Characterization
Macbeth and Poisonwood Bible
Here’s the task
 Compare how Barbara Kingsolver’s
Poisonwood Bible and Shakespeare’s
Macbeth use a facet of
characterization to reveal the theme
of how choices can impact lives in a
destructive way.
thesis
 Look at the directions and shape into
your thesis
Body Paragraphs
 As you make your points with specific
details using examples and quotes
from the texts, connect the paragraph
back to how choice impact lives in a
destructive way.
3 Fundamental methods of
characterization
 1. explicit presentation by author of the
character through direct exposition (what is
said)
 2. the presentation of the character in
action, with little or no explicit comment by
the author
 3. the representation from within a
character without comment by the author
of the impact of actions and emotions on
the character’s inner self.
Citation within text
Shakespeare shows the tragic figure
as”too full o’th’milk of human
kindness”as he quickly descends
into horrific slaughter (1.5.17).
A tragic figure, initially described as “too
full o’th’milk of human kindness” as
he quickly descends into horrific
slaughter (Shakespeare 1.5.17).
Use a / between two lines for the play
 One Shakespearean protagonist
seems resolute at first when he
asserts, “Haste me to know’t, that I,
with wings as swift / As meditation”
(1.5.35-37).
Okonkwo feels that “[h]is fame rested
on solid personal achievements”
(Achebe 3).
Citation within essay
 Shakespeare illustrates the destruction of
the country when he portrays how the lords
are gathered to take on Macbeth in battle
(5.3.143).
 If you continue to talk about Shakespeare,
you can then use the act, scene, line at the
end of the section unless it is a direct
quote. If a quote- then you must cite
Shakespeare again either in the sentence
or at the end with act, scene, line within
the parenthesis. See example from Owl
Writing Lab on my link.
Works Cited
 Last name, First. Title of Book.
Publication place: Publisher,
Copyright year. Print.
 Last name, First. Title of Play. Title
of Book. Ed. Janet Allen, et.
al.
Publication place: Publisher,
copyright. Page number of
selection. Print.