Macbeth Research Essay

Macbeth is perhaps one of Shakespeares darkest and densest plays, allowing for constant
analysis and interpretation. Critics have often argued over motifs, symbols, characterization, and
its historical context.
Your Task: Choose one of the topics below to research. Then compose a 6-8 page essay (MLA
format, including parenthetical citations) synthesizing your researched information and analyzing
Macbeth through the lens of your topic. You must use at least two books, and you may use
credible online material, such as literary journals. You must also include a works cited and
reference page, which does not count towards the said number of pages.
Due to <www. turnitin.com> by 11:59 pm on _______________________________________
Due in class on _________________________________________.
Topics:

Feminist Theory: Analyze the gender roles, specifically focusing on the role, treatment,
sensitivity of, etc. women.

Machiavelli: Research Machiavellis ideas concerning sovereignty and principalities set

forth in The Prince, and then analyze the rulers in Macbeth, explaining whether or not
either of the kings is a Machiavellian ruler.

Psychoanalytical/Freudian Theory: 1. Research, study, and analyze the psychology of

one or both of the Macbeths.
Or
2. Research, study, and analyze Shakespeares own
psychology through the text of Macbeth,
focusing on specific textual
elements such as
dream sequences and parallels to Shakespeares
own life.

Symbols and motifs: Analyze Shakespeares motifs and use of symbols, such as blood,
animals, clothes, numbers (especially the number three),
appearances, ambition, etc.

Macbeth as a History Play and Social Commentary: Research the times, explaining
how Shakespeare 1. comments on events and political ideas of the time, and
2. thus reveals Shakespeares ideas towards kingship, politics, power and control,
sovereignty and its purpose, etc.

Grendel in Modern English: Compare/contrast symbols and motifs, and the ideas
surrounding truth, reality, perception, creation, fate, etc. in both Grendel and Macbeth.