Characterization in Act I: Characterizing Macbeth

Ok, we did something similar to this with the college essay "Swimming."

We want to keep track of how Shakespeare develops the character of Macbeth. We know he is a TRAGIC HERO--so he will start in a HIGH position and end in a LOW one. So we want to complete a characterization of him at the beginning first........

Give 2 adjectives that would describe Macbeth in Act I (what we have read so far). Explain your choices using textual examples from the text--(cite and explain how they prove the adjective). Are these characteristics direct (told to us) or indirect (we have to look at what happens and figure it out)--maybe a combination of both....if so why? WHAT IS THE AUTHOR FORESHADOWING?

Adjective/trait	Textual evidence	Explanation	Direct/indirect

After filling in the notes, we will turn it into a paragraphed response:
What type of character is Macbeth presented as in Act I?
How do you know?
What does this do for the reader?
Do you think this could foreshadow future events in any way?
 If so how?
----------------notes from class------------------------

Adjective/trait	Textual evidence	Explanation	Direct/indirect
brave, hero	“brave Macbeth” “valor’s minion” (bravest of all)	Macbeth is reported to fight bravely in the war	direct
noble	“what he hath lost, noble Macbeth, hath won”	The king gives Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor (that he takes away from his friend who was a traitor) because he proves his loyalty to Scotland	direct
Ruthless, warrior	“Till he unseamed him from the nave to the chops…his head upon our battlements”	Shows Macbeth is used to killing people in a gruesome way	indirect

 

After filling in the notes, we will turn it into a paragraphed response:
What type of character is Macbeth presented as in Act I?
How do you know?
What does this do for the reader?
Do you think this could foreshadow future events in any way? If so how?

      In Act I Scene ii, Macbeth is presented as ……………… we know this when the Captain states,……………. We also hear that he is ……………………….and because of this the king……….. Macbeth is presented as a ………………..type of soldier. This is evident as………………….

      This gives the reader………..This may be Shakespeare’s way of foreshadowing…………………