Macbeth

A number of issues and themes are woven into the fabric of Macbeth. We respond to these strands with interest and sometimes emotion because their contemporary counterparts can be found daily in the pages of today's newspaper. Newspapers contain stories dealing with motives, emotions, political intrigue, murder, domestic violence and human interest.

In your newspaper find five different news items which parallel or mirror events in the play.

Prepare a chart clearly illustrating the relationship between the clippings you have selected and their counterparts in Macbeth.

Explain you chart to your classmates, emphasizing the relevance of the play to today's audience.

William Shakespeare and the Contemporary World of the Newspaper

Macbeth

Define the terms regicide and usurpation.

How do these terms apply to the study of Macbeth?

In the international news section of the newspaper find a story which refers to the deposing of a political leader or party.

Working from the information given in the newspaper story, describe the victim, the perpetrator(s), the motives and the consequences.

Report your findings to the rest of your class, comparing and contrasting the newspaper material with the content of Macbeth

William Shakespeare and the Contemporary World of the Newspaper