Act 1, Scene 5

Act 1, Scene 5

Reading Guide

 

Here is Macbeth’s letter to Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s language.

“They met me in the day of success, and I

have learned by the perfectest report they have

more in them than mortal knowledge. When I

burned in desire to question them further, they

made themselves air, into which they vanished.

Whiles I stood rapt in the wonder of it came

missives from the king, who all-hailed me 'Thane of

Cawdor,' by which title, before, these weird sisters

saluted me, and referred me to the coming on of

time with 'Hail, king that shalt be!' This have I

thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of

greatness, that thou might’st not lose the dues of

rejoicing, by being ignorant of what greatness is

promised thee. Lay it to thy heart, and farewell.”

 

You have a version of this letter in your copy of Act 1, Scene 5.

 

1. Using only information from this letter, write a paragraph that begins with the following topic sentence:
    
             It is clear from Macbeth’s letter to Lady Macbeth that Macbeth believes the witches predictions and has the ambition to become the king.
    
    

• Your paragraph must include the following evidence:
  • One direct quotation that is sandwiched with context and analysis.
  • One other detail from the letter and an explanation of why this detail can be used as evidence.