Renaissance Drama – Macbeth (Acts IV–V)
Remains of an ancient Greek theater
What Is a Tragedy?
Tragedy was first mentioned by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. In 330 B.C., he wrote that a tragedy is:
"an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions."
A tragedy is a drama that relates a conflict between a hero and another force like fate, chance, society, or God. Tragedies celebrate the courage and dignity of a tragic hero in the face of impending doom.
What Is a Shakespearean Tragedy?
Shakespearean tragedies have much in common with the original Greek tragedies of Aristotle's time. In this interactivity, click the tabs to examine five elements of Shakespearean tragedy. Click the player button to begin.
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The Tragic Hero
Shakespeare is famous for his tragic heroes. Among the most famous are King Lear, Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth. Take a look at several characteristics of a typical Shakespearean tragic hero. In this interactivity, click the vertical tabs to view three key elements of a tragic hero. Click the player button to begin.
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Elements of Plot
Plot is a concept that you have likely been studying since you were in elementary school. In literature, plot is the related series of events or action that make up a story. Every Shakespearean tragedy is divided into five acts and contains elements of plot. In this interactivity, click each of the markers to learn more about plot structure. Click the player button to begin.
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Act IV of Macbeth
As you read Act IV of Macbeth, you will have the opportunity to review or expand your vocabulary. Take note of the words listed below that you will see in the following reading assignment.
| avarice | homely | niggard |
| credulous | impediments | pernicious |
| detraction | intemperance | stanchless |
| entrails | judicious | unsanctified |
| grafted | laudable |
At the end of Act III, Macbeth decides to visit the three witches for more answers, and Macduff leaves for England in search of Malcolm's help. Macbeth's life is now spinning out of control. He is becoming more paranoid about the security of his crown. In Act IV, Macbeth seeks answers and assurance from the witches. They reveal to him additional prophecies using three apparitions or ghosts to give him a glimpse into his future.
Access and read Act IV of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. As you read, consider the play's use of irony, or a discrepancy between what is said or done in relation to what actually happens or is understood. Also, think about what motifs or story elements recur frequently throughout the play.
Act V of Macbeth
As you read Act V of Macbeth, you will have the opportunity to review or expand your vocabulary. Take note of the words listed below that you will see in the following reading assignment.
| ague | bane | perturbation | upbraid |
| antidote | clamorous | pristine | usurper |
| arbitrate | palter | recoil |
In Act IV, Macbeth learns that Macduff has fled to England where Malcolm had sought refuge. Warned by the witches' prophecy, Macbeth decides that Macduff and his family must be killed. When Macduff receives news of the death of his family, he vows revenge. Malcolm joins him in their plan to overthrow Macbeth.
In Act V, you see Lady Macbeth left alone with her overwhelming feelings of guilt while Macbeth is off preparing for imminent battle. She spends her nights sleepwalking and hallucinating about blood on her hands. She is even visited by a doctor who easily determines the true source of her problems. However, he dares not breathe a word of his suspicions for fear of death. Meanwhile, the action begins to move closer to the castle. Armed with the knowledge from the three witches, Macbeth feels confident that he will triumph over Macduff and Malcolm.
Access and read Act V of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. As you read Act V, think about how the final events reflect various themes, or the central ideas or messages in a work of literature.
Motifs in Macbeth
A motif is a recurring, unifying element in a literary work. They can appear as symbols, objects, contrasts, ideas, or character types. Often, motifs are used to help develop and identify themes. Additionally, they can be used to connect or unify different parts of a literary work. In this interactivity, click the tabs to explore the four motifs of violence, prophecy, hallucination, and sleep in Macbeth. Click the player button to begin.
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Themes in Macbeth
Shakespeare's Macbeth raises many interesting questions about the themes of masculine versus feminine, power, and ambition. For example, what does it mean to be a man versus a woman? What are the specific characteristics you would associate with a woman, and how are they different from the characteristics you would associate with a man? How should you deal with power, and what are the effects of ambition? In this interactivity, click each of the folder tabs to examine some themes in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Click the player button to begin.
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Shakespeare's Macbeth (Acts IV–V) Review
Now that you have read the final two acts of Shakespeare's play Macbeth, it is time to review your knowledge and practice what you have learned. In this non-graded activity, read the statements and decide whether they are true or false. Click the player button to get started.