Tuesday, September 16, 2014

MACBETH - SHAKESPEARE - ESSAY QUESTIONS

Essay Questions

1.    Compare and contrast the characters of Macbeth and Macduff. Consider their personalities, relationships, and what motivates each character. Is one man good and the other evil, or are they both good or both evil, as outside influences affect their decisions? What kinds of relationships do they have with their families? How are their views on life similar or different?

2. Analyze the character of Lady Macbeth. What is her role in Macbeth’s life? How does her role change? Is she an evil human being, or are there other forces that drive her? How does she change? Why? Is she to blame for Macbeth’s demise? If so, explain. If not, who or what is responsible for the tragedy? Also, could such a woman exist in today's society? Would she still be capable of the same power over her husband? Or might she have even more? Explain your response.

3. Write a diary from either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth's point of view. You are writing in the character of Lady Macbeth or Macbeth. Choose 5-6 important events from the play and respond to each event as the character would respond.

4. Is Macbeth purely evil in your opinion? Is he sane? What are the witches’ roles in Macbeth’s actions? Discuss their prophecies and the forces involved to make them come true. Do you think their predictions are what caused Macbeth to behave as he did? Support your opinion with evidence from the play.

5.    How does Shakespeare use the technique of dramatic irony in Macbeth? Give examples from the text to support your response.

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