Macbeth - The Power of Words
Step 1: Character Interpretation
How does the video interpretation compare to the interpretations from the lesson?
In the video, the actress seems affectionate and caring towards Macbeth. She is
definitely ambitious and eager to go ahead with the plan, but she seems happy and supportive
of Macbeth. In the first written interpretation, Lady Macbeth is being affectionate, supportive and
excited to have Macbeth become the king, and all the positive things to come in their future. On
the other hand, in the second interpretation Lady Macbeth is being greedy, manipulative and
bossy towards Macbeth to make him do something that he feels is not right to do. She speaks in
a derogatory and cold tone towards Macbeth and treats him as useless and weak.
In a response of at least five sentences (75-100 words), comment on the stage interpretation
and explain your impression of Lady Macbeth in this scene. Use specific examples from the clip
to support your answer. Things to consider include her facial expressions, body language, and
tone of voice. Be sure to specifically reference the action in the clip to support your answer.
In the video Lady Macbeth is showing Macbeth that she cares about him and he just wants the
best for them. She talks in a very exciting and affectionate tone thinking about what Macbeth
can become. When she touches him and caresses his face, she seems affectionate. However,
she is doing it because she is greedy and wants to make Macbeth do what she wants. Her body
language over him shows how she exerts power and authority over him, leaning against him
while explaining the plan, manipulating him towards doing what she wants. Her facial
expressions seem caring and hopeful of their future, but there is greed and ambition in her eyes
when she tells him to act innocent but be a serpent.
Step 2: Setting Interpretation
In a response of at least five sentences (75-100 words), explain why you chose the image. Use
examples from the play and the image to support your reasoning. Include the scene and the
image along with your response. Be sure to cite the relevant lines of the play to support your
answer.
Image source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/03/movies/the-ancient-woods-review.html
In act V, Scene IV Malcolm, Macduff and some soldiers have decided to march through Birnam
Woods towards Dunsinane Castle to remove Macbeth from power. In direct citation they state
where they are when Siward says “What wood is this before us?” to which Menteith responded
“The wood of Birnam.” I chose this image because it portrays a somber, suspenseful mood, it
looks hard to go through and it makes it seem as though nightfall is about to arrive. We know
the woods have many branches, which they will use to cover themselves from sight,“Let every
soldier hew him down a bough, And bear't before him; thereby shall we shadow The numbers of
our host.” The reason why this image fits the scene is because we know a fight is going to start,
a fight for power, for justice and so many people are getting ready for that battle which they
know will be hard. When you look at the image it gives a sense of a hard and tough and long
journey for which they will need to be brave.