Kucaj
English 12
Imagery Progression – Macbeth Presentation
Each group will be assigned a set of images from Macbeth to identify and understand the
pattern Shakespeare creates with them. Your task is to describe the pattern behind the
imagery and show what this pattern reveals about characters, conflict, and ultimately
theme.
Directions:
Go to the WA website  English Dept  Mrs. Kucaj’s page. Scroll down to the
Macbeth section and click on the link provided. This is a database that allows you to
search for words in Shakespeare plays. You must enter the word you want to search for
and then “and play:Macbeth” so that you only search Macbeth. A sample entry for
“blood” would be as follows – blood and play:Macbeth. Remember: do not search only
for the words I give you. Think of synonyms that may also appear.
Expectations:
Your presentation will be a paper and a PowerPoint/Presi of at least 12 slides that
effectively portrays the imagery progression and how it affects the play’s overall themes.
- Include as many instances of your imagery as possible with act, scene and line
numbers.
- Include context and analysis with these quotations and analysis of the imagery
progression.
- Graphics should be a key component of your PowerPoint (make sure to cite
online images at the end of your PowerPoint).
- 2+ Themes and explain how they are illuminated through your imagery.
- 2+ Include discussion questions to engage your audience.
You will have some time in class to work but you should also be working on this project
outside of class. Make sure you coordinate as a group how you will combine your
information into a cohesive PowerPoint. I highly recommend trading emails.
Grade:
50% PowerPoint (Group grade)
50% Presentation (Individual grade)
Imagery Pattern Groups:
#1 – Storms/ Weather/ Air
Show how the weather is used to develop tone in certain scenes and how the weather
connects certain characters and scenes. Show how these connections help develop major
themes in the play.
#2 – Birds (Eagles, martlets, ravens, owls, chicks, etc.)
Look at how birds are used to define qualities of character and setting and describe how
some of the characters have evolved based on bird descriptions. Have someone scan the
footnotes – many of the more obscure birds are referenced there.
#3 – Light vs. Dark (moon, sun, night, day, flames, etc.)
Show how Shakespeare uses light and dark imagery to enhance our understanding of
character and the nature of their actions. What characters are associated with darkness
and which with light? What is Shakespeare exploring through the use of his imagery?
#4 – Blood, Daggers, Hands & Murder
For this imagery pattern show how the act of murder and the images associated with it
destroyed the murderers as well as the murdered. Show how Shakespeare continued to
use these images through out the play and what effect he was trying to have on the
readers.
#5 – Universal Chain of Beginning
Show how the concept of the Universal Chain of Being is at the beginning of the play,
how it deteriorates in the middle, and then is restored at the end. Consider the deeds of
the characters, the chain of command, the weather and animals. Show how Shakespeare
utilizes this well-known concept to reinforce his themes. This topic will be more difficult
because the search engine will not be as easy to use.