William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a play with many recurring themes and motifs.  Select one of the following topics.  Discuss what 
Shakespeare was saying about the topic and explore specific 
examples from the play to support your ideas.  DO NOT simply retell 
the events of the play.

1. Kingship  (Remember to consider all four kings:  Duncan, 
Macbeth, Edward, and Malcolm)

2. Ambition  (You can explore both the positive and the negative of 
being an ambitious person)

3. Guilt  (You can concentrate on Macbeth or Lady Macbeth, or you 
can discuss both)

4. Deceptive Appearances  (This topic can include the motif of hurly 
burly)

5. Witches and Superstition  (Shakespeare’s witches are a 
memorable feature of the play.  Many characters are highly 
superstitious.  How are these connected to the play? The era during 
which the play was written?  Audiences today?)

6. Fathers and Sons  (You can consider the four father-son 
relationships found in the play and also the fact that Macbeth had no 
sons)

 Your essay MUST be typed (font 12, times New Roman, double space).  Your essay MUST follow MLA formatting and include a minimum of four sources on your work cited page.  
Essay length: 4 typed pages (work cited page).  Value = 100.  Spelling and mechanics count for 30%.  MLA format counts for 20%

Due:  May 26