English II
Macbeth Soliloquy essay
Analyze the ways in which Shakespeare creates a specific tone or mood in one of the following soliloquies.
1.7.1-28
“If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well…And falls on th’other
Andrew, Nick, Sarah, Suah, Zach, Ashley
Benji, Mary Elizabeth, Evan, Elizabeth
2.1.33-64
“Is this a dagger…to heaven or to hell.”
Rob, Kelsie, Luise, Connor, Kaki, Yssi
Kyle, Ansley, Alex, James, Trantam
3.1.49-73
“To be thus…Who’s there?”
Leo, Marshall, Mackenzie, Marguerite, Lauren
Matthew, Chris, Heather, Carol
Begin with observation. Looking for patterns in diction, imagery, and syntax, annotate the passage over the weekend.
Share your observations with the rest of your group on the first class meeting of next week, and arrive at a thesis statement. Then, begin selecting evidence.
Later in the week, you will spend an hour writing the essay during class. You should include textual evidence in the form of quotations, using proper parenthetical citation. Be sure to indicate act, scene, and line through parenthetical documentation, e.g. (II.v.31-33) or (2.5.31-33), which means Act 2, Scene 5, Lines 31-33. Also, avoid “to be” verbs, vary sentences, and pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation.