POWERIn Shakespeare“Absolute power corrupts absolutely” John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902).

Our Big Question:

What does Macbeth teach us about POWER?

Is this still relevant today?

Define Power?

Power helps people accomplish things. People with power want more power. Too much power can cause serious damage on

a person and have serious consequences. Everything in the play happens because of

power. All characters think that power brings

happiness.

The ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.

Message of Macbeth…

Power can overtake someone’s life and take control of everything they do

Just because you get what you want doesn’t mean it is good for you

When we want something but can’t have it right then.. If we wait it will come to us when the time is right

Being patient is better than taking situations into your own hands

Temptation to want more than we should have or deserve

Immoral and illegal things to get them

POWER IN Act 1

1. Duncan announces Macbeth will be given the title Thane of Cawdor for his bravery in the battle

2. Macbeth and Banquo meet the Three Witches and they tell Macbeth that he will be Thane of Cawdor and King, and that Banquo will be father to a line of kings, but not one himself.

3. Macbeth is announced official Thane of Cawdor

4. Although Banquo warns him that the witches try to lure people to evil, Macbeth is excited by their prophecies.

POWER IN Act 1continued…

5. Macbeth’s excited for power gets him thinking about killing King Duncan but he hides his thoughts

6. Lady Macbeth receives a letter from her husband telling her about his meeting with the witches. She fears he is too good-natured to kill Duncan and decides to persuade him

7. King Duncan arrives at the castle and Macbeth is told by his wife to look innocent

8. Lady Macbeth reassures Macbeth of her plan to kill King Duncan

Power in act 2 1. Macbeth tests Banquo’s loyalty

2. Macbeth has a vision of a bloodstained dagger

3. Macbeth kills Duncan

4. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are haunted with bloodstained hands

Power in act 3

1. Macbeth plans to kill Banquo and his son Fleance

2. Banquo is murdered and Macbeth starts to see the Ghost of Banquo

3. Macduff and Malcolm plan to defeat Macbeth with their army after they are suspicious of Macbeth’s guilt

Power in act 4

1.Macbeth goes to the witches and convinces himself he cannot be killed by a man born of woman

2.Macbeth gets Lady Macduff and her children murdered

3.Malcolm and Macduff plan to get revenge from Macbeth with the help from England

POWER IN ACT 5

1.Lady Macbeth is seen sleepwalking

2.Scottish lords join forces with Malcolm and his English Army

3.Macbeth decides to fight the soldiers until the end

Who has the Power??

On a scale of -5–5, rate how much power either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth has in the different acts of the play.

A score of -5 (minus five) means that Macbeth has by far the most power,

5 (five) means that Lady Macbeth has by far the most power,

and a score of 0 (zero) means that you are unsure, or that they have equal power.

Act One ____ Act Four ____ Act Two ____ Act Five ____ Act Three ____

Universal ideas…

(why this is still relevant)

1. Humans thrive on power and control

2. Temptation of being the best/highest in something e.g. career

3. Stereotypes - what it means to be a “real man”

4. Judging others and being deceived

5. Power struggles within a marriage

6. Devastating effects guilt has on our psychological state of mind and the way we act towards others

Why do we studyShakespearian texts?

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Why is are they classics?

1. They are timeless, engaging, and captivating stories

2. We can still identify with the characters and their struggles (the human condition, emotions, and relationships)

3. They deal with universal themes and ideas that teach us lessons on life and make us consider new perspectives

4. It teaches us where modern language came from and how to “turn a phrase”

5. They enrich our cultural literacy and add to our understanding of and appreciation for literature

Assignment

What does Macbeth teach us about POWER?

Is this still relevant today?