Macbeth (Shakespeare) Storyboard a Soliloquy (Act 1)

This is an activity that helps students to visualize the metaphors, similes, personifications, and wonderful imagery of Macbeth’s soliloquies, especially in Act 1 Scene 5 (Lady Macbeth’s two short soliloquies) and Act 1, Scene 7 (Macbeth’s first soliloquy: “If it were done, when 'tis done …” by guiding students through the storyboarding process to how a film might show these soliloquies. This is a great way to show visual learners the imagery and the power behind Shakespeare’s language, and to bring soliloquies to life in the classroom.

The handout is extensive and includes:

• introduction and definition of soliloquies
• comprehension activities to introduce each soliloquy to the students and to ensure understanding before they start the storyboard activity.
• storyboard activity with the texts of the soliloquies split into meaningful groups, ideal for group work or pair work,
• storyboarding template.

It makes sense to print the storyboard template onto A3-sized paper so that students have enough room to draw their storyboard onto it.

Enjoy!