Macbeth Essay Assignment
Directions: Now that we have almost completed our reading and analyzation of Macbeth, , you will write
a critical analyze essay on one of the following prompts:
1. Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most dynamic tragic heroes. Analyze his character. (You can think
about the significance of his experience, what he represents, examine his mental deterioration, etc.)
2. Lady Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most powerful female characters. Analyze her character. (You
can think about the significance of her experience, what she represents, her influence on her husband,
her attraction to the supernatural, etc.)
3. The supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth. To what extent does it motivate Macbeth’s
actions?
4. Macbeth presents many themes for analysis. Choose one of the following themes - Guilt and
Conscience, Ambition, Appearance vs. Reality, Good vs. Evil and Fate and Free Will - and discuss
how it developed throughout the play.
Requirements
 Your essay must present a clear and arguable thesis statement.
 Length: 4-5 pages
 Include AT LEAST three primary source quotes (from Macbeth) to support your thesis.
 Include AT LEAST two secondary source quote (from a critical essay about Macbeth) to support your
thesis.
 Your essay must be typed and follow all MLA format.
DUE DATES
Thesis and essay outline: Friday, Feb. 19, 2016
Rough draft: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016
Final draft: Monday, Feb. 29, 2016
THESIS and OUTLINE
In your notebook, brainstorm some ideas/answers to one or two of the prompts of your choice. Jot down
as many ideas/answers as possible and do not edit yourself at all.
Now, choose the prompt that you had the most ideas/answers for and you are ready to create your thesis
statement. THE THESIS STATEMENT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR ESSAY.
Everything that you write in your essay is connected back to your thesis so it needs to be strong.
Your thesis statement will either be GENERAL or SPECIFIC. A general thesis makes an overall
statement or position. A specific thesis must make a claim and include at least three points that back up
the claim.
What claim does your thesis make?
What are the three points that back up this claim?(specific thesis)
1.
2.
3.
Now, in your notebook, write your thesis in one or two complete sentences being sure to include the title
of the play, the author’s name, your claim and the three points that back it up.
For example: In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth is the driving force in
the action and the outcome of the play. The factors that contribute to her powerful role are her own
ambition to become queen, the influence she has over her husband and her connection to
witchcraft.
Essay Outline Template
Directions: Use this template to create your essay outline. Make sure to format the outline according
to MLA standards.
What is your thesis statement?
I. What is the first claim you will prove in your essay?
A. What event from the text supports your claim?
i.
What textual evidence will you use? (Primary or secondary source)
II. What is the second claim you will prove in your essay?
B. What event from the text supports your claim?
i.
What textual evidence will you use? (Primary or secondary source)
III. What is the third claim you will prove in your essay?
C. What event from the text supports your claim?
i.
What textual evidence will you use? (Primary or secondary source)