Macbeth

• Read the summary of Macbeth and complete the activities underneath.

VOCABULARY

Thane was the title given to a local royal official in medieval eastern Scotland, equivalent in rank to the son of an earl

Defeated- derrotar                   Reward- recompensa                    Encourage- animar

Though- aunque                        Lack of- falta de                             Haunted- torturado

Hire- encargar                          Manage- conseguir                        Overthrow-derrocar

In the meantime- mientras     Branch- rama                                  Creep up- acercarse con sigilo

Therefore- por lo tanto           Whether- si...                                    Staff- empleados

Deception -engaño                   Greed- avaricia                               Sweep up-barrer

Broomstick- escoba                 Revenge- venganza

SYNOPSIS of 'MACBETH' by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

-Duncan- King of Scotland

-Macbeth, Banquo and MacDuff- Thanes of Scotland

-Lady Macbeth
-Three Witches

Macbeth and Banquo are Scottish generals. They have just defeated a rebellion against Duncan, King of Scotland, and returning home they come across three witches. They call Macbeth ‘Thane of Cawdor and king afterwards’, and that Banquo will be the father to a long line of Kings. Shortly after this, messengers arrive to tell Macbeth that Duncan has made him Thane of Cawdor, as a reward for his loyal service in battle. Macbeth tells the news to his wife; Lady Macbeth is ambitious to do all she can to make Macbeth king. When Duncan stays at Macbeth’s castle, encouraged by Lady Macbeth’s ambition and strong personality, Macbeth murders the king. Though some are suspicious of him, he is made king.

 Macbeth begins to suffer from lack of sleep. He is haunted by the terrible murder he committed, but also still keen to hold on to his power at all costs. He thinks about what the witches said: that Banquo will father a line of kings. So Macbeth hires murderers to kill Banquo. Later that evening Macbeth and the guests at his castle are sitting down to a banquet; he sees the ghost of murdered Banquo sitting in his place at the table. Only he can see the ghost, however, and in case the guests become suspicious, Lady Macbeth manages to distract the guests.

Macbeth is getting power mad. He goes to see the witches, who tell him first of all, to be careful about Macduff. However the witches make him feel safe by saying that he will never be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to his castle, seemingly impossible. Macbeth decides to kill Macduff, who manages to escape. So Macbeth has Macduff’s wife and children murdered. Macduff learns of his families deaths and decides to kill Macbeth and overthrow the cruel tyrant. Macbeth is beginning to be hated and feared by everyone. In the meantime, Lady Macbeth, who has gone mad with guilt, commits suicide.

 Macduff tells his soldiers each to take a branch from Birnam Wood to act as camouflage as they creep up on Macbeth's castle. Therefore the witches premonition comes true, as the wood moves to the castle. During the final battle Macduff kills Macbeth. Macbeth questions who we are as humans, our morality and whether our destinies are set. The biggest lesson to be gained, naturally, is that every action has a consequence.

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SYNOPSIS of 'MACBETH'

 by The Pocket Oxford Theatre Company The Pocket

Oxford's 'Macbeth' is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's most famous tragedy, and it is presented as a play within a play (a popular Shakespearean technique). Whist Shakespeare is writing his new play, he and his wife Anne Hathaway are employed to manage a restaurant to earn some extra money. However, when William and Anne arrive at the restaurant there are no staff - Before they know it, they are all performing 'Macbeth' themselves, and they have embarked on a tale of deception, blood and murder. The Pocket Oxford Theatre Company takes this traditional Shakespearean play, and makes it fun and relevant to a young, modern audience. Set in current times, using music and dance, and with the help of the students in the audience, 'Macbeth' becomes an exciting and educational journey exploring the themes of greed, corruption and ambition. Welcome to our world.... A Big Mac will never taste the same again!! We here at The Pocket Oxford Theatre Company would like to refrain from revealing the rest of the story, in order to keep some elements of surprise for the students.....! But you may wonder...... How will Macbeth kill Duncan ? How much blood will Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have on their hands? How many bodies will the Witches sweep up their broomsticks? And how will Malcolm get his revenge?