Macbeth Scavenger Hunt

Macbeth was written sometime between 1603 and 1607. Before you are
able to truly appreciate the text, you should investigate the social and
historical context that helped shaped the text.

1. William Shakespeare - biographical information, family life,

inspirations, political and religious views, where and when he was born, why
he started writing plays and why he wrote Macbeth, how he died, etc

2. The Real Macbeth - Who was the real Macbeth? When and
where did he reign? What is he known for, what are the differences between the real Macbeth
and Shakespeare’s? etc

3. Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot - Who was Guy Fawkes? What was the gunpowder
plot? Why did Fawkes want to destroy parliament, what happened to Fawkes? etc

4. Witchcraft, Supernatural, and Superstition in Macbeth - What was the witch story from
Holinshed's Chronicles? What was the witchlore of the Celts, and what were the views on
witchcraft during the Renaissance?

5. Great Chain of Being - What is it? Where did it come from? Why did it exist, how does it
influence Shakespeare’s works and the Elizabethan age?

6. Shakespearean Tragedy and Catharsis - What is a Shakespearean tragedy? What types of

characters are involved in the Shakespearean tragedy? What is the plot structure of a
Shakespearean tragedy? What is catharsis and how does it relate to the play?

7. Interpretations of Macbeth and “the curse” - How many interpretations have there been of
Macbeth? Why is it popular? What other versions of the play are there (film, television, graphic
novels, etc)? Why is it referred to as “The Scottish Play”? what has happened in the past for it
to be known as “the cursed play”?

*You will investigate your topic and answer the questions posed for it and provide any additional
information that you think is relevant or interesting about your topic (take the 5W’s approach).
You will present the information to the class in a 2 - 3 minute presentation. You must also use
visual aids - powerpoint, chart paper, overhead, whatever you think will help engage the class.
You also must include a Works Cited list.

Criteria for Evaluation:

Knowledge /10
-understanding of researched topic
-proof evidence from research

Communication /10
-clarity / organization
-use of visual aids
-oral presentation conventions (eye contact, facial expressions, body language, etc