ENGLISH MACBETH TAKE HOME FINAL ESSAYS
Rather than a comprehensive test on Macbeth, I have chosen to look into your minds and
get your insight and opinions on certain aspects of this play (which I think is Shakespeare’s best
and I hope many of you agree…). I have developed some essay questions for you to answer
concerning characters, plots, and themes from the play. These essays are to be typed, double
spaced, 12 point font, with normal margins. You need to answer the questions fully, using our
discussions and reading as a basis for your answers. Also, support your answers with at least
two (2) references from the play for each essay. Simply use a quote that supports your answer,
place it in your essay, and cite the line numbers in parentheses. You might also want to translate
what is being said and how it pertains to and supports your answer.
These essays will be worth 50 points each, graded on grammar, spelling, and
punctuation (so use spellcheck), content and answering the question fully, and pertinent
references from the play. I will check and proofread rough drafts if you wish to give them to me,
but give me enough time, (1-2 days) to read and make suggestions on them. (this will
undoubtedly help your grade) Please do not wait until the last minute to do these, as they will be
a large part of your grade for the final 9 weeks. The essays are due Thursday, April 1st, and
must be a minimum of (1) page each. Any essays turned in late will be worth half credit.
GOOD LUCK and stop in if you have any questions, or want me to look at something.
PICK ANY TWO OF THE FOLLOWING ESSAYS AND ANSWER THEM
COMPLETELY USING A MINIMUM OF TWO (2) REFERENCES FROM THE PLAY.
1. What do the witches represent or symbolize? Why would Shakespeare use them in the play?
(only real example of the supernatural in any of his works) How might we relate to how
Macbeth relies on the witches to how we rely on various things, people, or knowledge today?
2. Fate vs. Free Will is at the heart of the play Macbeth. Discuss whether you feel Macbeth was
soley responsible for his actions throughout the play, or whether Fate played the determining
factor in “guiding” Macbeth through his spiraling downfall. Cite examples from the play to
support.
3. The phrase “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” is used throughout the play by the witches and in
variations by other characters. What might the possible meaning(s) or symbolism of this line
be? Why would Shakespeare use it throughout the play? What might a parallel phrase be in
today’s language that would relate or be similar to the above phrase?
4. Macbeth, and even his wife, were victimized by making a fatal error that lead to their
downfall (tragedy). Their vaulting ambition could be seen as the mistake or error that led to
their demise. How can the virtue or personality characteristic of ambition be both positive
and negative? How might have Macbeth changed his ambition so that it did not become his
fatal error? What can we learn from this play; what is the moral or lesson?