Macbeth Theme Analysis
Objective:
The purpose of this assignment is to deepen your understanding of one of the key themes in
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. You will analyze a theme of your choice, using specific quotes
from the play to support your argument. The assignment will also allow you to practice critical
thinking and writing skills, as well as your ability to cite textual evidence.
1. Choose a Theme:
Select one of the following themes from Macbeth to explore in your paper:
● Ambition and its consequences
● The corrupting power of unchecked ambition
● Fate vs. free will
● The nature of guilt and the psychological effects of crime
● The role of supernatural forces (e.g., witches, visions, prophecies)
● The disintegration of masculinity and femininity
● The conflict between good and evil
2. Quote Selection:
● Your paper should include at least five direct quotes from Macbeth that relate to the
theme you have chosen.
● Each quote should be integrated into your argument to support the points you make about
the theme. The quotes can be drawn from different parts of the play, such as from
Macbeth’s soliloquies, Lady Macbeth’s dialogue, the witches' prophecies, or other key
moments.
3. Paper Structure:
Your paper should be two pages (no more than 4) long and double spaced. It should include the
following sections:
● Introduction: Begin by introducing the theme you have chosen and explaining why it is
significant to the play. Briefly summarize the key aspects of the theme as it relates to
Macbeth.
● Body Paragraphs: Develop your argument through several body paragraphs, each
focusing on a specific aspect of the theme. Use the five quotes to illustrate your points
and explain how they contribute to the theme. Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic
sentence and logical flow.
● Conclusion: Summarize the insights you have gained from your analysis and reflect on
how the theme contributes to the overall meaning of Macbeth. You may also discuss how
Shakespeare uses this theme to comment on human nature or society.
4. Quote Integration: When you use quotes in your paper, be sure to:
● Introduce the context of the quote (who is speaking, what’s happening at the moment).
● Analyze the quote in relation to the theme, explaining its significance and how it
contributes to the development of the theme in the play.
● Use proper citation in MLA format (e.g., [Link]).
5. Formatting:
● Font: 12-point Times New Roman
● Spacing: Double-spaced
● Margins: 1 inch on all sides
● Citation Style: MLA format for in-text citations
● Works Cited page – only source should be Macbeth
○ If you cite the No Fear version, this will be your Works Cited entry:
Shakespeare, William. No Fear Shakespeare -- Macbeth. Sparknotes, 2003.
Submission Deadline: December 3, 2024
This is worth a test grade
Evaluation Criteria:
● Depth of analysis and clarity of argument
● Effective use of quotes to support the theme
● Organization and structure of the paper
● Proper integration and explanation of textual evidence
● Adherence to formatting and citation guidelines
Helpful Tips:
● Take time to analyze the meaning of each quote and connect it to your chosen theme. Do
not just summarize the plot.
● Consider how different characters’ actions and words reflect the theme you are exploring.
● Be sure to proofread your paper for clarity, grammar, and punctuation.
