Name_____________________________________
English 10
Due
Macbeth
Critical Lens Essay
Your Task:
Write a critical essay in which you discuss William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, from any
particular perspective of the statement that is provided for you in the Critical Lens. In your
essay, (1) provide a valid interpretation of the statement, (2) indicate whether the statement can
be proved true or false as you have interpreted it, and (3) support this opinion using specific
references to the appropriate literary elements from Macbeth.
Critical Lens:
“In literature, evil often triumphs but never
conquers.”
~anonymous
Guidelines:
Be sure to:
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Restate the quote and provide a valid interpretation
Indicate whether the statement can be proved to be true or false
Use the criteria suggested by the critical lens to analyze Macbeth
Avoid plot summary! Instead, use specific references to appropriate
literary elements (for example: theme, characterization, setting, point
of view) to develop your analysis
Organize your ideas in a unified and coherent manner
Follow the conventions of standard written English
Make it 4-5 paragraphs in length
PARAGRAPH BREAKDOWN ON THE BACK!!!!!
Critical Lens Essay Breakdown
Introductory Paragraph:
-Restate quote and author (if available)
-Indicate whether the statement is proved or disproved by the literature (Macbeth)
-Interpret what the quote means
-Indicate what literary techniques were used in the literature that either helped prove or disprove
the statement
Body Paragraph:
-Make a connection between the critical lens quote and the literature using a specific example
-Identify a literary element/ technique and explain the significance.
Body Paragraph:
--Make a connection between the critical lens quote and the literature using a specific example
-Identify a literary element/ technique and explain the significance.
Conclusion:
-Restate the quote and interpretation
-Summarize why the critical lens quote could be proven or disproven through the use of this
piece of literature.