February 22, 2012

1. Read 1.3 through 1.4 (starting where we left off). How does Banquo feel about the witch’s predictions? How does Macbeth feel? Who is the topic of conversation at the start of scene 4? How might Duncan’s words to Macbeth, as Macbeth enters, seem ironic? How does Macbeth feel now that Malcolm has been named Prince of Cumberland? Do we have any clues about how he will behave in the future?
2. Show students the section from This is Macbeth where Banquo and Macbeth discuss the witches.
3. (If needed) Write the word thin on the board and have the students list synonyms for it. What are the differences in meaning between the words in a given list? (Example: svelte, emaciated, anorexic, toned, etc.) Which are the more powerful words in each list and why?
4. Define denotation-the literal meaning of a word and connotation-a secondary meaning suggested by a word in addition to its literal meaning. Discuss how a word’s power in determined in part by the associations one brings to the word.
5. Now write the following paradoxical sentence on the board:
So fair and foul a day I have not seen.
6. Ask students for a list of synonyms for the words foul and fair. Rewrite the sentence a number of times using these synonyms. How does the meaning change with the new denotations and connotations? (Ex: So ugly and adequate a day I have not seen.)
7. Remind students that the sentence is a paradox. Are there any others in this scene?
paradox:A statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory
A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true
A situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities
• The witches seem to be women, but they have beards.
• Lesser than Macbeth and greater
• Not so happy, yet much happier
8. Tell students that the paradoxes will continue to appear throughout the play and that they should keep this in mind as they read.
9. Model word trace for blood for Act I. Assign Word Traces for blood, hand, night, and sleep for Acts 2 and 3.

Homework collected: Keep all Macbeth assignments and hand in as one portfolio at the end!!
Homework: Start your Macbeth word trace at the beginning of your assigned act.
Handouts: Macbeth Word Trace
To Read : Macbeth 1.3 and 1.4

Argument Paper Due Dates