Macbeth Essay – Semester II

Choose one of the following topics and write a two (or three)-argument literary essay. Your essay will consist of an introduction, two (or three) arguments, and a conclusion. You must include a properly organized title page, in-text parenthetical citations, and Works Cited page that follows the M.L.A. formatting standards in the Centennial Communications Guide. Your essay should be between 850 and 1250 words.

1.  With direct reference to the text of the play, discuss the effectiveness of one the following patterns of imagery in Macbeth:  a) blood b) clothing c) darkness d) plants/garden e) animal.

 

2.  Is the use of the supernatural in Macbeth effective? 

 3.  Who is most responsible for Macbeth’s downfall?

  

4.  Is Macbeth a tragic hero or is he merely a monster?  Does Shakespeare succeed in creating sympathy for Macbeth?

 

With your essay be sure to include the following:

Outline Template Rough Drafts Editing Checklist Peer Editing Checklist

NOTE: NO ESSAY WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR MARKING UNLESS ALL THE IN-CLASS STEPS OF THE ESSAY PROCESS ACCOMPANY IT

EXPECTATIONS OF LITERARY ESSAY STRUCTURE

Introduction: The introduction must be organized according to the way you have been taught at this school. A "capture" quotation is optional, and should only be used if you can do it well. Otherwise, it can be misleading. Begin with a general discussion of the topic. Don't go back as far as "the beginning of time"! Clarify your terms. Introduce the novel/poem/play and author, maintaining their relationship to the topic. By doing this, you justify your reasons for using that work for your essay. Assume the reader is knowledgeable about the work; therefore, only include information in your introduction that is essential in clarifying your thesis and arguments. Preview your arguments clearly. Sum these up in your thesis.

Thesis: If the "preview" has been done adequately, it is not necessary to repeat the statements of the three arguments in the thesis. Instead, the thesis should act as the "knot" for the introduction, tying it all together. It should prepare the reader for the beginning of the body of the essay and should contain no new information and no surprises! If it does, your introduction is faulty and should be reworked.

Body: The body must contain a minimum of two arguments, each of which must be supported by a minimum of two primary source quotations. You are encouraged to go beyond this minimum, but may not provide less proof without penalty. In arguing your points, you must follow the steps below:

1) Put the quotation clearly in context (answer what? where? who?).2) Present the quotation. Consult your notes on the differences betweenintegrating "short" and "long" quotations. (Use ellipses if you are leavingout irrelevant sections.)3) Analyze the quotation thoroughly in relation to your topic (answer how?why?).

Your arguments must each begin with a clear topic sentence. You must deal with your arguments in the order in which you introduced them in the introduction and/or thesis.

Conclusion: Your conclusion must begin with a rewording of your thesis. To state it in exactly the same way as you did in the introduction is pointless, as you and the reader now have an entirely different perspective on the topic after you have dealt with it so thoroughly! Summarize your arguments, without unnecessary and boring repetition and then close strongly. Universalize briefly the concept you have developed. This is difficult, yet these last few statements are critical to the reader's impression of thearguments, and of you as a writer.

Other important information: Your essay must also include properly formatted title page and a "Works Cited" page. Please refer to your copy of The Centennial Communications Guide to assist you in setting these up correctly. (See "Bibliography" set-up for "Works Cited".) Please use internal referencing for all your primary and secondary source quotations.

All pages, other than the title page, must be numbered on the top right-hand corner.

*All essays must be accompanied by rough work that shows clear evidence of editing.Either hand-edit or highlight modifications you have made.

NO ROUGH WORK=NO MARK!

DO NOT LOSE THIS SHEET. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THEINFORMATION CONTAINED ON IT.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK!

NAME ___________

LITERARY ESSAY OUTLINE

N.B.: This template is a guide. Note that an argument may require, depending on itsprogression, explanations of more than two quotations in order to be adequatelysupported.

TOPIC: ________________________________________________________________THESIS STATEMENT: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT #1TOPIC SENTENCE: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________SUPPORTQUOTATION #1: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________QUOTATION #2: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________OVERVIEW OF EVIDENCE: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT #2TOPIC SENTENCE: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________SUPPORT

QUOTATION #1: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________QUOTATION #2: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________OVERVIEW OF EVIDENCE: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT #3TOPIC SENTENCE: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________SUPPORTQUOTATION #1: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________QUOTATION #2: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________OVERVIEW OF EVIDENCE: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Centennial C.V.I. Name: ___________________ Teacher: Course: ENG 2D

Macbeth Essay

Criteria Below Level 1

Level 1 (50% - 59%)

Level 2(60% -69%)

Level 3(70%-79%)

Level 4(80%-100%)

Knowledge/Understanding Logical development of proofs

reveals an understanding of essay topic

Use of relevant and substantial examples

Thinking/Inquiry Thesis is specific, substantial and

clearly stated Topic sentences are linked to

thesis Analysis of quotations is accurate

and detailedApplication

Introduction – Intro to topic, preview arguments

Conclusion – restate thesis and arguments, strong final statement

Correct Essay Form Documentation is correct

Communication Vocabulary and sentence structure

are varied and grade appropriate Effective incorporation of

quotations (where applicable) Effective transitions Uses imaginative yet precise

language to enhance presentation

of thought; metaphoric language Sentences are strong and

expressive with varied structure; The writing is honest,

enthusiastic, natural and thought-provoking

Essay is carefully edited and free of errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar