11/19 Hot Seat- Michelle Chung

11/19/18
Michelle Chung Period 5
Blogger #4

Aim: How do the symbols in Act II, scene ii contribute to the work as a whole by illuminating the tone, mood, and theme of Macbeth?
- HOT SEAT

Today in class, we played a game called “Hot Seat”, which is a simulation of a talk show. Characters from Macbeth (specifically Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, and the two guards) were asked questions by their peers, or the “audience” pertaining to the events that took place in Act II, scene ii  (at which point Duncan has been murdered by Macbeth)

An example of a thought provoking question follows:

(Directed at Lady Macbeth)
“Previously, you stated that you would be willing to bash in the head of your own baby if that was what you promised you would do. Recently, however, you said that you would have killed Duncan yourself, if he hadn’t looked so much like your father when he was sleeping. The question is, why did family suddenly seem significant in that moment, and how is it fair for you to question Macbeth’s manhood if you are a hypocrite yourself?”

This question in itself reveals a side of Lady Macbeth that we, the readers, might have overlooked: her softer side. Although she might have come across as a heartless monster based on previous scenes, this little bit of information regarding her father shows how she has a bit of emotion and family values hidden inside her. Some can also argue that she was just being a hypocrite and giving excuses as to why she wouldn’t just do the deed herself. Either way, it is important to not overlook the fine details in the text.

Another intriguing question addressed King Duncan:
“King Duncan, considering how you already got tricked by the Thane of Cawdor twice, why weren’t you smarter this time?”

Duncan’s answer serves as a crucial lesson: you can never know someone’s true intentions. Although Macbeth was a seemingly trustworthy soldier and friend, he, in the end betrayed Duncan for his own personal gain.

Although Hot Seat was a very fun and stimulating game, it served a much deeper purpose. The discussion with the characters revealed many of the sides to them that weren’t so obvious, and allowed us to see things from the perspective of others (good and bad). The questions encouraged curiosity and looking beyond what is given to us in the text, while the responses gave us deeper understanding and sometimes even served as lessons for us to remember and improve as people.