Product Description

A new look at Shakespeare's play in accordance with the work of the Shakespeare and Schools Project, the National Curriculum for English, developments at GCSE and A-level, and the probable development of English and Drama throughout the 1990s. Cambridge School Shakespeare considers the play as theatre and the text as script, enabling pupils to inhabit the imaginative world of the play in an accessible, meaningful and creative way. Cambridge School Shakespeare approaches the plays in a new way, encouraging students to participate actively in examining them, to work in groups as well as individually, to treat each play as a script to be re-created, and to explore the theatrical/dramatic qualities of the text. The editorial comments cater for pupils of all ages and abilities, providing clear, helpful guidelines for school study. The format of the plays is also designed to help all teachers, whether experienced or inexperienced. NB This replaces the information previously issued.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #161776 in Books
• Published on: 1993-04-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Review
"...wonderfully informative introdutory essay." Studies in English Literature

Customer Reviews

better than expected
I studied this play for my English GCSE and automatically disregarded it because Shakespeare does sound pretty boring. However, once you understand all of the hidden meanings, themes, characters and sub-plots an entire world of betrayal, lust for power and ambition is released with the most magnificent subtlety.

I found the 'York Notes' guide book became essential and really helped me to fully understand the play for my coursework. Also watching the various film editions, including the RSC edition, made even more interesting.

The play starts with the significant and interesting three witches who tell Macbeth that he will eventually become king. Macbeth is an eager soldier of Scotland who feels hard done by when the King, Duncan grants his throne to his son after his death, rather than the more courageous Macbeth. His wife, Lady Macbeth urges him to kill the king in order to claim the throne but he soon realises that being King does not automatically bring the honour and loyalty he expects; this shortly leads to his downfall. In other words, "To be safe is nothing, but to be safely thus."

For me, Macbeth really got the 5star review because of its relevance to modern day life. For example, one theme of the book is that Macbeth is over ambitious, this leads him to his downfall; as does his greed for power. Making it something very relevant to celebrities and eager "pop idols".

This copy of the book is more difficult to read as it bombards almost every page with useless notes on certain words and refernces, if you are studying the play for English, you would be much better off with a study guide and the cheaper non-school version.

This book really makes you think. Yet it does not require your undivided attention for days because it is one Shakespeare's shortest plays. You simply must read this book and there are loads of guides on the internet to help you through it if you find the old language particularly difficult. No matter what your age or ability I think Macbeth has it all. An enthralling read.

Regicide, terror and fear
Macbeth is Shakespeare’s most “simple” tragedies without the philosophising siloqueys of King Lear or Hamlet. It’s plot is straightforward- a Scottish noble murders himself to the top of the heap then pays the consequences and eerie scenes involving witches, sleepwalking and ghosts make it wonderful to act out.
In terms of meaning Macbeth is one of the finest works to do with regicide. Macbeth was written by Shakespeare for James I/VI and the moral lesson for would be Macbeth’s is that king killing will not bring happiness. With asides to the gunpowder plot, witchcraft and its Scottish theme Macbeth is truly a tableaux of the early seventeenth century.
This edition is especially good as it gives inside information and suggestions for class participation on every page so it is always clear what is happening in the play.

Macbeth
I had to study this play for english SATs. i never understood shakespeare before until i had to buy this book. It's helpful with all the side notes, explanations of words, photographs, and little excersizes to help you understand the meaning of the text and the wording. This version defintaley helped me to understand and appreciate Shakespeare.