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Double, double toil and trouble
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
The “Real” Macbeth lived in the 11th Century. He was a Scottish “Thane” (Lord) who was cousin to King Duncan.
King James I loved the theater. Shakespeare wrote Macbeth for him. Shakespeare made James’ ancestor, Banquo, the most courageous character in the play.
The three “weird sisters” predict Macbeth will be king. Name the allusion. (“Wyrd” means fate.)
John Singer Sargent’s portrait of Lady Macbeth contains interesting symbolism. How does the artist characterize Lady Macbeth?
Discuss the difference between fate and free
will.
Define ambition.
Is ambition a good quality?
Define tragedy.
1. The tragic figure is a noble, good person, but not perfect.
2. The tragic figure has a tragic flaw (hamartia), that could be an excess of a particular virtue.
3. The tragic figure’s downfall is his/her own fault.4. The punishment exceeds the crime. Downfall
has a ripple effect.5. The tragic fall is not pure loss. Gain in self
knowledge.
Tragedy according to Aristotle
How could Lance Armstrong be considered a tragic figure? What was his tragic flaw? Was he responsible for his own downfall?
Think of a tragic situation that fits
Aristotle’s criteria.
What is your hamartia? What can you do to
keep it under control so it does not cause
your personal downfall?
