Macbeth Quest:
Historic King / Tragic
Hero
A WebQuest for 12 th grade English
Designed by
Ms. Deborah L. Borden
New Bedford High School
http://www.newbedford.k12.ma.us/srhigh/borden/macbethquest.htm
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion |
Introduction
Macbeth family tartan
Macbeth is the story of a Scottish nobleman, related to King Duncan of
Scotland, who is tempted into murdering the king to gain the crown for
himself. He is aided by his wife, both of whom are honored and respected
members of the aristocracy. He is one of the greatest defenders of his
nation -- and is willing to sacrifice such honor up for absolute domininion -even giving up eternal life. He sells his soul to gain the world, and loses all.
Shakespeare based his play on an actual Scottish king, Macbeth of Moray,
who ruled Scotland from 1040 - 1057 , and by all accounts was a just and
honorable ruler. While there exists some common ground between the
historical and the dramatic, there are far more points of contrast to examine.
The following quest will allow students to explore many of the facets of the
historical and dramatic Macbeth, and share their findings with classmates in
a variety of innovative and creative ways.
The Task
Students will be divided into eight possible research teams. Each team will
be researching some aspect of either the historical Macbeth's life or of
Shakespeare's play. Research sources will include links to research sites and
classroom resources/ books.NOTE: not all topics will have a
corresponding Internet link for them; some topics are text-based!
Each team will present/ teach their findings to the class and provide
presentation notes either as handouts or on the blackboard. Students may
use video, live dramatization, artwork, audio, slides, powerpoint, etc. to
present the material they have learned. Students must provide a
bibliography of works cited composed of both on-line and text resources.
The Process
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Team 1 will compare and contrast the background of the historical
Macbeth with the portrayal in Shakespeare's play.
Team 2 will examine the use of the supernatural in Macbeth. Research
areas will include the origin of the witch story from Holinshed's
Chronicles, witchlore of the Celts, and views on witchcraft during the
Renaissance.
Team 3 will examine the character of Macbeth as a Tragic hero/villian
(psychological profile).
Team 4 will examine the character of Lady Macbeth, comparing and
contrasting her with her historical counterpart, and analyzing her
nature and relationship with Macbeth.
Team 5 will examine imagery and symbolism in Shakespeare's play,
focusing on food and blood imagery (food and blood both vital symbols
of life).
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Team 6 will examine the symbolism/ importance of children within the
play.
Team 7 will examine the legend of Macbeth as a cursed production.
Team 8 will examine Christian symbolism/ Biblical imagery within the
play.
Links and Resources
Historical Macbeth 1
Historical Macbeth 2
Psych Profile
Macbeth and the Witches
Witchlore in Shakespeare's Time
Ms Borden's Brit Lit Page
Nature of Evil
Biblical Imagery in Macbeth
Duncan vs Macbeth/ Light & Dark
The Macbeth Page
Shakespeare Hotlist
Macbeth: The Curse
The Curse of the Scottish Play
Macbeth: All Purpose Site
Macbeth: Behind the Scenes