Use the links on the copy of the webquest below to visit the websites indicated to research the questions for each section. You will write a brief paragraph for each section answering all questions. We will quiz over the material next week.
The Macbeth Web Quest
In order to
complement our study of “Macbeth”, we will be exploring the life and times of
William Shakespeare, as well as looking into the historical background of the
play.
The task
Go through
the various topics, reading carefully the information contained in the web
links. You will write a brief paragraph to respond to or answer all questions asked in each section - this will be submitted for a daily grade. You will also be quizzed (probably multiple choice) over this information .. so make sure you do your own research and are familiar with it.
1. Shakespeare’s life and times
·
What do we know about Shakespeare as a man? What
are some important biographical details that we need to be aware of?
·
What was life like in his time? What was the
society he lived in?
2.
Shakespeare’s theatre
·
What
did theatre look and work like in Shakespeare’s time?
·
What
do we know about acting, costumes and audiences in Shakespeare’s time?
·
What
do we know about Shakespeare as a theatre man?
·
Be
sure to take an interactive tour of Shakespeare’s Globe.
3. King
James
King James was the king at the time that
Shakespeare wrote and performed “Macbeth”.
·
How
did James become king?
·
What
was he like as a king?
·
What
was the political climate in England at the time?
·
How
was James connected to “Macbeth”?
4.
Witchcraft
Christianity continued to dominate
people’s lives in the Renaissance period. People regarded witchcraft as the
work of the Devil. They often went on witch hunts which resulted in the deaths
of many people, especially women.
·
How
was King James connected to the campaign against witches and witchcraft?
5. The Real
Macbeth
·
Was
there a “real” person named Macbeth? What did Shakespeare use as his
inspiration for writing this play?
·
What
was Shakespeare’s historical source for “Macbeth”?
6. The
Macbeth Curse
Over the
years, people have reported suffering misfortunes, injuries and deaths after
being associated with this play. Some assert that the play is cursed.
·
Why do people think the play is cursed?
·
Where did this idea originate?