Kucaj English 12 Imagery Progression – Macbeth Presentation Each group will be assigned a set of images from Macbeth to identify and understand the pattern Shakespeare creates with them. Your task is to describe the pattern behind the imagery and show what this pattern reveals about characters, conflict, and ultimately theme. Directions: Go to the WA website English Dept Mrs. Kucaj’s page. Scroll down to the Macbeth section and click on the link provided. This is a database that allows you to search for words in Shakespeare plays. You must enter the word you want to search for and then “and play:Macbeth” so that you only search Macbeth. A sample entry for “blood” would be as follows – blood and play:Macbeth. Remember: do not search only for the words I give you. Think of synonyms that may also appear. Expectations: Your presentation will be a paper and a PowerPoint/Presi of at least 12 slides that effectively portrays the imagery progression and how it affects the play’s overall themes. - Include as many instances of your imagery as possible with act, scene and line numbers. - Include context and analysis with these quotations and analysis of the imagery progression. - Graphics should be a key component of your PowerPoint (make sure to cite online images at the end of your PowerPoint). - 2+ Themes and explain how they are illuminated through your imagery. - 2+ Include discussion questions to engage your audience. You will have some time in class to work but you should also be working on this project outside of class. Make sure you coordinate as a group how you will combine your information into a cohesive PowerPoint. I highly recommend trading emails. Grade: 50% PowerPoint (Group grade) 50% Presentation (Individual grade) Imagery Pattern Groups: #1 – Storms/ Weather/ Air Show how the weather is used to develop tone in certain scenes and how the weather connects certain characters and scenes. Show how these connections help develop major themes in the play. #2 – Birds (Eagles, martlets, ravens, owls, chicks, etc.) Look at how birds are used to define qualities of character and setting and describe how some of the characters have evolved based on bird descriptions. Have someone scan the footnotes – many of the more obscure birds are referenced there. #3 – Light vs. Dark (moon, sun, night, day, flames, etc.) Show how Shakespeare uses light and dark imagery to enhance our understanding of character and the nature of their actions. What characters are associated with darkness and which with light? What is Shakespeare exploring through the use of his imagery? #4 – Blood, Daggers, Hands & Murder For this imagery pattern show how the act of murder and the images associated with it destroyed the murderers as well as the murdered. Show how Shakespeare continued to use these images through out the play and what effect he was trying to have on the readers. #5 – Universal Chain of Beginning Show how the concept of the Universal Chain of Being is at the beginning of the play, how it deteriorates in the middle, and then is restored at the end. Consider the deeds of the characters, the chain of command, the weather and animals. Show how Shakespeare utilizes this well-known concept to reinforce his themes. This topic will be more difficult because the search engine will not be as easy to use.