Mr. Go – ENG3U – Shakespearean Drama (Macbeth)
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MacBeth Theme Tracker
Motif (“mo-teef”): a conspicuous element, such as a type of incident, device, reference
or formula, which occurs frequently in works of literature (e.g., in
MacBeth: blood imagery, references to sleep, references to
chaos/disorder). These tend to be more concrete in nature. A
series of motifs point to a theme.
Theme:
a general concept or doctrine whether implicit or asserted which an
imaginative work is designed to incorporate and make persuasive to the
reader. A statement about life that the writer intends to communicate
through the literary piece. (See below).
As you read through the play, keep track of the motifs (recurring images) that support
the following themes as they appear. Some scenes have been supplied for you.
Themes
#1. There is no escaping one’s fate in life AND We create our destinies
through the choices we make in life. Notion of Fate And Destiny. In
particular: Act I scenes iii & vii; Act II scene iii; Act II, scene iv.
#2. The supernatural is often a reflection of: disharmony occurring in
nature and the human realm. Notion of the Supernatural.
[cf: I (i, iii); II (i, iii); II, iv].
#3. One’s appearance or public actions may not always reflect one’s true
intentions but may, in fact, work to conceal them. Notion of Appearance vs.
Reality (public vs. private): [cf: I (i, iii - vii); II (i, ii, iv)].
#4. One’s ambition of power leads one to become morally corrupt or evil.
Notion of Ambition: [cf: I (ii, iii - v, vii); II (i, iv)].
#5. By nature, humans are always being tempted by evil through their lust
for power. The Notion of the Nature of Evil [cf: I (i, v); II (i - iii)]
#6. To live an honourable life, one must remain loyal to one’s country and
King. Notion of Honour and Loyalty. [cf: I (ii, iv, v, vii); II (i, iii).
Mr. Go – ENG3U – Shakespearean Drama (Macbeth)
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Motifs
Check out the frequency of various words (use a thesaurus to help find synonyms). What words appear
most frequently in the play? What might this imply?
Word frequency lists:
http://www.mta75.org/curriculum/english/Shakes/macalpha.html
http://www.eamesharlan.org/tptt/macbeth62.html
Bird, Insects:
Insects, birds, Animals: (raven, crickets, owls, crow, eagle, lion, hare)
Shrouds, concealment (fog, blanket, night)
Inclement Weather (storm, thunder, lightning, rain)
(red, crimson)
Food, Feasting, Hospitality:
(and all related: milk, babe)
Celestial objects (Heaven, angels, sun, moon, planets, stars)
Tears, Water
Weaponry (dagger, sword, shield, armour)
Plants, flowers, trees