Macbeth Final Essay

Macbeth Essay Topics

The purpose of writing essays is to practice the skills of stating an opinion and then building a logical and thoughtful defence of that position which incorporates powerful evidence from the work(s) being studied.

Because these essay topics involve the entire play, you are expected to gather evidence from the entire play to support your central opinion, or thesis.

Essays will be assessed out of 24 marks. This mark will be based on a “holistic” reading that will consider the overall effect of the essay. The quality of the following will have a great impact on the quality of your essay:

  • content (importance and relevance of the selected quotations, quality of thoughts/ideas/interpretation of events);

  • written expression (essay, paragraph, and sentence structure, integrating quotations, transitions, diction, tone);

  • organization (have you created an essay which flows logically and builds to the “strongest” arguments?)

A word on PLAGERISM: Don't

  1. Discuss whether the prophecies Macbeth hears are authentic because he has no control over his fate or his believing in them makes them authentic.

  2. Discuss the use of imagery in the play (e.g. Light/dark, appearance/reality, and other contrasts)

  3. Discuss the view of “womanliness” and “manliness” in the play.

  4. Compare and contrast Macbeth and Macduff, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, or Macbeth and Jack from Lord of the Flies..

  5. Are the ambitions that power Macbeth or Lady Macbeth timeless? Defend your opinion with a comparison or a contrast to a current person of importance.