MYPNA_TE_G12_U3_web.pdf

PLANNING

Whole-Class learning

PerformanCe Task

In what ways does

Macbeth attempt to

control the future and

to bury the past?

UniT PerformanCe-Based

assessmenT

What is the relationship

of human beings to

time?

essenTial QUesTion:

How do our attitudes

toward the past and

future shape our actions?

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act V, Scene i

Connection to essential Question

Lady Macbeth’s regret over her actions, and fear of future consequences, drives

her nearly mad. Her actions and reactions will help shed light on the Essential

Question.

Connection to Performance Tasks

Whole-Class Learning Performance Task This scene focused on Lady

Macbeth’s efforts to control the future. Lady Macbeth urged her

husband to hide evidence, and reassured him that Banquo is buried.

The image of washing blood off her hands to hide guilt is particularly

important.

Unit Performance-Based Assessment In hearing this scene played out

in two different styles, students may have an opportunity to consider

the prompt in greater depth. Lady Macbeth relives moments when she

reassured her husband. The past is still with her.

PLANNING WHOLE-CLASS LEARNING • THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH, ACT V, SCENE i

Summary

This scene begins with two minor characters in conversation. A gentlewoman tells a

doctor that Lady Macbeth has been sleepwalking and writing in her sleep. The doctor

doesn’t believe her until he sees it himself. Lady Macbeth then appears, sleepwalking

and talking to herself. She is frightened and torn with guilt. Lady Macbeth tries to

wash imaginary blood off her hands, and thinks about the people whose deaths she

encouraged. The doctor initially chides the gentlewoman for thinking Lady Macbeth

has done anything wrong, but soon realizes his mistake.

insight

These two audio performances take slightly different approaches to the scene. For

example, the LibriVox performance emphasizes Lady Macbeth’s distress, but the doctor

and gentlewoman are not greatly disturbed by her behavior. In the L.A. Theatre Works

performance, the minor characters’ horror seems on par with Lady Macbeth’s own.

aUdio sUmmaries

Audio summaries of these

audio performances of The

Tragedy of Macbeth, Act V,

Scene i, are available online in

both English and Spanish in the

Interactive Teacher’s Edition or

Unit Resources. Assigning these

summaries prior to listening to

the selections may help students

build additional background

knowledge and set a context for

their first review.

354A UNIT 3 • FACING THE FUTURE, CONFRONTING THE PAST

LIT17_TE12_U03_A6C_M_WC_INTER.indd 1 16-03-25 4:15 AM