Macbeth Dramatic Presentation
Choose ONE of the following speeches and learn approximately 15 lines by heart. You
should think carefully about what the speaker is trying to say, how he or she feels at the
time of delivering the speech, the meaning of the words, and the voice tones and actions
which are appropriate.
Macbeth:
Act I, Scene 3, lines 130-142
Act I, Scene 7, lines 1-28
Act II, Scene 1, lines 33-61
Act III, Scene 2, lines 13-26
Act V, Scene 5, lines 17-28
Lady Macbeth:
Act I, Scene 5, lines 13-28
Act I, Scene 5, lines 37-52
Act I, Scene 7, lines 47-59
Act V, Scene 1, lines 28-59 (omit Doctor and Gentlewoman’s lines)
For the following speeches, work with a partner:
Macbeth & Lady Macbeth: Act II, Scene 2, lines 33-63
The Witches (read as 2 characters): Act IV, Scene 1, lines 4-38
Macbeth & Macduff: Act V, Scene 8, lines 4-34
Grading Scale
A
You memorized your lines with expression. You acted out your scenes in costume
and/or with props. You portrayed the character impressively.
B
You memorized your lines effectively. You recited them with feeling. You
demonstrated an acute understanding of the character.
C
You tried to memorize your lines but needed prompts frequently. You showed
your understanding of the character through the delivery of your lines.
D
You read your lines with expression. You demonstrated an understanding of the
character’s motivation in the scene.
Notice that the only way to fail is to do nothing at all!
Due Dates
Dramatic presentations will be shared in class on Tuesday, May 5th and Wednesday,
May 6th. You will have an opportunity to sign up for your presentation date
approximately one week in advance.
Speech Analysis
At the time of your presentation, you will also need to turn in a brief speech analysis,
which should consist of the following 4 points:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Speaker
To whom the character is speaking
Situation (and its significance to plot development)
Interpretation (include any literary devices, etc.)
For example, here is a brief speech analysis from a portion of Act I, Scene 3.
“If you can look into the seeds of time,
And say which grain will grow and which will not,
Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear
Your favors nor your hate.”
1. Banquo
2. To the witches
3. The witches have given Macbeth the good news that he will be king. This
prediction introduces the conflict in the story.
4. Banquo expresses a curiosity to hear his own future (the metaphor of the
“seeds of time”), but unlike Macbeth, Banquo shows neither fear nor great
desire to receive special concessions from these women.