position.
3 – The student can choose a motif, develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.
2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can choose a motif, develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.
1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to choose a motif, or develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.


• Discuss and give examples of the following THEMES:

--Blind Ambition
--The Corruption of Power
--Appearance vs. Reality
--Superstition and how it affects human behavior
--Good vs. Evil

MACBETH: Study Questions—ACT 5

Scene 1

1) What do the nurse (gentlewoman) and the doctor see?
2) What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!...will these hands never be clean.”
3) What is wrong with Lady Macbeth at this point of the play?

Scene 2

1) What happens in this scene? What new characters are introduced? Why?
2) What is the significance of the scene?
3) What is meant when Caithness says, “Some say he’d mad; others that lesser hate him do call it valiant fury”?

Scene 3

1) How would you describe Macbeth’s attitude and mood in this scene?
2) Why isn’t Macbeth afraid? Do his soldier’s seem afraid? Why or why not?

Scene 4





1) What does Malcolm order the soldiers to do?

Scene 5

1) What is meant when Macbeth says, “She should have died here-after”?
2) What is the significant of the following quote, “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is told no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing.”

Scene 6

1) What is important about this scene?

Scene 7

1) Who does Macbeth kill in this scene? What is significant about this death?

Scene 8

1) What happens in this scene?
2) Why does Macbeth lose heart in the fight against Macduff?
3) Who is named king at the end of the play?