Literature Component 1 Shakespeare: Macbeth DATE OF EXAM: Wednesday 15 th May 2019 Name: Class: Teacher:
Literature C1: Shakespeare Find the play that we have studied which will have an extract and two questions to respond to. Question a: 15 marks (AO1, AO2, AO4) You should spend 20 minutes on this question. You will be given an extract and asked to respond to a question, referring closely to the extract within your answer. You should use short quotations and terminology to consider the effect upon the audience. Question b: 25 marks (AO1, AO2, AO4) You should spend 40 minutes on this question. You will be asked to respond to a question using the entire play to support your response. This will be a question focused on a particular character or theme within the play. 5 marks of this question are allocated for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Assessment Objectives AO1: Read, understand and respond to texts. Students should be able to: maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations. AO2: Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate. AO4: Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation.
KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR SECTION A: Question a here is similar to the poetry part a; you need to ensure that you have tracked the entire extract. Start by selecting your evidence by finding techniques used to then analyse and link to the question. Question b will rely on your knowledge of the entire play. Again, you should track the character or theme using one paragraph from the start of the play, 3-4 moments in the middle, one from the end of the play. You do not receive a mark for context so focus on language analysis and change/development of characters. It is 20 minutes of your time. KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR SECTION B: Cite at least 5 key points in the wider play to illustrate your answer. You must understand the plot and the order in which events occur. Be aware of the themes in the play and be able to weave them into your answer where relevant. You must be able to use a wide selection of quotations from the whole play to support your comments. Ensure you are able to explain different interpretations of the characters actions. It is 40 minutes of your time. How do I revise for Macbeth? 1. Read the play! If you already have, that s great; you can always read it again. Try to actively read the book. How do I do that? Use post-it notes to records ideas; look out for a particular theme or character. Ask questions of what s happening. 2. Get organised! You have lots of stuff on this book already. Find it. Sort it. And use it. 3. Know what is going on. Produce mind maps/summaries of each Act and character. Know what happens and when it happens and also why it s important. 4. Know who is who. Be able to write 5 bullet points for each character (personality/appearance/role in the play) and find 5 (minimum) key quotes for them-put it on a big sheet of paper and stick it on your bedroom wall - AND LOOK AT IT!
5. Be clear on the themes. There are lots of themes explored in this play. Know what they are, why they re important and which characters have something to do with them. Make a note of what they are-look for some examples Who has something do with them Some key quotes Put it all on some sort of mind map. (Again, look at it from time to time once it s done!) 6. Learn lots of short quotes. Don t forget, you can t take your book into the exam. Get some cue cards-write 5 key quotes for each theme and each character on them and learn them! On the bus, in the car, just before bed...you get the idea. Stick them in your bag and take them with you, everywhere you go! 7. Plan some essays. Time yourself, spend ten/fifteen minutes writing down and then organising your ideas for different questions. 8. Do some practice papers. You ll find lots of past papers in this booklet. Use them! Macbeth The tragic hero Revising Characters How is he presented at the start of the play? What (or who) convinces him to kill King Duncan? How does he feel after he has killed the King? What causes him to have Banquo murdered? What does the banquet scene in act 3 show us about his mental state? How does he feel when he goes back to see the witches? How does he respond to his wife s death? What is he like in the final battle? Lady Macbeth The ambitious wife What are her concerns about Macbeth at the start of the play? How does she ask evil spirits to change her when she s plotting the murder? How does she persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan? What is her role in the King s murder? How does she feel once she has become queen? What is her role in the banquet scene in act 3? How is she presented as going mad in act 5?
The Witches How are they used to make the start of the play frightening? How are they presented as frightening and evil? What is their prophecy to Macbeth in act 1? What is their prophecy to Banquo in act 1? What is Hecate s speech about in act 3 scene 5? What are the prophecies in act 4? Banquo How is he presented at the start of the play? What is the prophecy the witches tell him? How is he presented as loyal and good? Why does he become suspicious of Macbeth? Why is he murdered? What is the significance of his ghost? Macduff How does he respond to the death of King Duncan? Why does he go to England? What happens to his family and how does he react to this? What does he think about Macbeth as king? Why is he able to defeat Macbeth (think about the prophecy)? How is he shown to be loyal to Malcolm at the end of the play? King Duncan What is his opinion of Macbeth at the start of the play? How does he reward Macbeth for his loyalty? How is he presented as a good king? What is the significance of his death?
Suggested Revision Activities Create a mind map of key moments and quotes for each character Bullet point the 5 key moments for each character Create flash cards of key character quotes Identify which themes these characters are relevant to and how they engage with them Create a character profile of key facts about them Create an essay plan for each character Analyse key extracts for each character Have a look at the GCSEPod podcasts/ revision summary/ key quotes Make notes on each character from your revision guide
The Knowledge: Macbeth, by William Shakespeare Macbeth 1. Macbeth begins the play as brave and ends as a dead butcher. 2. He believes that Duncan is a good king and has been so clear in his great office. 3. Macbeth s vaulting ambition leads him to kill Duncan, although he initially says he will proceed no further in this business. 4. Lady Macbeth accuses him of being green and pale and calls him a coward when he expresses doubts. 5. He worries that Duncan s blood will never wash clean from his hands and that he will sleep no more. 6. In the aftermath of the murder, Lady Macbeth accuses Macbeth of being infirm of purpose! 7. With Duncan in his grave, Macbeth hires murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance. 8. Macbeth s mental fragility is demonstrated when he accuses Banquo s ghost of shaking thy gory locks at him. 9. With the feast disrupted, Lady Macbeth once again accuses him of being unmann d. 10. At the end of the play, isolated and deluded, Macbeth vows that he will not be afraid of death and bane. Brave Ruthless Ambitious Treacherous Deluded Loyal Violent Hesitant Cowardly Isolated Lady Macbeth 1. Lady Macbeth is ambitious and intelligent, but at the end of the play she is described as a fiend-like queen. 2. She believes her husband is equally ambitious, but also too full o the milk of human kindness (i.e. not ruthless enough). 3. Lady Macbeth evokes the power of evil spirtis to unsex her and fill her top-full of direst cruelty! 4. She is the architect of the plan to murder Duncan; she tells Macbeth to leave all the rest to me. 5. In the aftermath of the murder, Lady Macbeth is decisive and domineering; she orders Macbeth to give me the daggers. 6. She scolds Macbeth for his weakness by saying that it is a foolish thought to say a sorry sight. 7. When Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo, Lady Macbeth attempts to calm the situation by asking the worthy thanes to sit. 8. Towards the end of the play, Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and rubs her hands. 9. She sees spots of Duncan s blood on her hands and says that all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. 10. The doctor eventually reports to Macbeth that Lady Macbeth is troubled with thick coming fancies. Intelligent Charming Manipulative Domineering Cruel Ambitious Persuasive Decisive Ruthless Troubled
Macduff 1. Macduff arrives to wake the Duncan the morning after the murder takes place; he was commanded to call timely on him. 2. Macduff dutifuly describes Duncan as royal, his master and his king. 3. Upon discovering Duncan s dead body, he loudly exclaims O horror! horror! horror! in anguished confusion. 4. Maduff s loss of control contrasts to Macbeth s hyperbole; Macbeth eulogises Duncan s silver skin and golden blood. 5. Macbeth furiously notes Macduff s absence at the feast, remarking that he denies his person at our great bidding. 6. The witches warn Macbeth to beware Macduff, but he is confident that none of woman born shall harm him. 7. Macbeth hires murderers to kill Macduff s wife and family; the first murderer calls Macduff a traitor. 8. Before being slaughtered, Macduff s son calls the first murderer a liar and shag-hair d villain! 9. Meanwhile, in England, Macduff bemoans Macbeth s great tyranny and calls him a hell-kite for slaughtering his family. 10. In the final stages of the play, Macduff demands that Macbeth show thy face! before killing him. Principled Dutiful Moral Intelligent Vengeful Honourable Devoted Honest Suspicious Merciless
Key quotations: Fair is foul, and foul is fair." (Act I, Scene I) Witches "When the battle's lost and won." (Act I, Scene I) Second witch "When shall we three meet again/ in thunder, lightning, or in rain? /When the hurlyburly 's done, /When the battle 's lost and won." (Act I, Scene I) First and second witch "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me." (Act I, Scene III) Macbeth "Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it; he died as one that had been studied in his death to throw away the dearest thing he owed, as 't were a careless trifle." (Act I, Scene IV) Malcolm on Thane of Cawdor "Yet do I fear thy nature; It is too full o' the milk of human kindness." (Act I, Scene V) Lady Macbeth "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't." (Act I, Scene V) Lady Macbeth "I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none." (Act I, Scene VII) Macbeth "Screw your courage to the sticking-place." (Act I, Scene VII) Lady Macbeth "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself, and falls on the other." (Act I, Scene VII) Macbeth "Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?" (Act II, Scene I) Macbeth "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red" (Act II, Scene II) Lady Macbeth "There's daggers in men's smiles." (Act II, Scene III) Donaldbain Thou hast it now, King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,/ As the weird women promised; and, I fear/ Thou playedst most foully for t (Act III Scene I) Banquo Our fears in Banquo/ Stick deep, Macbeth (Act III, Scene I) They hailed him father to a line of kings./ Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,/ And put a barren sceptre in my gripe, Macbeth (Act III Scene I) "What's done is done." (Act III, Scene II) Lady Macbeth
Where our desire is got without content: / T is safer to be that which we destroy,/ Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. (Act III, Scene II) Lady Macbeth O! Full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Macbeth (Act III, Scene II) Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, / Till thou applaud the deed. Macbeth (Act III, Scene II) There the grown serpent lies: the worm, that s fled, Macbeth (Act III, Scene IIII) (To the ghost) Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake/ Thy gory locks at me. (Act III Scene IIII) Macbeth Shame itself!/ Why do you make such faces? When all s done, / You look but on a stool. (Act III, Scene IIII) Lady Macbeth "By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes." (Act IV, Scene I) Second witch "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble." (Act IV, Scene I) The witches Bleed, bleed, poor country! Macduff (Act IV, Scene III) Not in the legions/ Of horrid hell can come a devil more damned/ In evils, to top Macbeth. Macduff (Act IV, Scene III) Devilish Macbeth (Act IV, Scene III) Malcolm "Out, damned spot! out, I say!" (Act V, Scene I). Lady Macbeth "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand." (Act V, Scene I) Lady Macbeth "Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." (Act V, Scene V) "I bear a charmed life." (Act V, Scene VIII) Macduff was from his mother s womb/ Untimely ripped. Macduff (Act V, Scene IX) I will not yield,/ To kiss the ground before young Malcolm s feet, Macbeth (Act V, Scene IX) Hail, King! For so thou art. Behold, where stands/ Th usurper s cursed head: Macduff (Act V, Scene IX)
Themes Ambition Perhaps the most obvious subject or theme in Macbeth is ambition and we see this with both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. They are tempted by the idea that Macbeth will become king - Macbeth is not sure what to do but his wife is ruthless in getting what she wants - she views her husband as a coward and appears ready to do anything. Ambition leads to evil - it makes Macbeth stronger and more determined, but then destroys his wife - she goes mad. And ambition eventually kills him as well, because he becomes a tyrant and so loses the support of his friends. The Supernatural Another major theme is the supernatural - the idea that there are mysterious forces controlling what is happening in our lives. The very first characters we meet are the three witches, and their prophecies are what drives the story forward. In Shakespeare's time belief in witchcraft was very strong and many so-called witches were burnt at the stake. It is not surprising that his audience would have taken these ideas seriously and felt that Macbeth was somehow possessed. There are lots of references to this - he is unable to say 'Amen', he has visions, he is disturbed and even thinks no-one can kill him. The final battle scene also contains many elements of the supernatural. Macbeth believes he is invincible because many of the witches' prophecies appear impossible to fulfil - and yet just as the witches predicted Birnam Wood does indeed move to Dunsinane, and Macbeth is killed by Macduff because he is not 'of woman born'. Appearance and Reality The contrast between what is real and the appearance of something is also used by Shakespeare. The classic dagger scene, when Macbeth is not sure if he can trust his eyes, is only one of many references to this theme. For instance, he sees Banquo's ghost at the banquet and Lady Macbeth imagines blood on her hands. Appearance and reality is a key element of Lady Macbeth s character when she welcomes King Duncan to the castle whist secretly plotting his death. She also encourages Macbeth to look like the innocent flower/ But be the serpent under t. which emphasises how deceitful and secretive they are. The contrast between reality and appearance is also shown with all the references to thoughts, dreams and actions. Banquo talks about the 'cursed thoughts' he has had and his dreams of the witches. Macbeth talks of the world of thought and dreams and sometimes is stuck there. For instance, Lady Macbeth is critical of Macbeth's 'foolish thoughts' and talks of him being 'lost' because of this. Sleep is another theme associated with reality, because characters view it as vital to life, but like death or being in another world. Macbeth is told he has murdered sleep and will 'sleep no more' whilst Lady Macbeth thinks of sleep as death, calling it the sternest 'goodnight'.
Loyalty Loyalty and guilt are also strong themes in Macbeth. Duncan clearly values loyalty - he has the first Thane of Cawdor executed and rewards Macbeth by making him the new Thane. Shakespeare cleverly uses loyalty as a dramatic device as well - Duncan is in the middle of talking about 'absolute trust' when Macbeth walks in - we know he's already thought about killing Duncan, but for the moment he talks about 'the loyalty I owe' and his 'duties' to Duncan. Loyalty is also very important to Banquo - he will not desert Duncan. Macbeth, however, has an odd idea of loyalty - he knows he is doing the wrong thing, but he still goes ahead. Early on in the play perhaps it is his wife who is manipulating him, but later on it is Macbeth who makes the decisions. And later on he also starts to show he hates disloyalty, threatening his messengers and servants. Guilt Macbeth becomes filled guilt - he is unsure before the murder of King Duncan and regrets it immediately after. Banquo s ghost appearing at the banquet reveals his guilt after ordering the murder of Banquo. He also comments throughout the play on his troubled mind and inability to sleep which reflects his guilt. Lady Macbeth is the opposite - she seems to show no guilt at the time of the murder of Duncan and even talks about how 'a little water' cleans away the blood. However, her increasing madness later on shows that guilt does ultimately affect her and she imagines her hands to be stained with blood, unable to escape what she s done. You should create essay plans for the possible theme and character essays. Here are some example questions: Macbeth Character Questions Write about how the character Macbeth is presented in the play. Write about how Lady Macbeth is presented in Macbeth. Explain the significance of the weird sisters in Macbeth. Explain the importance of Macduff in Macbeth. Write about Banquo and the way he is presented in Macbeth. Write about the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Macbeth Theme Questions Write about the theme of power and how it is presented in Macbeth. Write about the theme of the supernatural in the Macbeth. Write about the theme of good and evil and how it is presented in Macbeth. How is the contrast between good kings and bad kings presented in the play? Write about the theme of ambition and its significance in Macbeth. Write about the theme of loyalty and how it is presented in Macbeth. Explore the significance of guilt in Macbeth. How do you approach the extract question? Highlight the key words in the question (identify whether you are looking at a character, or the creation of mood and atmosphere) Read the extract and highlight 8 10 key points. You can also annotate these with the key things you d want to say about each of the quotes. Start by placing the extract, showing you understand at what point in the play it happens and what the context of it is. Write up your answer in chronological order (go from the start of the extract through to the end, making developed comments with each piece of evidence you cite) You should use connectives such as firstly, secondly, thirdly, next, finally to help you structure your answer. Remember this is a great opportunity to get marks for language analysis (AO2)! TOP TIPS! Show the examiner different interpretations in your analysis Make sure you stay focused on exactly what the question has asked you Keep to your 20 minutes
Use these extracts to practise extract questions What does this extract show an audience about Macbeth s state of mind at this point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. [15] Macbeth: Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? Or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressèd brain? I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this which now I draw. Thou marshall st me the way that I was going, And such an instrument I was to use. Mine eyes are made the fools o' th' other senses, Or else worth all the rest. I see thee still, And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There s no such thing. It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. Now o'er the one half-world Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse The curtained sleep. Witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate s offerings, and withered murder, Alarumed by his sentinel, the wolf, Whose howl s his watch, thus with his stealthy pace, With Tarquin s ravishing strides, towards his design Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives. Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.
What does the extract show the audience about Macbeth s state of mind at this point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. (15) Macbeth To be thus is nothing, But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature Reigns that which would be feared. 'Tis much he dares, And to that dauntless temper of his mind He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor To act in safety. There is none but he Whose being I do fear, and under him My genius is rebuked, as it is said Mark Antony s was by Caesar. He chid the sisters When first they put the name of king upon me And bade them speak to him. Then, prophetlike, They hailed him father to a line of kings. Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown And put a barren scepter in my grip, Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding. If t be so, For Banquo s issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered; Put rancors in the vessel of my peace Only for them; and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings! Rather than so, come fate into the list, And champion me to th' utterance. Who s there?
What does impression does the audience get of the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth at this point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. [15] LADY MACBETH Come on; Gentle my lord, sleek o'er your rugged looks; Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night. MACBETH So shall I, love; and so, I pray, be you: Let your remembrance apply to Banquo; Present him eminence, both with eye and tongue: Unsafe the while, that we Must lave our honours in these flattering streams, And make our faces vizards to our hearts, Disguising what they are. LADY MACBETH You must leave this. MACBETH O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Thou know'st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives. LADY MACBETH But in them nature's copy's not eterne. MACBETH There's comfort yet; they are assailable; Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown His cloister'd flight, ere to black Hecate's summons The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done A deed of dreadful note. LADY MACBETH What's to be done? MACBETH Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling night, Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day; And with thy bloody and invisible hand Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond Which keeps me pale! Light thickens; and the crow Makes wing to the rooky wood: Good things of day begin to droop and drowse; While night's black agents to their preys do rouse. Thou marvell'st at my words: but hold thee still; Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill. So, prithee, go with me. Exeunt
What does impression does the audience get of Macduff at this point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. [15] MACDUFF O horror, horror, horror! Tongue nor heart Cannot conceive nor name thee! MACBETH LENNOX What's the matter. MACDUFF Confusion now hath made his masterpiece! Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope The Lord's anointed temple, and stole thence The life o' the building! MACBETH What is 't you say? the life? LENNOX Mean you his majesty? MACDUFF Approach the chamber, and destroy your sight With a new Gorgon: do not bid me speak; See, and then speak yourselves. Exeunt MACBETH and LENNOX Awake, awake! Ring the alarum-bell. Murder and treason! Banquo and Donalbain! Malcolm! awake! Shake off this downy sleep, death's counterfeit, And look on death itself! up, up, and see The great doom's image! Malcolm! Banquo! As from your graves rise up, and walk like sprites, To countenance this horror! Ring the bell.
What impression does the audience get of Banquo at this point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. [15] Enter BANQUO BANQUO Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all, As the weird women promised, and, I fear, Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said It should not stand in thy posterity, But that myself should be the root and father Of many kings. If there come truth from them-- As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine-- Why, by the verities on thee made good, May they not be my oracles as well, And set me up in hope? But hush! no more.
What impression does an audience get of the witches in this extract? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. [15] SCENE I. A cavern. In the middle, a boiling cauldron. Thunder. Enter the three Witches First Witch Thrice the brinded cat hath mew d. Second Witch Thrice and once the hedge-pig whined. Third Witch Harpier cries Tis time, tis time. First Witch Round about the cauldron go; In the poison d entrails throw. Toad, that under cold stone Days and nights has thirty-one Swelter d venom sleeping got, Boil thou first i the charmed pot. ALL Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Second Witch Fillet of a fenny snake, In the cauldron boil and bake; Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog, Adder s fork and blind-worm s sting, Lizard s leg and owlet s wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. ALL Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
EDUQAS Mark Scheme (part a extract )
EDUQAS Mark Scheme (part b essay)
EDUQAS Exemplar answers Macbeth Question: Answer both part (a) and part (b). You are advised to spend about 20 minutes on part (a), and about 40 minutes on part (b). (a) Read the extract on the opposite page. What does this extract show an audience about Lady Macbeth s state of mind at this point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. [15] *(b) Write about Banquo and the way he is presented in Macbeth. [25] *5 of this question s marks are allocated for accuracy in spelling, punctuation and the use of vocabulary and sentence structures. 22 Macbeth's castle Enter LADY MACBETH, reading a letter
Part a answer (band 4)
Part b answer (band 3) How could this be improved?