Creative Macbeth Speech
Choose ONE of the following creative tasks to complete. Your completely original speech
should be about 1 minute long and reflect not only your creativity, but also your
knowledge of the play and characters as well. Take on the PERSONA of the character –
voice, dress, costumes, props, etc. Do not change the context of the play except where
invited to do so. Have fun!!
Due Thursday, Dec. 17.
1.
Had Banquo not gone out riding in Act 3.1. and reported his worries, concerns, and suspicions to
someone, what might he have said or revealed to a confidante or the law? Create a short dramatic
speech to relay his thoughts which might have potentially changed the course of action of the play.
2.
Poor Duncan seems to be a weak judge of character: not only once, but twice. If you could
pull him to the side, before he enters the Macbeths’ castle, what would you say to warn
him of his character weakness and impending doom? Create a short persuasive speech
that might inform Duncan of his flaws and the possible problems that it may cause him.
3.
Upper class women often had a “lady in waiting” to attend to their daily needs, with
grooming, dressing etc. Pretend that you are Lady Macbeth’s lady in waiting and have
overheard her invocation of evil and plans for Duncan. What would you do, what would
say? Why? (You may do this with a partner if you like).
4.
Rather than running away, you and your brother Donalbain have decided to devise a plan to determine
the real monster responsible for the death of their father. Create a short dramatic speech to reveal what
your plan of action might be rather than fleeing to Ireland or England. This scenario may be completed
with a partner.
5.
For the most part, Macbeth stands idly by and listens to his wife chastise him for his
kindness and cowardice. Turn the tables on Lady Macbeth and tell her how you really
feel! Working with a partner who will act in the role of Lady Macbeth, create a speech
where you confront her rather than placate her; where you disagree with her rather than
agree with her to move forward with the plan to kill the King.
6.
On page 79 Macbeth states, “I have done the deed” (Shakespeare 2.2.19). Create a dramatic speech and
scene that involves not only Macbeth and Duncan but possibly the guards and the king’s sons. Your
speech and the events should change the course of action of the play: is Duncan still alive? Who is killed
in the altercation? What happens to Macbeth? Change history and be Shakespeare for the day!
7.
In 3.3, when the third murderer arrives, the first murderer replies, “Then stand with us” (6).
However, the first murderer is not too happy about this decision nor does he agree with Macbeth’s
decision to send the 3rd murderer to join them. Create a short speech and dramatic scene to relay what
happens when the first murderer starts a confrontation with the 3 rd. What happens?
What is the result? What do they tell Macbeth about the plot to kill Banquo when it
fails? Do they?
8.
The Witches obviously come up with a devious scheme to tempt Macbeth and lead
him astray, but why? Provide the background story to explain why the witches decide
to confront Macbeth on that fateful day after the battle. Why him? What did he do in
his past to invite evil? Did he ever contemplate the kingship? Do they play on his
weaknesses? Why?