fandomhigh | Modern Shakespeare, Wednesday Per 1 & 2

The beanbags and other comfortable seating were back as the class settled in to watch Scotland, PA, a take on Macfinlay. Before the movie began, Karla passed around a plot summary of the original play. "In what is usually considered Shakespeare's take on the folly of ambition, we have the Macfinlays who are given a prophecy: Macfinlay will become king of Scotland. However, Scotland already has a king, Duncan, and Duncan's children are next in line for the throne. Rather than waiting to see how the prophecy might shake out, Lady Macfinlay suggests to her husband that they murder Duncan and take the throne for themselves. Macfinlay's best friend, Banquo, also receives a prophecy at the same time, saying that he will never be king, but his children will be."

She continued to go over the play in far greater detail than the handed out summary went into. The summary was useful for a quick reference for the students who were unfamiliar with the work (and could read it), but they deserved to have a fuller understanding of the play before watching the adaptation. Once her lecture was finished, she started the movie. "In this version, the story has been updated to America in the 1970s and the Macfinlays murder over a burger joint rather than a nation. There's popcorn and soda if you wish to make this a real movie experience. Otherwise, pay attention, take notes if you'd like, and be prepared to discuss the movie after it ends."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Karla pulled up a specific clip from the movie. "In the play, Macfinlay is a terrible king, driving Scotland into the ground. The very land rejects his rule. But here, he's actually very good at it, turning a failing burger joint into a wealthy and profitable business. Does that change your view on things?"