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English 120: Midterm Essay Questions Directions
: Choose ONE of the following questions and answer it in essay form in your blue book. Make sure you have an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, and a conclusion where you summarize your key points. (Also, highlight the quotes* and notes you will use) *Successful midterms utilize direct quotes from the text.
1. Is Macbeth a villain? Does he have a conscience? What are his admirable qualities if he has any?
2. Do you sympathize with Macbeth? Why or why not? Does his downfall evoke pity and terror?
3. What are the forces that determine Macbeth's destiny? To what degree are the witches responsible for Macbeth's downfall? What roles do fate and free will play in Macbeth's destruction?
5. How does Shakespeare use the play to comment on gender roles?
(Consider the characters of Lady Macbeth, Lady Macduff, and/or the
witches. Include any other references to femininity/womanliness and
masculinity/manliness to support your point.)
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/macbeth/
Please make this essay 3 page long only I need to rewrite it in class. Make another page for work cite. Highlight the quotes you're going to use. I need to be able to read it and rewrite it in class so don't make it so hard.
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Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’ depicts how greed for power and aggressive ambition can
ruin a person psychologically and emotionally. It expresses the negative effects of recklessness
and the consequences of the absence of a strong moral personality. Macbeth’s downfall is a
result of the consolidation of a number of events, factors, and forces working together. In
addition, the causes of Macbeth’s tragedy are a mix of natural or normal and unnatural or
unworldly happenings. In totality, the factors lead to the death and suffering of many under the
rule of Macbeth including people he considers his close allies. The major points, along with
others, explored in this essay include witchcraft, Lady Macbeth’s influence and Macbeth’s own
lack of a strong character.
The three witches drive Macbeth to his destiny by pronouncing the prophecy that he will
be king, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, thane of Cawdor! … All hail, Macbeth, the future
king!” (Crowther). The proclamation of the future king sets a downhill course for Macbeth. It
plants the seeds of ambition, greed for power and murder in his mind, allowing him to have no
limits to what he can do to keep his power. In addition, the witches prophesy that Banquo will be
happier than Macbeth and also greater than him maybe not regarding power but regarding his
character, “You are lesser than Macbeth but also greater…You are not as happy as Macbeth, yet
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much happier.” (Crowther). Moreover, according to the witches, the descendants of Banquo will
be kings, “Your descendants will be kings, even though you will not be one.” (Crowther). The
fact that Banquo’s descendants will threaten Macbeth’s throne arouse feelings of suspicion and
jealousy in his friend.
Lady Macbeth acts as the tipping point that leads Macbeth to become the king. Even
though Macbeth already has dark desires in him, she is able to bring them to the surface and
make him do what she thinks he has to do to become king, “Hurry home so I can persuade you
and talk you out of whatever’s keeping you from going after the crown.” (Crowther). She
convinces him to kill the king by assuaging his ego and makes the necessary scheme and
preparations for...
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