Macbeth

নবম শ্রেণি (মাধ্যমিক ২০২৪) - ইংরেজি - English - | NCTB BOOK
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12.1.1 Look at the following movies, books or poems and discuss in pairs/ groups the questions that follow. Later, share your responses with the class.

 

নিচের চলচ্চিত্র, বই অথবা কবিতাগুলো লক্ষ্য করো। তারপর জোড়ায় বা দলে নিচের প্রশ্নগুলো আলোচনা করো। পরে তোমার উত্তরগুলো শ্রেণিতে শেয়ার করো।

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions 

 

a) Are you familiar with these books, movies or poems? 

b) Do you know the characters of the books, movies or poems? 

c) Which character/s do you like? Why do you like them? 

d) Which character/s do you like to be? What do you do to be your favourite character? 

e) Do you dislike any character? If yes, why? 

f) Are you planning to read any books/poems or see any movies in the near future? If yes, what is/are that/those? 

g) Do you think that reading books/poems or watching movies is beneficial to you? If yes, explain with an example.

 

 

12.2.1 Now, think about your favourite books/poems/movies/characters and identify why you like them. Then, share your responses in pairs.

 

You may record your responses in the given grid. If you need, add more columns. One is done for you.

 

তোমার প্রিয় বই, কবিতা, চলচ্চিত্র / চরিত্রগুলোর কথা ভাবো এবং কেন তাদেরকে পছন্দ করো তা বের করো। দলে তোমার উত্তরগুলো শ্রেণিতে শেয়ার করো। নিচের সারণিতে তোমার উত্তরগুলো সংরক্ষণ করেতে পারো। প্রয়োজনে আরও কলাম যুক্ত করতে পারো। একটি উত্তর তোমাদের জন্য করে দেওয়া হলো।

 

My favourite books/movies /poems/plays

My favourite character/s from the books/movies/ poems/plays

Why I like it

Type of the book/movie /poem/play

a. The poem 'Bonolota Sen' (বনলতা সেন)Bonolota SenI like how beautifully the poet describes the character, Bonolota SenA romantic poem
b.   
с.   
d.   
e.   
f.   

 

 

Now, reflect on the grid and notice you like different books/movies/plays/poems or characters for different reasons like you may like the comedy of Tom and Jerry or you may like Spiderman for how Spiderman uses his supernatural power for helping others. Likewise, you may feel the character 'King Lear' for his tragic end, or the romantic, horror, or science fiction elements of a particular book, movie, play or poem. In fact, these different genres of books have different characteristics. Here, we will learn more about tragedy, especially Shakespearean tragedy.

 

12.3.1 Read the following note on 'Shakespearean Tragedy and then discuss in pairs/groups.

 

'Shakespearean Tragedy'-এর উপর নিচের note-টি পড়ো এবং তারপর জোড়ায় বা দলে আলোচনা করো।

 

Note

 

Before starting, let's reflect on what you have learned up to now about a play.

 

You have already learned that a play is a form of literature performed on a stage. A play is more to be seen than to be read. Usually, a play has dialogues, characters, a plot (that is, the sequence of the story like a beginning, climax, and end), and a setting (that is, where the story is set). It is divided into acts and scenes. Also, you have known about the greatest playwright and poet, William Shakespeare. He crafted some timeless plays like King Lear, As You Like It, Merchant of Venice and so on that continue to captivate audiences centuries later. He wrote tragedies like 'King Lear', and comedies like "As You Like It'. In some of his plays, like The Merchant of Venice, both the features of a comedy and a tragedy exist together. We call it a tragi-comedy. To identify whether a play is a comedy, tragedy or tragi-comedy, you have to notice the characteristics of the play carefully and pay attention to their tones, themes, and emotions.

 

Now, it's time to focus on our topic, the idea of Shakespearean Tragedy!

 

One of the most widely used styles in literature is tragedy. The term tragedy has evolved to refer to any form of art that ends with an unhappy note. Shakespeare has created his own style of writing a tragedy called Shakespearean tragedy which has its specific features that differentiate it from other types of tragedy. Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet, Othello, and Antony and Cleopatra are some of Shakespeare's famous tragedies. Some of the notable characteristics of a Shakespearean tragedy are as follows:\

1. Heroes belong to a high rank

 

In a Shakespearean tragedy, the tragic heroes are men of high status and of noble nature. For example, King Lear is every inch a king, Romeo is an aristocrat; Antony is more than a king an emperor: Othello is a mighty general: Hamlet is a prince, and Macbeth is first a general and then a king.

 

2. The tragic hero

 

A tragic hero is one of the most significant elements of a Shakespearean tragedy. This type of tragedy is essentially a one-man show. It is a story about one, or sometimes two characters. The hero may be either male or female and he or she must suffer be" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

cause of some flaw of character, because of inevitable fate, or both. The hero must be the most tragic personality in the play.

 

3. The use of supernatural elements

 

Using supernatural elements is one of the key characteristics of a Shakespearean tragedy. They play an important role in creating an atmosphere of awe, wonder, and sometimes fear. Supernatural elements are typically used to advance the story and drive the plot. For example, Shakespeare uses supernatural elements (three witches) in his tragedy Macbeth to predict the future. These witches are responsible for motivating Macbeth to resort to murder in order to ascend to the throne of Scotland.

 

4. Tragic flaw

The heroes of Shakespeare have an inherent weakness, a tragic flaw. This flaw makes the hero essentially human and the Shakespearean heroes are responsible for their fall. For example, Othello faces his tragic damnation for his highly suspicious nature or easily believing what he is said; Hamlet for his indecisive nature "to be or not to be"; King Lear for his error of judgment and in the same line Macbeth for his unbridled ambition.

 

5. The theme of revenge

 

Shakespearean tragedy deals with revenge, murder, death, conflicts, ambitions and others. In Macbeth, Shakespeare brought forth the elements of revenge, murder, death, and ambitions as well. For example, Prince Malcolm and Macduff take vengeance against Macbeth [Act V Scene VIII, Act V Scene IX]

 

Now, we will explore all the characteristics of a Shakespearean tragedy in Macbeth, one of the greatest tragedies of William Shakespeare.

 

 

12.3.2 Before reading the play Macbeth, let's check our understanding of the note!

Read the following features of a tragedy and a comedy in the following table. Then, identify them and write in the next column. You may think of examples of these characteristics from your reading of King Lear and As You Like It. Later, give an example for each feature from the plays.

Macbeth নাটকটি পড়ার আগে, চলো তোমার বুঝার ক্ষমতা যাচাই করে নেই।

 

নিচের সারণিতে দেওয়া tragedy এবং comedy নাটকের বৈশিষ্ট্যগুলো পড়ে নাও। এরপর তাদেরকে খুঁজে বের করো এবং পরের কলামে তা লেখো। তোমার পঠিত King Lear এবং As You Like It নাটকের বৈশিষ্ট্যগুলো থেকে তুমি উদাহরণের কথা ভাবতে পারো। পরে নাটকগুলো থেকে প্রতিটি বৈশিষ্ট্যের একটি করে উদাহরণ দাও।

 

Features

Whether these are related to a tragedy or comedy

Examples from King Lear or As You Like It

a. It is characterized by a serious tone.  
b. It has a light-hearted and humorous tone.  
c. It evokes emotions of pity, fear, and sadness in the audience.  
d. It aims to entertain and amuse the audience, provoking laughter and joy.  
e. The protagonist often faces a series of unfortunate events and typically meets an unhappy or disastrous end.  
f. The main characters usually face challenges and obstacles, but these are resolved in a positive and optimistic manner.  
g. Themes like fate, excessive pride, and suffering are frequently found.  
h. Conflicts are usually resolved in a satisfying and happy manner.  

 

 

12.3.3 Read the note again and identify the following sentences as true or false. If false, give the correct information. Later, share your responses with the class.

 

 

Note-টি আবার পড়ো এবং নিচের বাক্যগুলো সত্য না মিথ্যা তা চিহ্নিত করো। যদি মিথ্যা হয় তাহলে সঠিক তথ্য দাও। পরে, তোমার উত্তরগুলো শ্রেণিতে শেয়ার করো।

 

a) The tragic hero in a Shakespearean tragedy is a towering personality in his/her state, kingdom, or country. 

b) Tragic flaw is an inherent defect or shortcoming in the hero of a tragedy. 

c) A Shakespearean tragedy ends either with the death of the hero or a mental, emotional, or spiritual devastation beyond recovery. 

d) The supernatural elements in the Shakespearean tragedy is only to amuse the audiences. 

e) Every tragic hero in a Shakespearean play is confronted with external and internal conflicts.

f) Goodness never beats evil in the tragedies of Shakespeare rather evil conquers goodness.

 

Now, let's enjoy reading one of the greatest Shakespearean tragedies Macbeth!

 

12.3.4 Before you read Extract 1 from Macbeth, discuss the following questions in pairs

Macbeth থেকে Extract 1 পড়ার আগে, নিচের প্রশ্নগুলি জোড়ায় আলোচনা করো।

 

a) Have you watched a movie or read a book where you came across supernatural creatures? 

b) Do you have any favourite supernatural characters? 

c) Can you describe the supernatural character? 

d) How are they different from us, human beings? 

e) Do you think they are funny or scary?

f) Can they have a good or bad influence on us?

 

12.3.5 Now, you are going to read a few scenes from Shakespeare's famous tragedy Macbeth. To help you understand better, the texts have been. adapted and simplified. Read Extract I and act out the dialogues in groups of seven. It will help you internalize the play. Performing the dialogues in class will make you a confident English speaker. To help you understand the dialogues a glossary is given below.

 

Shakespeare এর বিখ্যাত ট্র্যাজেডি Macbeth এর কয়েকটি দৃশ্য তুমি পড়তে যাচ্ছো। নাটকটি ভালো করে বোঝার জন্য এই text গুলো সংকলিত এবং সহজ করা হয়েছে। Extract 1-টি পড়ো এবং ৭জনের দলে তা অভিনয় করো। এই activityগুলো, নাটকটি আত্মস্থ করতে তোমাকে সাহায্য করবে। নাটকের dialogueগুলো বলার মাধ্যমে ইংরেজি বলার ক্ষেত্রে তুমি আত্মবিশ্বাসী হবে। কথোপকথনটি বোঝার জন্য একটি glossary নিচে দেওয়া হলো।

 

 

Extract 1 (Adapted from Act I Scene III of Macbeth)

[Setting: A heath in Scotland. Macbeth and Banquo are returning to Forres after defeating a rebellion against King Duncan. Three witches appear out of nowhere and greet them]

Banquo : (He sees three witches.) What are these creatures, so withered and so wild in their clothing? They do not look like inhabitants of the earth. 

Macbeth: Speak (to the witches), if you can. What are you? 

Witch 1: Hail, Macbeth, Thane of Glamis! 

Witch 2: Hail, Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor! 

Witch 3: Hail, Macbeth, who shall be king hereafter! 

Banquo: Are you imaginary or real (to the witches)? You greet my noble partner and say he will become the king. Why do you not speak to me? 

Witch 1: Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. 

Witch 2: Not so happy, yet much happier. 

Witch 3: Your sons and grandsons shall be kings, though you will be none. So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo! 

Macbeth: Tell me more. Since my father's death, I have been Thane of Glamis. But how can I be Thane of Cawdor, too? The Thane of Cawdor is still alive! And to be king is not possible either. Say from where you got this strange information. And why have you stopped us here with such greetings and prophecies? Speak, I say!

 

 

 

 

(Witches vanish.)

 

 

Banquo: Look! They have vanished! 

Macbeth: They have melted as breath into the wind. I wish they had stayed! 

Banquo: Were they really here? Or have we been hallucinating? 

Macbeth: Your children shall be kings. Banquo: You shall be king! 

Macbeth: And Thane of Cawdor, too. Isn't that what they said? 

Banquo: Yes. They used those very words. (hearing a sound) Who's there?

(Ross and Angus enter.)

Ross : The king has happily received the news of your success, Macbeth! He is very pleased to hear of your fearlessness during battle. 

Angus : We have been sent to thank you. 

Ross : The king has asked me to call you Thane of Cawdor.

So I say, hail, most worthy Thane! The title is yours.

 

Banquo: What! Can the witches tell the truth? 

Macbeth: But the Thane of Cawdor is alive! 

Angus : He who was the thane still lives but he will be punished for betraying his own country.

 

Macbeth: (aside) Thane of Glamis, and now Thane of Cawdor, too!

And the greatest title is yet to come!

Thanks for your pains, gentlemen (to Ross and Angus)!

Macbeth: (aside) This supernatural prophecy might be evil or good.

If evil, why has it given me evidence of success, by starting with a truth? For it is true that I am Thane of Cawdor. If good, why are horrid thoughts making my heart knock at my ribs? Present fears are less than horrible imaginings. My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes me up.

Banquo: (to Ross and Angus) Look at Macbeth. He seems to be in a trance.

(to Macbeth) Worthy Macbeth, we're waiting.

Macbeth: Please forgive me. My thoughts were wandering.

Let us go and meet the king.

Come, friends. (All exit.)

 

12.3.6 Let's check our comprehension!

 

Discuss the following questions in pairs. Later, write short answers to the questions and write a paragraph of around 100 words.

 

এখন তোমার নাটক বুঝার দক্ষতা (comprehension) যাচাইয়ের পালা!

 

জোড়ায় নিচের প্রশ্নগুলো আলোচনা করো। পরে প্রশ্নগুলোর সংক্ষিপ্ত উত্তর লেখো এবং ১০০ শব্দের মধ্যে একটি paragraph লেখো।

 

a) What prophecies do the witches make for Macbeth? 

b) Which of the prophecies has just been fulfilled in the scene? Which one is yet to be fulfilled? 

c) After hearing the witches' prophecies, what does Macbeth reveal in his aside? 

d) What message does Ross convey, and how does Macbeth react to this news?

 

It's time to read Extract 2 (Adapted from Act I Scene IV)

 

[Setting: A room in the palace in Forres. King Duncan, his sons Malcolm and Donalbain, Lennox, and attendants enter and engage in a conversation. A while later, Macbeth, Banquo, Ross, and Angus enter.]

 

Duncan: (To Macbeth) Oh, most worthy cousin! I owe you more than I can ever pay.

Macbeth: Serving you loyally is payment in itself. Your Highness's part is to receive our services. Our duties are to do what we can to keep you safe. Duncan I have only begun to honour you. Now I will work to see you prosper. (to Banquo) You, noble Banquo, you have deserved no less. Let me embrace you and hold you to my heart. 

Banquo: It is an honour to serve you, my lord. Duncan: Sons, kinsmen, Thanes, and all you who are near to me, know this, I appoint my eldest son, Malcolm, as my successor. From now on, he will be called the Prince of Cumberland. Let us now go to Inverness to visit Macbeth's castle. 

Macbeth: I'll go on ahead and tell my wife the joyful news of your approach. (bowing) I humbly take my leave. 

 

(All exit.)

 

Vocabulary

 

 

12.3.7 Read the short note on The ways to express appreciations and then do the activity that follows. Later, share your responses with the class.

The ways to express appreciations এর উপর নিচের short note-টি পড়ো। তারপর পরের activity গুলো করো। তোমার উত্তরগুলো শ্রেণিতে শেয়ার করো।

 

Note on Language of appreciation

 

We express gratitude, recognition, and praise towards others in different ways. We can use words, actions, and gestures to communicate our sincere appreci- ation and acknowledgement for someone's efforts, contributions, or qualities. Simple phrases like "thank you," "well done," or "I appreciate your help" may be useful to let people know that we value their efforts. We can also write a thank-you note or appreciation email.

 

 

Now, work in pairs and match the speakers and addressees of the given expressions of appreciation.

 

 

Let's read Extract 3 (Adapted from Act I Scene V)

Lady Macbeth: (reading the letter) "The three witches proved they can predict the future. After they vanished into the air, some messengers came from the king. They called me 'Thane of Cawdor'-the same title the weird sisters called me! The witches had also said, "All hail, Macbeth, who shall be king hereafter!"

 

(commenting on the letter): You were already Thane of Glamis, and now Thane of Cawdor. You shall also be what you were promised. Yet I do fear your nature. It is too full of the milk of human kindness. You have ambition. But your nature lacks the necessary ruthlessness. Hurry home, so I may pour my spirit into your ear!

 

 

 

(Macbeth enters.)

 

Lady Macbeth: Great Glamis! Worthy Cawdor!

 

Greater than both, in the near future!

 

Macbeth : My dearest love, Duncan comes here tonight. 

Lady Macbeth: And when does he leave? 

Macbeth : Tomorrow, as he plans.

Lady Macbeth: Oh, never shall he see the sun again!

Your face, my Thane, is like a book where anyone can read strange matters. To fool the time, look like the time. Show welcome in your eye, your hand, your words. Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it. I will take care of everything! Then all our nights and days to come will be spent as king and queen.

Macbeth : We will speak further.

Lady Macbeth: Just remain calm. Do nothing that looks suspicious. Leave all the rest to me. (Both exit.)

 

12.3.8. Read Extract 3 again and in pairs match the words with their meanings. Later, share your responses with the class.

Extract 3. আবার পড়ো এবং জোড়ায় নিচের সারণির শব্দের সাথে অর্থ মিলাও। পরে তোমার উত্তরগুলো শ্রেণিতে শেয়ার করো।

 

 

Time to read Extract 4 (Adapted from Act I Scene VII)

[Setting: Within Macbeth's castle. Macbeth enters.]

 

Macbeth : If it must be done, then it's best done quickly

But Duncan's here in double trust: First, I am his kinsman and his subject. Second, I am his host. I should shut the door against his murderer, not bear the knife myself! Besides, Duncan is a good man. His virtues plead like angels against his murder. I have no good reason to do this, except my own ambition.

(Lady Macbeth enters.)

Macbeth : What news? 

Lady Macbeth: He has almost finished supper. 

Macbeth : We will proceed no further with the plan. He has honoured me, and I have earned appreciation from all sorts of people.

 Lady Macbeth: What about your hopes for the future? Are you afraid to be the same in your act as you are in your desire? Would you live as a coward like the cat who wanted the fish but was afraid to get its paws wet? 

Macbeth : I beg you, be quiet! I dare do all that may become a man. 

Lady Macbeth: (angrily) What beast was it, then, that made you talk about this plan to me? When you dared to do it, you were a man. Had I sworn to do it, I would have even thrown my baby out if needed. 

Macbeth : If we should fail? 

Lady Macbeth: We fail? With enough courage, we'll not fail. When Duncan is asleep, I'll give his two guards wine and liquor. They'll soon be asleep, too. We'll kill the unguarded Duncan. It will be easy to blame his drunken guards, who shall bear the guilt of our great murder. 

Macbeth : Then it's settled. Away, and mock the time with the fairest show. False face must hide what false heart does know,

 

(They exit.)

 

 

12.3.9 a) In Extracts 3 and 4, you have found that Macbeth has the ambition to become a king. But he is in doubt whether he should achieve his goal in a dishonest manner. Now, identify and write the lines from the extracts that reflect Macbeth's hesitation and doubt in the given place.

 

a) Extract 3 এবং 4 এ তোমরা দেখেছো যে Macbeth এর রাজা হওয়ার আকাঙ্ক্ষা ছিল। কিন্তু তার মধ্যে দ্বিধা ছিল যে অসৎ উপায়ে তার উদ্দেশ্য সফল হবে কিনা। Extract গুলো থেকে Macbeth এর দ্বিধা এবং সন্দেহ সংক্রান্ত যে লাইনগুলো আছে তাদেরকে চিহ্নিত করো এবং নিচের শূন্যস্থানে লেখো।

 

Your answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

b) In Extracts 3 and 4, you also have seen Lady Macbeth trying to persuade Macbeth to commit the murder of King Duncan. Now, choose the strategy she has employed among the following and then underline all the lines in the extracts that refer to the strategies mentioned.

b) Extract 3 এবং 4 এ তোমরা আরও দেখেছো যে Lady Macbeth, King Duncan কে খুন করার জন্য Macbeth-কে উৎসাহিত করেছিলেন। রাজাকে খুন করার জন্য নিচের যে কৌশলগুলোর কথা তিনি বলেছিলেন Extract গুলোর সেই লাইনগুলোর নিচে দাগ দাও।

The strategies

a. Questioning Macbeth's manhood and courage 

b. Reminding Macbeth of his promise 

c. Laying out a plan 

d. Assuring Macbeth that they will not fail

 

So, let's see what will happen in Extract 5 (Adapted from Act II Scene II)!

 

Lady Macbeth: That which made them drunk has made me bold.

Had Duncan not looked like my own father, I would have done it myself.

(Macbeth enters covered with blood.)

Lady Macbeth: My husband! 

Macbeth : I have done the deed. Did you not hear a noise? 

Lady Macbeth: I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. 

Macbeth : One man laughed in his sleep. Another one cried, "Murder!" They seemed to wake each other up but quickly went back to sleep. 

Lady Macbeth: Two guests are sleeping in a room near Duncan's. 

Macbeth : One cried, "God bless us!" The other said, "Amen." I feared that they had seen me with these bloody hands. 

Lady Macbeth: We must not dwell on these deeds, or we will go mad. 

Macbeth : I heard a voice cry, "Sleep no more! Macbeth shall sleep no more!"

Lady Macbeth: Worthy Thane, you are wasting your noble strength thinking such foolish thoughts. Go wash this filthy evidence from your hands. Why did you bring these daggers with you? They must lie there. Go, take them back! Smear the sleeping guards with blood! 

Macbeth : I'll go no more. I'm afraid to look upon what I have done! 

Lady Macbeth: Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead are but pictures. I'll paint the guards' faces with his blood to make them look guilty.

 

(She exits.)

12.3.10 Now, reflect on the words spoken by Lady Macbeth in the above extracts. Then, discuss in pairs/groups and identify her character traits in the following grid. Later, give an example in favour of your identification. Finally, share your responses with the class.

উপরের extract গুলোতে Lady Macbeth এর বক্তব্যগুলো মনে করো। তারপর তার চারিত্রিক বৈশিষ্ট্যগুলো চিহ্নিত করো এবং নিচের সারণিতে লেখো। তোমার চিহ্নিতকরণের পক্ষে একটি করে উদাহারণ দাও। সবশেষে তোমার উত্তরগুলো শ্রেণিতে শেয়ার করো।

 

Let's read Extract 6 (Adapted from Act II Scene III)!

[Setting: Macbeth's Castle]

Macduff : Oh, horror, horror, horror!

Neither tongue nor heart can imagine or name it!

Macbeth And

Lennox : What's the matter?

Macduff : A most unholy murder has broken open the Lord's Temple and stolen from there the life of the building.

Macbeth : What is it you say the life?

Lennox : Do you mean his majesty?

Macduff : Approach his room! Do not ask me to speak!

See, and then speak yourselves.

(Macbeth and Lennox exit.)

Macduff : Awake, awake! Ring the alarm bell! Banquo and Donalbain!

Malcolm! Awake! Malcolm! Banquo!

Rise up to see this horror!

(Alarm bell rings. Lady Macbeth enters again.)

Lady Macbeth: What's all this?

Why such a terrible noise to wake everyone? Speak!

Macduff : Oh, gentle lady, it is not for you to hear my words.

(Banquo enters again.) Oh, Banquo, Banquo! Our royal

master has been murdered!

Lady Macbeth: Woe, alas! In our house?

Banquo : It would be too cruel anywhere.

Dear Macduff, I beg you, say it is not so.

(Macbeth, Lennox, and Ross enter.)

Macbeth : If only I had died an hour ago, I would have lived a blessed time. Now there's nothing serious in life. All is but toys. Honour, and grace, is dead.

(Malcolm and Donalbain enter.)

Donalbain : What is wrong?

Macbeth : The spring, the fountain of your blood, is stopped.

Macduff : Your royal father is murdered.

Malcolm : O! By whom?

Lennox : It seems that his own guards did it.

Their hands and faces were covered in blood.

So were their daggers.

Macbeth: Even so, I am sorry for the fury that made me kill them.

Macduff: Why did you do it, then?

Macbeth: My love for Duncan made me do it.

Anyone who had a heart to love would have done the same.

Lady Macbeth: (fainting) Help me!

Macduff: Look after the lady.

Donalbain : (aside to Malcolm) We are not safe. Let's get away.

We can cry over our father's death later.

Banquo : Look after the lady. (Lady Macbeth is carried out.)

Let's all go and try to learn more about it. I will fight

against the unknown forces of treason and evil.

Macduff : And so will I.

All : And so will we all.

Macbeth : Let's put on our armor, and meet together in the hall.

 

Let's see what next.

Extract 7 (Adapted from Act III Scene I)

[Setting: Forres. A room in the palace.]

Banquo : (to himself) You have it now, King, Cawdor,

Glamis, all, as the weird women promised. I fear you played foul for it

(Trumpets sound. Macbeth enters as king, followed by Lady Macbeth as queen, Lennox, Ross, lords, ladies, and attendants.)

 

Macbeth : A banquet is being held tonight, sir, And I want you to be there.

Banquo : Your wish is my command, highness.

Macbeth : Are you going riding this afternoon?

Banquo : Yes, my good lord.

Macbeth : Do not fail to come to the feast.

Banquo : My lord, I will not.

Macbeth : Is Fleance going with you?

Banquo : Yes, my good lord.

(Banquo exits. Macbeth speaks to the others.)

Macbeth : You may do whatever you like until seven tonight.

To make the company even sweeter then, we will stay alone this. afternoon. God be with you.

(All exit but Macbeth and a servant.)

Macbeth : (to the servant) We sent for some men. Are they here yet?

Servant : Yes, my lord. They are at the gate.

Macbeth : Bring them before us. (Servant exits.)

Macbeth : To be king is nothing, unless one's position is safe.

Our fears about Banquo run deep. He threatens my greatness.

Have I murdered the gracious Duncan just to make Banquo's sons kings? (He hears a noise.) Who's there?

(Servant enters again, with two murderers.) Go to the door until we call.

(Servant exits.)

Murderer 1 : It was, your highness.

Macbeth : Well, then, have you considered what I said?

Do you understand that it was Banquo who was responsible for your bad fortune in the past?

Murderer 1 : You made it known to us.

Macbeth : I will give you a special assignment. I need their loyalty.

It must be done tonight. Fleance, Banquo's son, will be with him.

His death is no less important to me than his father's. Wait outside the gate. I'll come to you soon with more instructions.

(Murderers exit.)

Now, it's time to read Extract 8 (Adapted from Act V Scene I)

[Setting: Dunsinane. A room in the castle. A doctor and a gentle woman enter.]

Doctor : When was it she last walked?

Gentle Woman: Since his majesty went into the field with the army,

I have seen her do it many times. She rises from bed, takes out a paper, folds it, writes on it, and reads it.

Then she seals it and again returns to bed.

And she does all this while she is fast asleep.

Look-here she comes!

(Lady Macbeth enters, carrying a candle.)

That is just how she looks. See, she's fast asleep. Watch her. Stand close.

Doctor : Look, her eyes are open!

Gentle Woman: Yes, but she sees nothing.

Doctor : Watch how she rubs her hands!

Gentle Woman: Yes, she seems to be washing her hands.

Lady Macbeth: Still, here's a spot.

Doctor : Listen, she speaks! I will write down what comes from her.

Lady Macbeth: (her hand to her nose) Here's the smell of the blood still. (sighing): All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.

Doctor : What a groan! Her heart is heavy.

Gentle Woman: I would not have such a heart in my body for anything!

Doctor : This disease is beyond my practice.

Lady Macbeth: Wash your hands. Do not look so pale. I tell you: Banquo's buried! He cannot return from his grave. To bed, to bed, to bed.

(Lady Macbeth exits.)

 

Doctor : Will she go to bed now?

Gentle Woman: Right away.

Doctor : She needs divine help, not mine! Look after her. Good night. (Both exit.)

Let's read Scene 9 (Adapted from Act V Scene V)!

[Setting: Dunsinane, within the castle. Macbeth, Seyton, and soldiers enter.]

Macbeth : Hang our flags on the outer walls. Our castle's strength will laugh at them. Here let them lie until starvation and fever eat them up.

(Wailing cries are heard from within.) What is that noise?

Seyton : It is the cry of women, my good lord. (Seyton exits.)

Macbeth : I have almost forgotten the taste of fears. I've become so accustomed to the horror that not even such a shriek startles me. (Seyton enters again.) What was that cry all about?

Seyton : The queen, my lord, is dead.

Macbeth : She should have died later when there would have been time for mourning. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

 

 

(A messenger enters.) You came to say something. Say it quickly.

 

Messenger : As I stood my watch upon the hill, I looked toward Birnam. It seemed the wood had begun to move!

Macbeth : You say a wood moves toward Dunsinane? Every man, take up arms! Prepare to fight! Ring the alarms! Come, attack! At least we'll die with armour on our backs. (All exit.)

 

Time to read Extract 10 (Adapted from Act V Scene VII)!

[Setting: A plain before the castle. Drums sound. Malcolm, old Siward, Macduff, and their army enter, carrying tree branches.]

Malcolm : Now we are near enough.

Throw down your leafy screens and show who you are.

(to old Siward): You, worthy uncle, shall lead our first battle along with my cousin, your noble son. Brave Macduff and I shall lead the others.

Siward : Fare you well. If we find the tyrant's army tonight, let us be beaten, if we fail to fight.

Macduff : Make all our trumpets speak. Give them the breath to loudly sing of blood and death

(All exit.)

Let's see what happens in Extract 11 (Adapted from Act V Scene VIII)!

[Setting: Another part of the field. Macbeth faces Macduff]

 

Macduff : Turn, you villain, turn! 

Macbeth : Of all the men here, I have avoided you.

Get back, back! My soul is too heavy with your blood already.

Macduff : I have no words: My voice is in my sword.

You are a bloodier villain than words can describe!

(They fight. Macduff defeats Macbeth and kills him.)

It's time to read the last one, Extract 12 (Adapted from Act V Scene IX)

[Setting: Within the castle]

Macduff : (to Malcolm) Hail, king!

See this, the tyrant's cursed head.

We are now free. Hail, King of Scotland!

All : Hail, King of Scotland! (Trumpets sound.)

Malcolm : I shall not waste any time before rewarding all of you for your efforts today. We shall soon call our exiled friends home. We will bring to trial the cruel ministers of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen, who took her own life. So, thanks to all at once, and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.

12.3.11 Read the characters and their descriptions in the following grid. Then, discuss in pairs and match the following characters with their descriptions. Finally, share your responses with the class:

নিচের সারণিতে দেওয়া চরিত্রগুলোর নাম এবং তাদের বর্ণনা পড়ো। জোড়ায় আলোচনা করে বর্ণনার সাথে চরিত্রগুলো মিলাও। সবশেষে শ্রেণিতে তোমার উত্তরগুলো শেয়ার করো।

 

12.3.12 Read the following sentences and in pairs, decide if they are 'true' or 'false'. If false, write the correct information. Then, check your responses with the next pair

 

জোড়ায় নিচের বাক্যগুলো পড়ো এবং কোনটি সত্য অথবা মিথ্যা তা নির্ধারণ করো। যদি মিথ্যা হয় সঠিক তথ্য দাও। তোমার উত্তগুলো পাশের জোড়ার সাথে যাচাই করো।

 

a. Lady Macbeth drugged the servants so they would not awaken while Duncan was being murdered.

b. Lady Macbeth says that Duncan reminded her of her father as he slept. 

c. Macbeth smears the servants with Duncan's blood as they sleep. 

d. It is Banquo who first discovers that the king has been murdered. 

e. Macbeth killed the servants so they could not claim that they had not murdered Duncan. 

f. Upon hearing the news of Duncan's death, Duncan's wife faints.

g. Duncan's sons run away to save their lives. 

h. Macduff is crowned King of Scotland at the end of the play.

 

12.3.13 Here check your understanding of the plot.

Read the following events that take place in Macbeth. They are not in the correct order. Discuss in pairs and rearrange them in their correct order. Later, summarise the plot of Macbeth and share your write-ups with the class.

 

নাটকের plot টি যাচাইয়ের পালা!

Macbeth নাটকে ঘটা নিচের ঘটনাগুলো পড়ো। এগুলো সঠিকভাবে সাজানো নেই। জোড়ায় আলোচনা করে এদেরকে সঠিকভাবে সাজাও। পরে নাটকের plot টির সারমর্ম লেখো এবং লেখাটি শ্রেণিতে শেয়ার করো।

Hope that can you remember that a plot is the sequence of events and actions that take place in the play. It refers to the main events, conflicts,

and developments that occur throughout the play.

a. The witches predict that Macbeth will one day be the King of Scotland. 

b. Macbeth and Banquo meet three mysterious witches on a heath in Scotland. 

c. They also tell Banquo that his sons will also sit on the throne. 

d. Macbeth decides to kill Banquo and his sons. 

e. Lady Macbeth, tormented by guilt, commits suicide. 

f. Macbeth is killed by Macduff, and Malcolm is crowned king. 

g. Persuaded by his wife, Macbeth kills King Duncan and becomes king. 

h. Malcolm, Duncan's son, raises an army to oppose Macbeth.

 

12.4.1 Let's showcase our understanding of Shakespearean tragedy by comparing and contrasting Macbeth and Sirajdullah/ Kabor. You can choose any other Bengali tragedy from any source.

 

Macbeth এবং Sirajdullah/Kabor নাটকের মিল-অমিল তুলনা করে Shakespearean tragedy বোঝার চেষ্টা করি। কাজটি করার জন্য যে কোন উৎস থকে বাংলা বিয়োগান্তক যে কোনো নাটক বাছাই করতে পারো।

Follow the instructions to complete the activity.

  • Make groups of 4-5.
  • Read the plays carefully and identify all the characteristics of a tragedy.
  • Write your first draft of the list of characteristics and do the necessary corrections with the help of your teacher.
  • Now, write the description using the references from the plays. Use examples and opinions if necessary
  • Use a grid to list your responses.
  • Take help from other groups and the teacher if you need it. Do the necessary edits and make the final presentation.
  • Now, your group is ready for presentation. While presenting, invite other groups to share their feedback after your presentation.
  • You can use the following grid or you can use your own. Add as many rows as you need.

 

 

 

New Words: creatures, withered, inhabitants, strange, vanish, witches, prophecies, supernatural, trance, suspicious, beast, hesitation, daggers, hail, melted, hallucinating, fantastic, wandering. appreciation, unguarded, filthy.

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