Act I Macbeth Question Study
Tenth and eleventh grade English curriculums often include Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Just as often, tenth and eleventh grade teachers suffer the slings and arrows of student complaints: the play is so old, it has nothing to do with the modern, computerized, media-saturated world. One strategy is to take arms against the sea of these complaints and, by giving them a modern twist, end them.
Tyrants in the Modern Age
Students in literature always seek "meaning," which roughly translates to what "old guys" like Shakespeare have to say about the modern world. While acknowledging Shakespeare's revisionist history, the character and career of his Macbeth can be compared to tyrants of the modern age.
First, students should bring in, read and discuss current news articles concerning world leaders and how the media treat them. Next, a working definition of the word "tyrant," giving both the denotation and connotations we have in today’s society should be agreed upon by the class. Third, assigned groups of two to three students should research one of the following modern or historical leaders:
- Robert Mugabe
- Idi Amin (Uganda)
- Ivan IV of Russia
- Josef Stalin
- Pol Pot
- Mary I of England
Include any other "tyrants" that the instructor might choose. Students will discuss, compile and keep a list of qualities common to all researched leaders.
Apply Lessons Learned in Macbeth to Modern Issues
Once the research is done, students should read opposing opinion articles on a world leader’s performance. From here, they can compare a brief historical background of the times in which “Macbeth” was written: James I’s succession, the Gunpowder Plot, the prevalent beliefs in fate, witchcraft and astrology, gender roles in the time of Shakespeare, and what historians record of the real Macbeth. They can also compile a rubric for rating Macbeth as tyrant or misunderstood leader to cement the concept. A discussion of how media (newspapers, magazines, blogs, TV news) affects students' views on world leaders.
At this point, the teacher should provide students with vocabulary to track, utilize and follow throughout the class reading of the play.
- Nutritional Supplements For Students
- Decorating Home Interior Study
- Jobs For Mba Students
Like Devin Hester on a punt return, sports business jobs are hard to catch. Every year, top fleet students graduate from Northwestern University’s law and business ...
- Stained Glass Studios
- Unruly Student
Computers are very effective learning tools for young people from kindergarten through college, but it is important for anyone setting up a computer lab to protect ...
