Macbeth, in a manner most flighty,
Aspired to the high and the mighty.
Urged on by his wife,
He stuck in his knife,
And the blood got all over his nightie!
— Author Unknown

My British Literature class is reading Macbeth this week and next. In addition to discussing serious themes such sin, death, ambition, and murder, I thought we’d also have some fun with a play that is Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy because it has almost no comedic elements in it. After all that blood and gore, we’re going to need some comic relief. So I gave my students these links. Any other suggestions?

Enjoying Macbeth

Macbeth Trivia and Quizzes

Painting of the Three Witches from Macbeth by Alexandre-Marie Colin

Shakespearean Insults Example: “Thou saucy onion-eyed younker!” OR “Thou yeasty white-livered clot pole!” Try those on the Macbeth in your life!

If anyone has a copy of the book Twisted Tales from Shakespeare by Richard Armour or knows where I can get one (cheap), I’d love to have it. Armour has a great take on Macbeth that I would like to share with the class–if I can find it anywhere.