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 between
integrating "short" and "long" quotations. (Use ellipses if you are leaving
out 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 the
arguments, 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 THE
INFORMATION 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 its
progression, explanations of more than two quotations in
order to be adequately
supported.

TOPIC: ________________________________________________________________
THESIS STATEMENT:
___________________________________________________
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SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT #1
TOPIC SENTENCE: _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
SUPPORT
QUOTATION #1: _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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QUOTATION #2:
________________________________________________________
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OVERVIEW OF EVIDENCE:
______________________________________________
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SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT #2
TOPIC SENTENCE: _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
SUPPORT
QUOTATION #1: _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
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QUOTATION #2:
________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
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OVERVIEW OF EVIDENCE:
______________________________________________
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SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT #3
TOPIC SENTENCE: _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
SUPPORT
QUOTATION #1: _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
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QUOTATION #2:
________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________
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OVERVIEW OF EVIDENCE:
______________________________________________
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Centennial C.V.I.
Name: ___________________
Teacher:
Course: ENG 2D

Macbeth Essay

Criteria Below Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Level 1 (50% - 59%) (60% -69%) (70%-79%) (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 detailed
Application
• 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