Notes on “Macbeth” essay #1

Mr. Cleon M. McLeanA.P. English Literature and Composition

Ontario High School

FYI

When writing a literary analysis essay, you must use either the reader or the audience, and try not to use both at the same time.

Do not ask rhetorical questions—i.e., questions which do not require an answer from the reader/listener

FYI

You may use abbreviations on timed essays. E.g., “L.M.” for Lady Macbeth, or “W.S.” for William Shakespeare. But you must first spell out the word(s) and put the initials you will be using to abbreviate, next to it. For example, William Shakespeare (W.S.), in the waning days of his literary career, penned keen insights into human experiences—N.B., man’s dark nature.

FYI

Beware of wishy-washy stance. If you are given an option in the prompt, then choose ONE and deliver it! Do not attempt to do both, even though each side will likely have great things you can say, for you will likely produce a superficial essay

FYI

Characters can’t quote themselves. So, saying, for example, Lady Macbeth quotes, “Make like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t” is awkward

“Macbeth” information

Which sounds better to say: “Macbeth,” written by William Shakespeare, is

an exploration into the dark realm of the human disposition

William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” explores the dark realm of the human disposition

Lady Macbeth is trying to persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan.

Lady Macbeth tries to persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan.

“Macbeth” information

Common saying: heavy is the head that wears the crown. This means the king has a lot of responsibilities

A character participates in some act.

How does “Macbeth” relate to the modern reader? E.g., blind ambition, Machiavellian antics

Grammar & Spelling

recEIve woMAN…woMEN What is wrong with the following?

By planning to kill King Duncan, no longer was Macbeth showing that he could be trusted.

By planning to kill his friend King Duncan, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth planned behind closed doors

Vocabulary

i.e.—means in other words Modus operandi—way of

acting/operating/working De facto—means whether rightly or

wrongly so Ceterus paribus—means all other

things being equal

Vocabulary

Countenance—facial expression. You may have a fair countenance, a disagreeable countenance, or a charming countenance, for example.

Disposition—one’s usual mood; temperament

False fronts Duplicity/duplicitous—betrayal Janus—two-faced

Vocabulary

Cajole—to urge with gentle and repeated appeals

Beguile—to charm or amuse; oftentimes to deceive