but do I have to write it?

Here is a  site that I found in my travels that introduces students to Shakespeare. It is a flash animation of Shakespeare who tells you about his life. This will be a useful resource if you are new to Shakespeare as it goes through the plays and categorises them as well as giving an overview of his life and times.

Yes, it’s time for Macbeth. I know you are all as excited as I am? right? Ok, if you’re not, you may wish to look at the following website, they have Macbeth in graphic novel format which you might find more appealing.

You should aim to go through the text before we begin, or at the very least try to get a copy on DVD. The last version was filmed in Melbourne and had Sam Worthington as Macbeth, but I warn you, it is very graphic, and at times interprets the text a bit too loosely. At other times it is far too literal. When I went to see it the whole audience groaned aloud at several scenes because they were ridiculous. You have been warned. We will not be using that version in class.

If you can get your hands on the graphic novel you will find it very good. the drawing is amazing and the interpretations are really clever, although it does sometimes take some of the imaginative licence away from you. For example in the dagger scene we really see a dagger which negates the whole ‘dagger of the mind’ question. Anyway, enjoy, I will.

You also don’t have to take my word for it (although you really should!). Here is a review of the graphic novel from Grovel, the graphic novel website.

Here are some activity ideas and some hints on Scribd.

Yes, we’re doing Macbeth year 10s. I know that many of you were dreading this, and frankly I’m appalled. This is a fabulous play all about murder, guilt, ambition and the supernatural, what’s not to like? On a darkened heath we meet three witches who (obviously) represent the supernatural. They deliver a prophecy to young Macbeth, who finds out that it comes true almost immediately. However, the rest of the prophecy stated that Macbeth will become king. Scotland already has a king. After Macbeth tells his wife, the most ambitious woman in literature, they hatch a plot to kill the king. Stay tuned for the next installment….it’s a bit like a medieval soap opera, sex, death and lots of moaning.

comic relief

Catherine Tate on why we shouldn’t study Shakespeare and David Tennant on why we should! Funny. Follow the link above.