Writing A Literary Essay• A guide focused on William Shakespeare’s

“Macbeth”

EXAMPLE OF A LITERARY ESSAY TOPIC:

“Lady Macbeth is directly responsible for Duncan’s death. If not for her,

Macbeth would have never committed the murder. ”

Discuss the truth of this statement and what it reveals about Macbeth

and Lady Macbeth’s characters in an essay of 250 – 300 words.

(1½ - 2 pages)

STEP ONE: ANALYSIS OF THE TOPIC:

• The topic usually has 2 or more components:

1. THE STATEMENT/QUESTION:• Lady Macbeth is directly responsible for Duncan’s

death. If not for her, Macbeth would have never committed the murder.”

• 2. INSTRUCTION:• The ‘instruction’ tells you how to approach your

essay“Discuss the truth of this statement and what it

reveals about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s characters.”

HOW TO QUOTE:

• When quoting, always remember that the quote should “fit” into the sentence in a flowing manner.• e.g. Although Macbeth accepts that

killing Duncan is the only way to get the crown, he is constantly doubtful. After the murder he says “I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on't again I dare not.” (Act 2, Scene 2). This shows quite clearly that Macbeth is overwhelmed by guilt and that Lady Macbeth was the most important factor in his decision.

STEP TWO: STRUCTURE OF A LITERARY ESSAY

• The basic format of all essays is the same:• 1. Introduction – Usually 4-5 lines allowing the

reader a glimpse of the focus of and direction your essay has taken.

(The beginning of your literary journey.)

• 2. Body – Divided into paragraphs, the body allows you to present relevant information in a logical and organised manner.

(The different stops you make while on your trip.)

• 3. Conclusion – Usually 6-7 lines rounding off your discussion and explaining what the evidence has revealed in relation to the topic.

(The final destination.)

HOW TO WRITE AN INTRODUCTION:

• A broad statement introducing the topic in a general way:

• e.g. There is no question that Macbeth held the weapons that killed King Duncan, however, it can be argued that Lady Macbeth provided the foundation and was the persistent force that led to the murder.

• A quote that links to the statement: (If possible)• e.g. Lady Macbeth hints at her influence over her

husband immediately after she hears of the prophecy: “Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thine ear.” (Act 1, Scene 5), clearly indicating Macbeth will not be able to continue without her.

• A statement presenting the general direction of the paper in one sentence – look to the instruction:

• e.g. This essay aims to decide the extent of the role Lady Macbeth played in the murder by examining all relevant evidence and considering what this reveals about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s characters.

FULL TEXT: INTRODUCTION

There is no question that Macbeth held the weapons that killed King Duncan, however, it can be argued that Lady Macbeth provided the foundation and was the force that led to the murder. Lady Macbeth hints at her influence over her husband immediately after she hears of the prophecy: “Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thine ear.” (Act 1, Scene 5), clearly indicating Macbeth will not continue without her. This essay aims to decide the extent of the role Lady Macbeth played in the murder by examining all relevant evidence and considering what this reveals about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s characters.

HOW TO STRUCTURE THE BODY:

• Remember to use words that link each paragraph to the next in a logical manner.

• Each paragraph must contain ONE idea ONLY.

• Try as far as possible to write each paragraph in the order the events occurred in the play.

• Determine how many paragraphs you need to devote each to the statement and instruction.

PARAGRAPHS: “THE STATE, QUOTE, COMMENT

TECHNIQUE”– State: Make a statement relating to topic

• After the darkness created during Act 1, Scene 1 by the Three Witches, The praise delivered by the wounded Captain, King Duncan and Ross throughout Scene 2 creates an image of Macbeth as an honourable, fearless and loyal leader who is willing to die defending Scotland. In contrast to the witches, Macbeth seems perfect.

– Quote: Find a quote to support your statement.• However, one must also consider the words spoken by

the First Witch during Act 1,Scene 1: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” indicating the moral confusion in the world.

– Comment: In your own words, write down your observation.• Thus, Macbeth may appear good, but one must realise

that he could well be evil. It would not require much from a skilled manipulator to set this evil free and push Macbeth to satisfy his lust for power by killing the King.

FULL TEXT: PARAGRAPH

After the darkness created during Act 1, Scene 1 by the Three Witches, The praise delivered by the wounded Captain, King Duncan and Ross throughout Scene 2 creates an image of Macbeth as an honourable, fearless and loyal leader who is willing to die defending Scotland. In contrast to the witches, Macbeth seems perfect. However, one must also consider the words spoken by the First Witch during Act 1,Scene 1: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” indicating the moral confusion in the world. Thus, Macbeth may appear good, but one must realise that he could well be evil. It would not require much from a skilled manipulator to set this evil free and push Macbeth to satisfy his lust for power by killing the King.

CONCLUSION:

• It answers the "so what?" question, i.e. You have introduced the essay, presented the evidence…so what?

• The conclusion ends your argument with a final decision – the meaning of all that you have written in relation to the topic.

FULL TEXT: CONCLUSION

Based on the evidence discussed in this essay, it is clear that Lady Macbeth feels that her husband is far too weak to do what is necessary and take the throne. Her involvement is essential to get the power they desire. We see this when she tells Macbeth: “What thou wouldst highly, That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, And yet wouldst wrongly win.” (Act 1. Scene 5) implying that Macbeth’s inner goodness would stop him from getting what he wants. As a result it is believable that Macbeth would never have killed Duncan if Lady Macbeth had not influenced him otherwise. She may not have physically held the daggers, but her manipulation of Macbeth makes her just as guilty as he is.