English 9
Mrs. Sharp/Ms. Edwards
name:
period:
Macbeth: Essay Test
As the culminating activity in our study of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, you will demonstrate what
you have learned in a literary response essay.
In this essay, students will…
 Write an essay which contains a claim or argument based on an analysis of the play
 Use valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence (quotations)
 Organize the claim and reasons/evidence effectively
 Utilize transition words and phrases to link ideas and arguments and present reasons and
evidence (quotations)
 Establish and maintain a formal style and tone
 Demonstrate understanding of grammar and mechanics (including capitalization, spelling,
punctuation, etc.)
 Provide a concluding statement that supports the claim/argument presented
Choose ONE of the following prompts:
1. How is Shakespeare’s play relevant to our lives (more than 400 years after it was first written)? What
can we learn from Macbeth’s story? Write a statement of theme for the play. Include at least three
specific examples (quotations) to support and explain your response.
2. What was Macbeth’s biggest mistake? Select the one moment where Macbeth made his most severe
error and explain why it was the worst. Include at least three specific negative effects. For each,
describe why it is bad and explain how each stems directly from his one worst mistake. In all cases, use
quotations from the text to support your ideas.
3. Who is ultimately responsible for Macbeth’s downfall? Is it all his fault? Is Lady Macbeth to blame?
Is it the Witches’ fault? Decide which character is most responsible for Macbeth’s failure. Provide at
least three specific pieces of textual evidence (quotations) to support your choice.
4. Despite all the bad he has done, is it possible that Macbeth could still be thought of as a hero? In
what ways does Macbeth’s story follow the Hero’s Journey? Provide specific textual evidence
(quotations) to demonstrate how Macbeth’s story matches the Hero’s Journey in at least three specific
ways. For each, name the stage of the Hero’s Journey, explain how Macbeth’s story matches that stage,
and provide a quotation to support your ideas.