Abington Senior High
English III
Mr. Geiger
Term Paper
A list of possible topics to explore for your term paper is below. First, a couple of key points: The point of this paper is to state your opinion on a debatable issue. You are making an argument/main point (your thesis) and then you are supporting your argument with facts/research throughout your paper. Your paper is to be 5-7 pages . No more and no less (4 and a half pages is not five pages). Your paper must be in MLA format (one-inch margins, 12-point font, etc.). You must have a Works Cited page at the end, and this does not count toward one of your pages.
You will use research to heavily support your argument/main point. This research includes primary and secondary quotes. Primary quotes are the ones that you take from the main text ( Macbeth ). Secondary quotes come from sources other than the main text. You must have at least 7 primary quotes and five secondary quotes . The 5 secondary quotes must come from 3 different sources . Each of the quotes, as well as any idea that you are taking from another source, must be properly cited within the paper. We will be going over this in class, so your attendance is vital. Please keep a Term Paper Folder. Term Paper is due Friday, March 28 th . Each school day the paper is late is a 20-percent deduction. Suggested topics:
1.
Who is to blame for Duncan’s death?
As we’ve discussed in class, you can make three different arguments: The witches planted the thoughts in Macbeth’s mind and persuaded him that it was his destiny to become king; Lady Macbeth continuously urged her husband to kill the king, especially after he voiced second thoughts; and Macbeth carried out the act, fully aware of his evil intentions.
Should you explore this topic, you must place the blame on one of the three targets; it’s too easy to simply say a combination of the three led to Duncan’s death.
2.
Macbeth as a Tragic Hero: Macbeth’s character changes greatly from the beginning of the play to the end. Analyze the character of Macbeth and what leads to his transformation from loyal soldier to heartless tyrant. What lessons can we learn from looking at Macbeth’s character? Why does he change, and how does his outlook on life differ toward the end of the play from the beginning? How can he be characterized as a tragic hero, and what is his tragic flaw? Use the
“Archetypal Tragic Hero” sheet to aid you in your paper.
3.
The role of fate and the Weird Sisters vs. free will: The three witches play an integral role in the drama; without their predictions, Macbeth never would have felt destined to become king. Do the events in the drama unfold due to the witches’ magical powers (fate), or do they unfold due to one’s ambition and free will (controlling your own destiny). While elements of this topic are similar to the first topic, here you are expanding on the role of fate vs. free will not only in
Macbeth but also in our own lives. You also are analyzing the role of witchcraft during 11 th century Scotland. This is a difficult topic and would require you to conduct research on abstract concepts such as fate, destiny and free will.
4.
Eleventh-century Scottish culture .
Shakespeare heavily researched Scottish traditions and culture before writing Macbeth . For this paper you will explain how the culture of Scotland during the 11 th -century ties in to various elements of the play. Elements of this culture include witchcraft, assassinations and ambushes, the reign of King Duncan, etc.
5.
In-depth analysis of motifs and figurative language in Macbeth. Shakespeare brings this drama to life with an abundance of motifs and metaphors. Provide an in-depth study of how various motifs in the play as well as figurative language contributes to the play’s overall plot, themes, and character development.
Come see me if you are interested in a different topic, related to Macbeth or another piece of literature we’ve read in class. You must get approval from me for any other topic.

Term Paper Schedule
Library Dates for Research: ________________________________________.
Secondary Excerpts: March 7 th
Primary Excerpts and Thesis: March 14 th
Rough Draft/Outline: March 21 st
Final Copy: March 28 th
Steps for Writing Term Paper
1.
Annotated Bibliography for Primary and Secondary
Sources: We will spend two class periods (and maybe a third) in the library doing research. You need to find a minimum of 3 sources; from these sources you should have a minimum of 5 excerpts for your paper. Your annotated bibliography must include the correct citation, the excerpts you will use, and an explanation concerning how the excerpts support your thesis. Your annotated bibliography must also include at least 7 excerpts from Macbeth or The
Canterbury Tales with appropriate explanations
2.
Thesis Statement: Following your research you will write your thesis statement. This must be a well-crafted argument stating what is to follow in your paper. The thesis statement should be typed atop your annotated bibliography.
3.
Rough Draft/Outline
4.
Final Paper (with works cited page attached to back)
* Examples will be given of what your annotated bibliography should look like
(containing primary and secondary excerpts) as well as what a well-crafted thesis statement contains. All information you need will be provided in class, so if you miss class it is your responsibility to schedule a time to meet with me and go over missed work.