Macbeth Reader Response Questions
1. How does your research into the social and political realities of the period affect your understanding of the play? Does your understanding of the Elizabethan experience help you understand the narrative?
2. Trace the evolving moral or spiritual values of a character from the play at different points in the development of the play. What elements of the play strengthen the author's presentation of the theme?
3. Critical Literacy: identify and analyze the perspectives and/or biases evident in the play regarding beliefs, values, identity, and power.
4. Explain on the basis of research, how the historical/or cultural context of a play accounts for the social attitudes expressed by its characters. What social and legal conditions of this period might help us understand the actions and attitudes of the female characters in the text? How do Shakespeare's tragedies illustrate the Elizabethan concept of Chain of Being? Have these publications been known to represent particular political leanings historically?
so, you want some help.
what do you have so far?
nevermind I figured it out lol, but thank you
Bro, I had these exact same questions for Macbeth. If you don't mind, would you please send the answers? I'm already behind the due date.
1. To understand the social and political realities of the Elizabethan period, you can conduct research on the time period and its historical context. Look for information on the political climate, the monarchy, and social hierarchies during that time. This research will provide insight into the influences and circumstances that shaped the Elizabethan experience.
Once you have a grasp of the historical context, you can then analyze how this understanding affects your interpretation of Macbeth. Consider elements such as the ambition for power, the role of women, the belief in supernatural forces, and the consequences of political upheaval. By contextualizing the play within the social and political realities of the period, you can better understand the motivations and actions of the characters.
2. To trace the evolving moral or spiritual values of a character in Macbeth, read the play thoroughly and pay close attention to the character's actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters. Keep track of significant moments or turning points that indicate a shift in their values.
Identify the theme you are exploring and analyze how the author reinforces it through various elements of the play. Look for instances where the character's behavior aligns or conflicts with their stated values. Consider the impact of their choices on themselves and others, and how this contributes to the overall theme of the play.
3. To analyze the perspectives and biases evident in Macbeth regarding beliefs, values, identity, and power, critically examine the text and consider different character viewpoints. Look for instances where characters express their beliefs, prejudices, or assumptions. Pay attention to power dynamics and the way characters exert control or manipulate others.
Consider the roles of gender, social status, and ambition in shaping the characters' perspectives and biases. Analyze how these perspectives influence their actions and how their biases contribute to the themes and conflicts of the play. Also, be aware of any bias present in the author's portrayal of certain characters or groups.
4. To explain how the historical or cultural context of Macbeth accounts for the social attitudes expressed by its characters, you can research the social and legal conditions of the Elizabethan period. Explore factors like gender roles, marriage customs, the patriarchal society, and the perceived hierarchies of power.
By understanding these historical and cultural norms, you can better comprehend why female characters in the play might conform or resist societal expectations. Consider how societal attitudes towards women influenced their actions and choices.
Additionally, analyze how Shakespeare's tragedies illustrate the Elizabethan concept of the Chain of Being. This concept viewed the universe as hierarchical, with God at the top, followed by angels, humans, animals, and inanimate objects. The tragedies often showcase the consequences of disrupting this order through actions such as regicide or ambitious pursuits.
Remember to consult reputable sources, such as scholarly articles, books, or academic databases, to gather accurate information for your research. Keep in mind that interpretations of literature may vary, and it is important to support your arguments with evidence from the text and from credible scholarly analysis.