Shakespeare...Or Not Shakespeare?
As students progress through the unit, they should be able to identify not only the thematic elements of Macbeth, but also how these thematic elements have shaped they narratives that we have created since Macbeth was first written and performed.
As an initial exercise, students will be given the summaries of contemporary films that share common themes with Shakespeare's plays. These themes include:
After reviewing these summaries, students will be asked whether or not the narrative presented is an example of a Shakespearean tragedy, or a contemporary narrative. |
The following are examples of some of the vague summaries students will be presented with:
(Answers to these are at the end of this page) |
...But What Does This Have to Do With Macbeth?!?
The purpose of this exercise is to illustrate the narrative staying power of Shakespearean drama.
As we have discussed throughout this unit, the importance of reading Shakespeare is NOT just "because it's required."
In many ways, Shakespearean drama and the narratives within are a "key" to understanding the narratives we read, watch, and enjoy today.
Though written long ago, Shakespeare's plays--comedies and tragedies alike--have continued to influence the narratives we continue to tell.
As we have discussed throughout this unit, the importance of reading Shakespeare is NOT just "because it's required."
In many ways, Shakespearean drama and the narratives within are a "key" to understanding the narratives we read, watch, and enjoy today.
Though written long ago, Shakespeare's plays--comedies and tragedies alike--have continued to influence the narratives we continue to tell.
A Tragedy Retold: Adaptations of Macbeth
Film Trailers |
At its most basic level, Macbeth is a tale about good and evil (with ghosts thrown in for good measure). Furthermore, it is a tale rife with violence, action, and suspense. As such, it has been adapted and re-adapted several times over, reflecting Shakespeare's intentions for the play, as well as the visions of contemporary filmmakers.
In this lesson, we will be screening clips from a few of the more notable adaptations of Macbeth. Films we will screen will include:
This version is true to the time period in which Macbeth is set. However, it presents Macbeth's Scotland as a vile, inhospitable place. This is perhaps the darkest vision of Macbeth on film.
The director of this adaptation of Macbeth transplants the setting of the play from medieval Scotland to a small town in Pennsylvania. Though the narrative is essentially a re-imaging of the play, it is performed in modern English.
Though performed just as it was written, Wright's adaptation of Macbeth is set in the criminal underworld of Sydney, Australia.
Similar to Wright's re-imagining of Macbeth, Rupert Gold's production of Macbeth envisions the corrupted Thane as a militaristic dictator living amidst a never-ending war. Post Screening Discussion QuestionsAfter watching select clips from these adaptations of Macbeth, students will discuss the following questions with the instructor (me).
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Activity:You be the Director
In this activity, students will split up into groups of three or four.
In their groups, students will produce an adaptation of their own, using any scene from Macbeth (except for scenes that are way too short! No cheating!). In preparing their own adaptations, students should consider the following:
After preparing their adaptations of Macbeth, students will submit a "call sheet," as well as any notes pertaining to their adaptation. Students will then perform their adaptations for the class. |
Before I Forget...
Earlier in this presentation, you were presented with sample summaries that would be presented to students regarding contemporary narratives that reflect themes and motifs common in Shakespeare's works. Remember your answers? Well here are the right ones...
1. Actually, this is the plot of Disney's The Lion King.
2. Though this could possibly be Macbeth, it is actually the plot of the gangster classic, Scarface.
3. Kind of a stretch, but this is actually a synopsis of The Dark Knight.
1. Actually, this is the plot of Disney's The Lion King.
2. Though this could possibly be Macbeth, it is actually the plot of the gangster classic, Scarface.
3. Kind of a stretch, but this is actually a synopsis of The Dark Knight.