Due:
(late submissions will receive a 10% deduction per day late.)
Instructions:
-
Read through the tasks available to you and choose the ones that most appeal.
The ones already checked are compulsory for everybody
Unless the task explicitly tells you to use a particular format, you may chose whichever you feel best suits
your need.
You must complete a total of 10 tasks from the 5 acts as well as the compulsory essay.
Format: Your portfolio should be submitted as one assignment. It should be bound neatly and clearly in a folder
of some sort. Each task should be clearly labeled. It needs to have a title page, table of contents and citations
page if outside sources are used.
Act I
Scene
Required
/Chosen
Focus
Task
1
paradox
2
metaphor
The last two lines of the scene seem paradoxical. What do you think they mean?
Create a visual that gives the definition for paradox and explains the above.
The bleeding sergeant utilizes a number of comparisons to describe the progress
of the battle. Choose at least two metaphors that you consider to be especially
effective and explain fully the comparisons drawn. Explain why you think the
metaphors are effective.
Complet
ed?
3
characterization
4
irony
5



6
7
theme
n/a
diction
Write, design or create a character sketch of Macbeth using all the information
you have about him until this point. Use quotations to support. Make sure the
quotations themselves are explained. (This shows he is this because…)
*note: a character sketch is NOT a drawing of a character
Provide examples of dramatic irony in this scene. What is revealed about
character through the use of this device?
An important theme in this play deals with the discrepancy between appearance
and reality. The Weird Sisters introduce this theme with their chant that “Fair is Foul,
and foul is fair.” This play is full of echoes of this statement. Review the first five
scenes and list all the references that deal with the deceptive nature of
appearances. Focus on this scene in particular.
How does Shakespeare use powerful language in Lady Macbeth’s speech? What
is its purpose in this scene? Is it effective?
Act II
Scene
Required
/Chosen
Focus
Task
1
Pathetic fallacy
2
Point of view
3
contrast
The dark night reflects Macbeth’s dark desires. This is an example of pathetic
fallacy. What atmosphere is created through the use of this device in this scene?
What movies, novels or short stories can you think of that contain examples of
pathetic fallacy? As you read the rest of the play, pay attention to the use of
pathetic fallacy and the resultant mood or atmosphere.
Shakespeare chose to have Duncan murdered off stage. Consider the reasons
why. Write a prose description of the murder in both third person omniscient and
first person point of view.
How does the night as described by Lennox compare with the night as
experienced by the Macbeths in the previous scene? OR
Compare how Macbeth behaves in this scene with his behavior in the previous
scene.
4
n/a
Complet
ed?
Act III
Scene
Focus
Task
1
paraphrase
Paraphrase Banquo’s opening soliloquy.
2
n/a
3
4
Required
/Chosen

n/a
foreshadowing
5
thesis
6
n/a
Complet
ed?
Consider the irony of the entrance of Banquo’s ghost. In previous scenes, what has
foreshadowed Banquo’s appearance at the banquet?
Imagine you are involved in a production of the play and that the director has
chosen to cut this scene from the performance. In a well-formed paragraph, write
a defence or challenge to this decision. What would be gained or lost by
dropping this scene.
Act IV
Scene
Required
/Chosen
Focus
Task
1
parody
The ingredients of the witches’ cauldron consist of what was considered vile and
repugnant during the Elizabethan period. Write a parody of their speech. Include
ingredients that a modern-day audience would find equally disgusting.
2
n/a
3
n/a
Complet
ed?
Act V
Scene
1
Required
/Chosen
Focus
n/a
Task
Complet
ed?
2
n/a
3
tone
Examine the tone used by Macbeth in this scene. How and why is it created?
summary
Create a short newspaper report summarizing the events in this scene. Make sure it
contains a title, picture and author. You can sensationalize it or create a bias if
you’d like.
4

5
n/a
6
emphasis
7
n/a
If you were a director of a modern, high-tech production of the play, how would
you emphasize Macduff’s eagerness to fight Macbeth? Be creative.
After Reading
Choose one of the questions from pg. 112- 113 of your text “The 10 Most Difficult Questions One Can Ask about
Macbeth.”
Write a position paper to support your idea. (maximum 400 words – be concise)
* Use citations for any work or idea that is not your own, or receive a zero on the assignment – no chances;
you’ve been warned.
Rubric
Depth and Breadth
Format
Completion
Not yet meeting
Does not show an understanding of the
play, may have misunderstand parts or
explanations may be absent. Plagiarism is
evident.
Lacks formatting. Not bound together,
organized or labeled. Plagiarism is
evident
Meeting
Shows basic understanding of
the play but explanations and
support may be weak or
unclear.
Portfolio is bound, but may
lack title page, bibliography,
titles or page numbers.
Competent
Shows a good understanding
of the play. Explanations and
support are clear but lack
depth and insight.
Portfolio is bound and contains
all required elements
satisfactorily.
0- 49% complete
50 – 70% complete
70 – 90% complete
Exceeding
Shows excellent and at times
insightful understanding of the
text. Support and explanations
are easy to follow.
Portfolio shows attention to
details that make it easy to
read. Care and thought is
evident in its formatting.
100% or more completed