March 7, 2012

Words, Words, Words: Macbeth, Act IV


This word cloud for Macbeth, Act IV shows the most important words in the act. In a word cloud, the more frequently a word is used, the larger it appears in the image. You can see at a glance what the characters are talking about most often.

Take a close look at the image and share your impressions in the comments. (Click on it to see a larger version.) You might want to use these questions to guide your response.
  • What predictions can you make for Act IV based on this image?
  • Why are the names that appear largest mentioned so often? Who do you think is talking about them? What might happen with the characters you see here?
  • What ideas are most important?
  • How would you describe the atmosphere and mood of this act based on the word cloud?
  • How might the key themes of Macbeth be developed in this act?
  • Are there any words that surprise or confuse you in the word cloud? How do you think they might be used?
  • Please submit your comment before 11 pm on Sunday night (March 18). Remember to attach your name to your comment so that I can give you credit for your insights!

    13 comments:

    1. I predict that Macduff will figure out Macbeth, as Macbeths bloody nature and ambition will lead him to his own death. I also predict that the witches will make some more prophecies with Macbeth, and he will conitnue to live in fear, and notbe at peace.- Ashley

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    2. I predict that what macbeth has done will come back and haunt him to possibly his own death.... but the witches also have something to do with the upcoming scenes maybe prophecies or in help of macbeths death- Brittany

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    3. I predict that the witches will come back into play and change things around a bit. Also, that we will learn more about other characters. - Danielle

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    4. seeing as the 2 biggest words are witches and Macbeth, i predict that the witches will tell macbeth more prophecies, and macbath will continue to believe them - andrew

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    5. i predict that the witches will come back to haunt macbeth because he should have waited for fait to crown him, and also macbeth will feel extremely guilty about the whole thing to the point where he gives himself up and macduff will bring him to justice.

      ---mac B

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    6. I predict that the witches will try and get into Macbeth's head and things will get so bad that it will lead to his downfall. The atmosphere will most likely be tense and dark because of Macbeth's anxiety and guilt. - Mikaila

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    7. I think that the witchs are going to make Macbeth hallucinate and trick him into thinking he's the man, people will start thinking hes somewhat crazy!

      Mitchell Gaudet

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    8. I think that Macduff figures out what Macbeth has done. Because of his discovery, Macbeth is forced to kill Macduff before he tells anyone.
      -Brad Leger

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    9. I predict that the witches will torment Macbeth more with their predictions and Macbeth will become paranoid/ambitious for his title again, maybe panic. He may be afraid of or nervous about Macduff and what he may do.
      »Katie

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    10. i predict that macbeht is going to try and kill fleance, but will epically fail and the witches will fill his head with propheces that will screw him up. Then fleance will meet with macduff and together they will murder macbeth. DENIS!!!!

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    11. The words of 'Mother' in the up right corner and 'father' in the down left corner are confusing me why they should be in the word cloud for macbeth. Those may be predicted as a baby between macbeth and lady macbeth. Well i already know the rest part of play, so i know it's not going to happen. But I have no idea for those two words still. - Lyanne

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    12. The words Witches and Macbeth are rather large, so I'll have to assume that Macbeth will be talking with the witches shortly. Another word that strikes me is the medium sized Scotland under Macbeth. Maybe one of Duncans sons is catching on to Macbeth.

      -Michael D. Mitton

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    13. I predict that the witches are going to come back into the play, convince Macbeth to murder somebody and that will be the incident that will lead to his demise. -Noah

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