Mastering Macbeth
USING APPROPRIATE TERMINOLOGY IN
DESCRIBING THE SCOTTISH PLAY
MOOD
 Act 1. Scene 1.
 Stage direction calls for “Thunder and Lightning.
 Significant in that this weather pattern evokes mood:
 MOOD: The atmosphere that pervades a literary work with
the intention of evoking a certain emotion or feeling from the
audience. In drama, mood may be created by sets and music
as well as words; in poetry and prose, mood may be created by
a combination of such elements as SETTING, VOICE, TONE
and THEME. The moods evoked by the more popular short
stories of Edgar Allen Poe, for example, tend to be gloomy,
horrific, and desperate.
Example
“The thunder and lightning called for in the direction
of Act.1 Scene 1. of Macbeth evokes a creepy, strange
mood. The audience is made aware that all is not
well in Scotland”
WHEN USING LITERARY TERMS AND ELEMENTS
BE SURE TO GIVE CONCRETE EXAMPLES OF
USE AS WELL AS THE EFFECT OF ITS USE.
ANOTHER TERM IN PLAY
 Foreshadowing: The introduction early in a story of
verbal and dramatic hints that suggest what is to
come later.
 Again, be as specific as possible when discussing
foreshadowing.
EXAMPLE
“Along with the stage direction that calls for “Thunder
and Lightning” in Act 1. Scene 1 of Macbeth,
Shakespeare uses foreshadowing to add to the
sinister atmosphere at the beginning of the play. The
witches end the scene by chanting “Fair is foul and
foul is fair.” This quote demonstrates that there is
some evil at work which has invaded the normal, fair
world. The audience gets the sense that this evil will
specifically effect Macbeth as the witches state they
are waiting to speak to him.”
INDIRECT VS DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
Defining Characterization:
Characterization is the process by which the writer
reveals the personality of a character.
Characterization is revealed through direct
characterization and indirect
characterization.
DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
Direct Characterization tells the audience what the
personality of the character is.
Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both
well mannered and did not disobey their
mother.”
Explanation: The author is directly telling the
audience the personality of these two children. The
boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”
INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION (S.T.E.A.L.)
Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character.
There are five different methods of indirect characterization:
Speech What does the character say? How does the character speak?
Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?
Effect on others toward the character.
What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do
other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?
Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave?
Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?