What mental qualities does Lady Macbeth show in Act I, scene 5? Why does she not discuss with herself the pros and cons of the act to be committed? What fundamental difference does this illustrate between herself and her husband? Do you think Lady Macbeth's motive for the murder of Duncan was selfish or unselfish? Give reasons. What sort of woman do you suppose she was before the play opens? Why? What light does Act III, scene 2, throw on her character? Does her calmness and tenderness with her husband after the guests have left the banquet indicate her wisdom in dealing with him, or the pathetic weakening of her strong character, or a natural tenderness? Give reasons. What makes the sleep-walking scene so pathetic? How has the dramatist prepared us for her breakdown? What, if anything, do you find in her to admire? Are we to regard Banquo as strong and noble, or blamelessly weak, or criminally negligent? Why? Compare Banquo and Macduff in order to bring out the chief characteristics of each. What striking contrast is drawn between Macbeth and Edward the Confessor? FORM.--Illustrate the normal line and the chief variations from it in _Macbeth_. How does the number of incomplete lines compare with the number in the other plays that you have studied? Find several highly imaginative passages (like II, 1, 49-60); several that express pathos (like V, 1, 22-86); several that are very condensed (like III, 2, 13-22). Which of these passages are most characteristic of this play? OUTLINE FOR THE STUDY OF COMUS I. Preparation A good way to arouse interest in this poem is to give an account of the popularity of the mask in the days of Elizabeth and James I; the occasions for which masks were written; the people who wrote them; and the preparations that were made for presenting them. Some pupil who has read _Kenilworth_ will be interested to tell of the entertainment of Queen Elizabeth by the Earl of Leicester. Other matters of interest are the character of Henry Lawes, his part in _Comus_, and the occasion for which this mask was prepared. II. Reading and Study The first reading should give familiarity with the events related and a general idea of the philosophical discussions. The second reading will include a careful study of details; Milton's use of mythology; the stage setting; the introduction of dances, etc. III. Study of the Poem as a Whole CONTENT.--When, where, for what occasion, and before what audience was this mask presented? Who were the actors? Members of the audience often took part in dances, which were a feature of the mask. Do you find here any indication of such a dance? Find two places in _Comus_ where dances are introduced to serve the purpose of an anti-mask, that is, a humorous interlude to afford contrast and amusement. What supernatural characters are introduced? Find passages of compliment to the Welsh, to the Earl of Bridgewater, and to the Earl's family in the opening speech of the Attendant Spirit.