Mastering Macbeth

Mastering Macbeth USING APPROPRIATE TERMINOLOGY IN DESCRIBING THE SCOTTISH PLAY

MOOD  Act 1. Scene 1.  Stage direction calls for “Thunder and Lightning.  Significant in that this weather pattern evokes mood:

 MOOD: The atmosphere that pervades a literary work with

the intention of evoking a certain emotion or feeling from the audience. In drama, mood may be created by sets and music as well as words; in poetry and prose, mood may be created by a combination of such elements as SETTING, VOICE, TONE and THEME. The moods evoked by the more popular short stories of Edgar Allen Poe, for example, tend to be gloomy, horrific, and desperate.

Example “The thunder and lightning called for in the direction of Act.1 Scene 1. of Macbeth evokes a creepy, strange mood. The audience is made aware that all is not well in Scotland”

WHEN USING LITERARY TERMS AND ELEMENTS BE SURE TO GIVE CONCRETE EXAMPLES OF USE AS WELL AS THE EFFECT OF ITS USE.

ANOTHER TERM IN PLAY  Foreshadowing: The introduction early in a story of

verbal and dramatic hints that suggest what is to come later.  Again, be as specific as possible when discussing

foreshadowing.

EXAMPLE “Along with the stage direction that calls for “Thunder and Lightning” in Act 1. Scene 1 of Macbeth, Shakespeare uses foreshadowing to add to the sinister atmosphere at the beginning of the play. The witches end the scene by chanting “Fair is foul and foul is fair.” This quote demonstrates that there is some evil at work which has invaded the normal, fair world. The audience gets the sense that this evil will specifically effect Macbeth as the witches state they are waiting to speak to him.”

INDIRECT VS DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION

Defining Characterization: Characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization.

DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION Direct Characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION (S.T.E.A.L.) Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. There are five different methods of indirect characterization: Speech What does the character say? How does the character speak?

Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? Effect on others toward the character.

What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave?

Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?