Macbeth as a Dynamic Character in Act II, Scene I

This lesson plan focuses on how Macbeth develops as a dynamic character in regard to the internal conflict he experiences in murdering King Duncan. Students will work with Macbeth's soliloquy at the beginning of act II, scene I as he anticipates the moment when he will kill Duncan. In studying the soliloquy, students will be better able to describe and explain Macbeth's mental and emotional state prior to committing the heinous act that violates his conscience.

Skills: close reading, interpreting connotative language, making text-to-self and text-to-text connections

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to

• Identify what Macbeth is thinking and feeling and describe his mental state as he anticipates murdering King Duncan
• Interpret connotative language in order to identify the mood in Macbeth’s soliloquy and to describe how the mood reflects his emotional state
• Relate ideas in the text to personal experience or to something else they have read

About This Document

Owl Eyes lesson plans have been developed to meet the demanding needs of today’s educational environment and bridge the gap between online learning and in-class instruction. The main components of each plan include the following:

• An introduction to the text
• A step-by-step guide to lesson procedure
• Discussion questions and group-learning activities
• Previous and following lesson synopses for preparation and extension ideas
• A collection of handouts complete with answer keys

Each of these comprehensive, 60-minute plans focus on promoting meaningful interaction, analytical skills, and student-centered activities, drawing from the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and the expertise of classroom teachers.

Introduction to the Lesson

Shakespeare’s Macbeth delves into the world of darkness, chaos, and conflict that arises when one’s lust for power usurps the moral order.

One of Shakespeare’s most compelling dramas, Macbeth chronicles the downfall and destruction of a courageous, once highly respected general in the army of King Duncan of Scotland. The play is often noted for the role of the “weird sisters,” witches with evil intent and mysterious supernatural power who scheme to destroy Macbeth, the noble general, by first arousing his desire for the crown and then feeding his ambition through clever, misleading prophecies.

The heart of the drama, however, is Shakespeare’s characterization of Macbeth, a tragic hero destroyed by a fatal flaw in his own nature. In developing Macbeth’s character by tracing his downfall and portraying his ultimate fate, Shakespeare raises questions about good and evil, conscience and corruption, and the weaknesses inherent in humanity.