Description
For this project, you will be writing a thematic analysis paper. This is your final paper for high school English, and it should demonstrate everything you have learned not only in this unit, but in this class, and in your entire high school career.
Your paper will compare and contrast Macbeth with another piece that we read in this class. This means that first you will need to choose a theme from Macbeth(knowledge, ambition, etc.), and then choose another story from this course that handles a similar theme.
The focus of your paper should be on how this theme is developed throughout each story. You should show how the writer uses the plot, characters, sequencing, or other techniques to create a conclusion about this theme. (For example, "Shakespeare uses the genre of tragedy to show us how ambition can lead to an ultimate downfall.") Then, deepen the conversation by adding a comparison and contrast to another piece we read in this class. ("In contrast, the genre of epic glorifies ambition, which we see clearly through the way Beowulf boasts about his strength and then goes on to slay his enemies.") Focus on these points:
1. What assertion does the story make about the theme? (Ambition is dangerous. Femininity does not mean weakness or frailty.)
2. What techniques does the writer use to create this assertion? (Characters, plot, genre, literary devices, etc.)
3. What similarities are there between the themes in the two stories? (Both Macbeth and Beowulf are prime examples of masculinity.)
4. What significant differences are there between the themes in the two stories? (Macbeth ultimately destroys his community, his loved ones, and himself; Beowulf uses his strength to save people from a terrible monster.)
5. What can we learn about this theme from the comparison and contrast of these two stories? (While we see ambition, strength, and cruelty as essential parts of masculinity in these two stories, it is in the selfishness of the individual that danger lies.)
For an additional level of challenge, you may consider adding a third story that we studied in class to your essay. For my example topic of Masculinity, I chose to write about Macbeth and Beowulf. Adding a discussion of King Arthur might provide another dimension. However, discussing three stories is optional.
Your paper must include textual analysis. (Review this unit's close reading pages to review.) Use a minimum of six passages (quotes) from the stories throughout your paper (at least one per story, per body paragraph).
This essay should be between two and five pages (500-1250 words) in length. Your final draft should be saved and submitted as .doc or .pdf file. It should be in 12-point font in Times New Roman.
The rest of this lesson will walk you through the writing process. All the steps are important! Begin with solid pre-writing.
First, choose a theme that you find compelling. Then, choose an accompanying story from elsewhere in the course. Here are a few suggestions of themes, and what might make a good comparison. Feel free to use any of these, or design your own. Remember, you must discuss Macbeth. Then, you can discuss either one or two accompanying stories.
1. Knowledge: Macbeth vs. Genesis
2. Ambition and Temptation: Macbeth vs. Don Quixote (vs. Sir Bedivere in Le Mort d'Arthur)
3. Femininity and Strength: Lady Macbeth vs. Grendel's Mother (vs. Eowyn)
4. Masculinity and Cruelty: Macbeth vs. Beowulf (vs. King Arthur)
5. Kingship and Tyranny: Macbeth vs. King Arthur
6. Appearance and Reality: Macbeth vs. the Lilliputians from Gulliver's Travels
7. Fate and Freewill: Macbeth vs. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
8. Guilt and Remorse: Lady Macbeth vs. Sir Bedivere in Le Mort d'Arthur
Next, work on creating a solid outline.
The most important thing about comparing and contrasting is looking for the significant points. Here are some of the big mistakes students make while comparing and contrasting:
1) Some students make the mistake of finding irrelevant contrasts. Because they are told to contrast, they take the first three differences that come to mind. For example, Beowulf was written long before Macbeth. This is true, but not important to a discussion of the themes in the stories.
2) Not contrasting enough. Often, students try to make the two stories fit together by ignoring important points of difference. You will find insight and meaning by digging into the different ways the stories develop the theme - do not try to make the characters, plots, and themes line up perfectly side-by-side.
3) Poor organization. Many students end up with a weak, four-paragraph structure (introduction, body paragraph, body paragraph, conclusion). Often, their body paragraphs either focus on all the similarities and then all the differences, or they discuss just one character (Macbeth) in one paragraph and then the other character in the next (Beowulf). These will leave you with a confusing paper. The best way to develop a strong comparison and contrast is to choose three points of comparison (the beginning, middle, and end of the story), and discuss both characters according to one point. Here is a sample outline:
Introduction
Thesis statement: While Beowulf and Macbeth both address themes of
masculinity and its relationship to strength, violence, power, and cruelty, the
two characters use these tools in quite different ways.
First Body Paragraph: The Beginning
1) Beowulf
is strong and powerful
2) Macbeth
leads a successful war campaign
Second Body Paragraph: The Middle
1) Beowulf
boasts about his strength publicly before the fight
2) Macbeth is crafty and underhanded; he kills the king in his sleep and covers
it up
Third Body Paragraph: The End
1) Beowulf
saves the people from the monsters
2) Macbeth causes a bloody mess
Conclusion - While we see ambition, strength, and cruelty as essential parts of masculinity in these two stories, it is in the selfishness of the individual that danger lies.
Create your outline to be similar in structure for the strongest essay.
Explanation & Answer
1
Running head: MACBETH PROJECT
Macbeth project
Students’ name
Professor
Course
Date
MACBETH PROJECT
Both Macbeth and Beowulf address the theme of evil and good through strength, power,
violence, loyalty and greed which functions as their pillars throughout the play. However, the
person applies these issues differently depending on their motives.
The play of Macbeth is built upon the extremes of ambitions when coupled with the
powers of darkness. It is a story off contradiction where Macbeth is willing to kill all who come
through his way to seek power. He defends his authority vehemently and fearlessly fuelled by the
force of his belief on the prophesies of three witches. The theme of evil is first developed when
the witches tell Macbeth that he will be made the Thane of Cawdor and ultimately the king of
Scotland. It is developed through the many killings he performs on anyone who threatens him
from becoming the king soon after the first prophecy come to pass. The story makes an assertion
of the dangers that come about when evil is allowed to take over confirmed by the death of
innocent people and the authors of evil.
Shakespeare develops the theme of evil through characters such as the witch who seek to
awaken the sleeping evil in Macbeth by telling him; he is to become a king. Also, he uses any
Macbeth, who desires her husband to become the king and feeds him with the idea of killing
Duncan. Good has been developed through actions and people like Banquo, who despite the
prophecy by the witches on his lineage becoming king he continues to support Duncan and
Macbeth. The King also promotes Macbeth for good work and victory and even plans to party in
his house.
The story of Beowulf is built on courage and the desire to overcome powers of darkness
which are an enemy to the people. This is seen when Beowulf devotes himself to helping the
2
MACBETH PROJECT
people of Denmark and King Hrothgar fight the evil that is the monster Grendel that is killing
and eating people. In the story, the good exists to overcome the scourge. Beowulf uses his
strength, power, and loyalty to develop the theme of good and evil in the story. This story asserts
evil is dangerous and that it affects both good and bad people as the monster Grendel is killing
the innocent people. The writer develops the theme through the use of characters like Beowulf,
who by birth is destined to be the king but devotes to support his uncle, Hygelac as the king and
after his cousin Hrothgar. The theme of evil is developed through Grendel the monster who
attacks and eats other innocent people. Additionally through his mother, who after his death goes
ahead to avenge his death.
The themes in the two stories have some similarities that come clearly through the
different characters. The conflict between good and evil in Beowulf the monster is the symbol of
evil which is...