Hail Macbeth

For Fall 2017, we'll read Shakespeare's Macbeth, a tragic tale about human lust for power, deceit, murder, and magic. This is one of my favorite Shakespearean plays, so I look forward to reading and discussing it with you. To whet your appetite, check out the videos below. Also, here's the link to the Folger edition of Macbeth. It's important to remember that this text is a living script. In other words, it's meant to be performed. Since Shakespeare was foremost an actor, his scripts were intended to be acted. That is, he wrote with an actor's skills in mind by making the language more action-based and less passive (as we see in ancient Greek plays like Sophocles' Oedipus the King). I encourage you to read parts of Macbeth aloud, even consider asking a friend to read aloud with you. We'll do some reading aloud in class so as we can get a stronger sense of the rhythm, language use, and imagery Shakespeare gives us, and so we can visualize how the script must change with the times so as to remain relevant to audiences. (This is what I mean by a living script.) Also, check out the Globe Theatre, original site for Shakespeare's performances. This link will take you to a virtual tour of the Globe. 

This is the latest Macbeth version, starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.

Here's the famous scene wherein we see the beginning of Macbeth's mental decline. Sir Patrick Stewart plays Macbeth in this Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company production.

Here's a good summary and analysis of Macbeth by Sparky Sweets, PhD ( a character created by comedian Greg Edwards). Click here for more information on why Edwards created Thug Notes.