Macbeth – Act I, scene iii – Pre-reading Activity
1. a) Do you believe in fortune-telling? Explain why or why not?
b) If the opportunity presented itself, would you want to know details about your future? Explain
2. a) In your opinion, how are fortune-tellers or physics perceived in today’s society?
b) Based on your knowledge of the Elizabethan society, how do you think fortune-tellers (the
Witches or Sisters of Fate) would have been viewed? Support your answer.
3. Do you read the horoscopes? Have you ever read-up on your astrological sign? Do you know
the meaning behind your name?
4. Do you consider yourself superstitious? Do you follow certain rituals? If yes, state two or
three of your superstitious beliefs / rituals.
5. With a partner, list 8-10 different superstitions that you believe quite common in today’s
society.
6. a) With a partner, discuss the purposes of superstitions. Record your thoughts.
b) What do you believe to be the main purpose of superstitions? Why?
7. a) In your opinion, are superstitions beneficial at all?
b) Are they at all harmful?
c) Could being superstitious be a flaw, in your opinion? Explain why or why not?
8. Create three believable horoscopes that you think a person might actually act on after
reading/hearing them.
Post-reading – Is Macbeth’s belief in the witches’ prophecies realistic? If you were in his shoes,
would you be likely to believe the information or not? Explain.