Macbeth essay
http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/macbeth_1_3.html
500 words
1” margins
double-spaced
MLA Style
Choose one.
1. Lord Acton once stated, “ Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Discuss how
Macbeth tragic flaw of ambition leads to his ultimate corruption and demise. Use specific
quotes from the play to support your discussion.
2. “Oftentimes, to win us to our harm,/ The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/ Win us with
honest trifles, to betray’s / In deepest consequence.---“ This quote by Banquo characterizes
the path of Macbeth’s demise. Discuss how the prophesies of both the witches and the
apparitions and how they are fulfilled lead to the destruction of Macbeth. Look at (I:iii:131-134)
(V:viii: 19-22)Act I-Scene 3, Act III-Scene, Act IV- Scene 1, Act V- Scene IV , VIII
3. Trace the theme of blood as a symbol of guilt throughout the play. Use specific quotes to
support your discussion. Act II-Scene 2
4. Trace the theme that ”sleep has been murdered and only the innocent sleep” throughout the
play. Use specific quotes to support your discussion. Act II
Quoting from a play:
Banquo warns, “Oftentimes, to win us to our harm,/ The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/ Win
us with honest trifles, to betray’s / In deepest consequence.---“ (I:iii: 131-134).
(Act in Cap: Scene in lower case: line numbers)