MLA Essay Topics for Macbeth
Shakespeare is fertile soil from which grows the most interesting research papers one can imagine. The Bard’s works are
actually able to make research paper writing fun. Seriously!
Does that sound hard to believe? Then you just do not realize all the potential that a Shakespeare research paper has!
Shakespeare is responsible for some of the greatest literature of our time. He is responsible for the most “comedic
comedies” and the most “tragic tragedies”. He is responsible for making historical events supremely interesting.
In a Macbeth research paper alone, there are numerous, solid, and ultimately intriguing research paper ideas – you just
have to think about what interests you best. Consider this: in Macbeth there are conspiracies, betrayals, homicidal plots,
insanity, and a successful (somewhat!) murder. How could you not be interested in such things?!
That being said, here are some possible ideas you could use to craft an excellent Macbeth term paper.
(1)Explain how one of the major themes of the play is still
prevalent in the world today.
(3)Explain how Shakespeare’s audience would respond to
the supernatural elements of the play.
(5)Explain how Macbeth stacks up to Aristotle’s definition
of a Greek tragic hero.
(7)Explain how the portrayal of women in the play is
accurate to the condition of women in Shakespeare’s day.
(9)How did the Black Plaque epidemics affect Shakespeare,
the presentation of his plays and the theatres.
(11)Explain how Macbeth is a character that can be
compared to a famous person from the 21st century.
(13)Explain how Lady Macbeth is a character that can be
compared to a famous person from the 21st century.
(15)Explain what kind of relationship existed between
Shakespeare and King James I.
(17)Explain how Elizabeth I played a significant role in the
development of Shakespeare’s world view.
(19)Explain what is meant by the authorship debate and
what evidence exists to support it.
(21)Research the costume, makeup and prop techniques
of the Shakespearean stage.
(23)Research other play writers in competition with
Shakespeare during the time he was most famous and well
known in London.
(25)Explain how the roles of men and women during the
Elizabethan/Jacobean periods compare to the characters
of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth and the theme of masculine
identity.
(27)Patronization was important during Shakespeare’s
time. Explain what this means and cite details regarding
Shakespeare’s four patrons.
(29)Research famous actors who have played Macbeth and
explain their contributions to the play’s development over
time.
(2)Compare modern research on dream analysis with Lady
Macbeth's dreams and sleepwalking.
(4)Contrast the historical Macbeth to the character
Shakespeare creates in his tragic play.
(6)Classify Shakespeare’s plays clearly outlining what
characteristics apply to each classification.
(8)Explain why the reign of Elizabeth I is called The Golden
Age of England.
(10)Explain why the play is considered by many as a
psychological treatise on the mind of the murderer.
(12)Explain how witchcraft was viewed by citizens of 16th
century England.
(14)Explain how Charles I dealt with witchcraft during his
reign as King of England.
(16)Explain how Shakespeare deals with common
superstitions throughout the ages are
(18)Explain why women were not allowed to act in
Shakespeare’s plays and how this affected performances.
(20)Make an argument for the idea that the character
Macbeth is really a representation of King James I.
(22)Research the curse associated with the play Macbeth
and suggest whether there is evidence to support it.
(24)Research Shakespeare’s theatre The Globe. Who
owned it? Where was it located? How was it funded? How
was it designed? What was its fate? Etc.
(26)Research other playhouses of Shakespeare’s day (The
Rose, The Curtain, etc.). Who owned them? Where were
they located? How were they funded? How were they
designed? What were restrictions put upon them?
(28)Using research on the topic of schizophrenia explain
whether or not Macbeth and/or Lady Macbeth could be
diagnosed with its symptoms.
(30)Research the historical Macbeth (details of his life, the
time in which he lived, the nature of his reign a king, major
contributions to his kingdom, etc.).
(31)Research The King’s Men. Who were its members?
How was the group funded? What interesting facts are
known related to the group? Were there other acting
troupes in competition with them? Etc.
(33)Research Shakespeare’s childhood and explain any
major influences that affected his views and experiences
as an adult.
(35)Research the role religion played in Shakespeare’s
world and the effects it had on his life as a child and/or as
an adult.
(37)Research the topic of death in Shakespeare’s time
London. What were the major causes of death? How was
death viewed by citizens in the city? How were bodies
disposed of? Etc.
(39)Research the topic of violence in Shakespeare’s
London. What were the major crimes? How were criminals
treated? What was the legal system like? What were the
punishments associated with certain crimes. Etc.
(32)Research Shakespeare’s romantic life. Was he
married? Did he have any children? What happened to
them? Did he have other relationships? Did he have any
regrets? Etc.
(34)Research Shakespeare’s London. What was it like to
live in that city during that time? What were the standards
of living? What was the legal system like? Etc.
(36)Research the historical King Duncan (details of his life,
the time in which he lived, the nature of his reign a king,
major contributions to his kingdom, etc.).
(38)Research the field of medicine during the 16th century
in London, England. What was it like to be a doctor or
nurse? What were some common practices in dealing with
sickness? How were patients diagnosed? Etc.
(40)Research scholarly opinions on whether Macbeth is a
villain or a victim. Is Macbeth master of his own fate, or
under the influence of his wife? There can be no sitting on
the fence for this topic. Make a strong case for one side.
These are just some of the topics around which you could craft a Macbeth research paper. When you are dealing with
something that truly interests you, research paper writing becomes less an ordeal, and more of an opportunity. Some of
the most interesting research papers imaginable revolve around Shakespeare’s legendary plays, his life and the times in
which he lived. Do not let an opportunity like this pass you by, simply because you think it is a drag.
Essay Specifics:
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Introduction-Body Paragraphs-Conclusion
In your introduction, include: a hook, and a thesis statement which dictates the layout of your paper.
Body paragraphs-each paragraph supports one of the points you’re making. Each paragraph needs a transitional
phrase. If you include a quote, make sure you set up your direct quote and then explain it after.
Conclusion-paraphrase your introduction & bring it to a close.
Word limit: 1200-1500 words
Include at least 3 short direct quotes and 1 direct block quotes
Include at least 2 indirect citations
Works cited page
Follow the MLA specifications!
MLA Scoring:
Writing Style
Total: ____/40
Formatting
Total: ____/20
Ideas & Information
15
3
Organization
5
Sentence Fluency &
Transitions
Word Choice
5
Voice & Appropriate
Tone
Conventions
5
3 direct short quotes
& citations
1 direct block quotes
& citations
Paraphrasing in-text
citations
3 sources (Macbeth +
2 others) included in
essay
Header (consecutive
pages)
Margins
Fonts, underlining,
italics, etc.
Title page info.
1
Works Cited page
4
5
5
1
4
3
1
1
2
You have to write a research essay! What should you do first?
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Narrow your topic.
Print off websites/articles and find books with pertinent information on your topic. Avoid Wikipedia.
Select all the relevant information on your topic and start to organize it into chunks.
Come up with an outline for your essay.
Begin writing your paper. Intro, (make sure you have a hook and thesis), body, conclusion.
Remember who your audience is—ME! This will set the tone: FORMAL. No first person, contractions or slang.
Write out numbers under 100.
Be clear on why you are writing your essay - it’s not a narrative, descriptive or persuasive - it’s an expository
essay . . . you are explaining your topic, in detail, to me.
Remember to use smooth transitions between your paragraphs with effective topic sentences.
Often you’ll need to go back, after you’ve written your essay, and revamp your introduction. That’s a good
thing.
Revise and revise and revise your work.
Edit and proofread your work.
Add direct quotes after you have written your essay.
Don’t plagiarize. This will result in NOTICE ON STUDENT FILE, PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONTACT, AND HAVING TO
WRITE ANOTHER PAPER under supervised restrictions.
Due dates for assignment components:
1. All pre-writing and draft work is to be done on loose-leaf or in your exercise. No exceptions. This way, you will
be able to work on it in class and keep it in your notebook. If you don’t have your materials with you to work on,
be prepared to start over or work from the memory of where you currently are in the paper.
2. In addition to the assessment scheme outlined on the assignment sheet (40/20), you will receive a
collaboration/research mark based on your use of class time (see dates on schedule); so use it! Therefore, it is
important you adhere to point number one above.
3. Some class time will be given to work on this research paper. At these times assistance and guidance can be
availed of by students. That being said, you will need to work on this assignment independently outside of class.
4. We will try our best to stick to the calendar, but all dates are subject to change.
5. Do not leave requests for extensions until the last minute. This assignment is intended for recording on the first
report card on November 25. If it is not been submitted, contact will be made with parents/guardians and a
comment related to missing assignment will be on the report card.
6. I am always available in school to help students in any way. Any communication after school hours regarding this
assignment is available through my school email account only. Also, all components of this assignment are to be
submitted electronically via that email account in the form of an attachment (see my website for email address).
MONDAY
OCT 5
OCT 19
3201 2 & 1 (LAB 233)
3201 3 (LAB 208)
OCT 26
NOV 2
3201 2, 1 & 3 (LAB 233)
NOV 9
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
OCT 6
OCT 7
OCT 13
3201 -1 (LAB 233)
3201-3 (LAB 208)
OCT 20
OCT 14
FRIDAY
OCT 9
OCT 21
OCT 22
OUTLINE DUE
OCT 23
OCT 27
OC T 28
OCT 29
OCT 30
NOV 3
NOV 4
NOV 5
ROUGH DRAFT DUE
NOV 12
FINAL COPY DUE
NOV 6
NOV 10
MLA CITATION GENERATOR
http://www.citationmachine.net/
GREAT MLA RESOURCE SITE
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
MY WEBSITE
paulpinsent.ca
THURSDAY
OCT 8
3201-2 (LAB 233)
OCT 15
OCT 16
SOURCES DUE
NOV 13