Directing Your Monologue (or Scene): Acts 1-3

1. Read your lines to determine what your character is saying.
2. Determine how the lines are presented.

3. Post the directions and notes on how your lines should be presented.

• What is the mood?
• Who is on stage?
• What does the character look like? How does he/she stand?
• What does the stage look like? What props are needed?

• How should each word or group of words be said?
• What should the actor do when saying each word or group of words?
• How does the actor speak- loudly? softly? slowly? quickly? with pauses?
• Who is he/she looking at? Why?
• Which words are emphasized?
• Why are certain words more pronounced?

Think about the answers to these questions while you envision your lines performed. Post detailed notes. BE SURE TO PRINT OUT THESE NOTES FOR CLASS.

Example:

Act 2 sc ii, lines 3-11

MacBeth is standing alone on stage. The stage is dark with only one kig-looking chair. He is dressed in all black- robes or flowing garments. MacBeth has his back to the audience and is mumbling under his breath. He suddenly turns to the audience and stares out blankly. He yells "......................". Then he turns and slumps in the chair. He says "............" slowly, emphasizing the phrase "...........'" to show its importance. He pauses for 4-5 seconds, looks at his hands and runs his right hand over his brow. He says "......." while looking at his hand once he removes it from his brow. He stands up quickly and violently, with his robes shifting, and glares at the front row. He says ".....".............The lighting is dim but with a back glow of red.

Act III, scs. i, ii, iii: MacBeth and his murders

1. Summarize MacBeth's conversation with the murderers.
2. Explain how MacBeth has transformed since he became king citing three lines from these scenes. Be sure to analyze the lines.

Posts that have grammatical errors will receive a check minus.

Example:

In Act III, sc ii, MacBeth is having a conversation with the murderers. The murderers blackmail MacBeth because they pretended to be the witches that prophesized MacBeth's future. They know of his evildoings and tell him that they must become his long-lost sons. They will give MacBeth up to Malcolm and Donalbain if he does not comply.

MacBeth has changed since he became king. He has learned from his wicked ways (Act III, sc 1) when he sends his wife to prison for murder. He then asked for a priest (lines 67-68) to forgive him, and he becomes a priest (line 100).

The Four Most Important Lines in Act II, scs. i and ii

Please find what you believe are the FOUR most important lines in Act II, scs. i and ii. You must:

1. post each important line word for word with citation
2. explain your reasoning for chosing each line

Example:

Most Important Lines from Act II, scs. i and ii

#1: " Is this a dagger I see before me?" Act I, sc i line 1000

This line is the most important because it makes the reader understand that MacBeth sees things which means he is CRAZY. That shows the reader that he is capable of CRAZINESS.

Questions about Act II, scs i and ii

While reading Act II, scs i and ii, post any question you have. Please label your post with the type of question you have as well as the scene and the lines. Possible labels include vocabulary, plot, characterization, language, stage directions... . Here is a sample post:

Plot
Act II, sc i
Lines 5-11

Is Macbeth actually seeing a dagger or is he imagining it?
Is it the dagger his imagination or are the witches conjuering it?

Students who try to answer someone else's questions will receive extra credit points.