Causal Argument for Macbeth
Consider deaths and evil doings in Scotland during the mid-11th century.
Other than Macbeth, who bears the most responsibility for tragic events in the play? Which key
decision set off subsequent events? Keep in mind this doesn’t have to be a character who is in the play
more than others; however, the decision the character makes is vital in setting off a series of events.
Choose from the following: The Witches, King Duncan, Lady Macbeth, or Malcolm? You may incorporate
other characters, as appropriate, in your discussion and come up with any conclusion.
Use one of the following approaches:
Cause A → Leads to Effects B, C, D, etc.
Effect D → Caused by A, B, C, etc.
Cause A → Leads to B → Leads to C → Leads to D, etc.
Include causal phrases such as the following:
As a consequence
As a result of
Because
Consequently
Due to
For this reason
Hence
If . . . then
On account of
Since
Then . . . so
Therefore
This action leads to
Thus
When . . . the
Organizational Plan for an Argument with a Classical Structure
Introduction:
Reason One:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Attention grabber? (Memorable scene or quote)
Mention author and title (William Shakespeare and Macbeth)
Background or brief summary, similar to a movie blurb
Thesis statement (claim + “because” statement related to a Universal Idea)
For your thesis, consider the character, his/her choices,
Topic Sentence regarding one choice
Signal phrase to introduce quote or paraphrase
Concrete support (paraphrase or quote from play). Include the (Source), and for plays it
is like this example: (2.3.45-49), indicating (act.scene.lines). See below regarding how to
include quotes from the play.
Your commentary regarding the support
Connection to Universal Idea
Transition, then repeat above. Two examples with commentaries for each paragraph
give paragraphs substance and depth.
Reason Two:
Same format as above. Note that ensuing paragraphs may focus on another character as long as
the focus is the EFFECT of previous choices, which then become the cause of ensuing events.
Reason Three:
Same format as above
Summary of Opposing Views: Should be fair (not biased) and complete
One or two opposing views – two is better
Response to Opposing Views: Refute (show weaknesses) or concede (show strengths) to
opposing views
Conclusion:
Bring essay to closure and sum up argument (without repeating)
Leave a strong last impression that ties back to Universal Idea
Can close with narrative, quote, answer to previous question, etc.
Works Cited:
Cite the textbook, using Book/Anthology format
Alphabetize entries
Reverse indent.
Use this method for quotes fewer than four lines, and note the quotation marks, slashes / and period
after the (source).
Introduce the quote using a brilliant signal phrase followed by the relevant quote, “The Prince of
Cumberland! that is a step/ On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,/ For in my way it lies”
(act.scene.lines).
Use hanging indent for quotes over four lines, and note that you don’t use quotation marks because
indenting takes their place. Be sure to include the source on the following line.
Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill,
Why hath it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor:
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,
Against the use of nature? Present fears
Are less than horrible imaginings:
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man that function
Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not.
(act.scene.lines)
NOTES: Refer to authors using last name
Use present tense with tags such as Smith claims.
Use formal language
No “says” or “talks about.” Use stronger tags.
Use 3rd person such as people, individuals, they, etc.
No 2nd person “you” in any form. Ever.
No 1st person “I, me, my, mine, myself, we, our, ourselves