macbeth literature essay introduction

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Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on William Shakespeare's Macbeth . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Macbeth: Introduction

Macbeth: plot summary, macbeth: detailed summary & analysis, macbeth: themes, macbeth: quotes, macbeth: characters, macbeth: symbols, macbeth: literary devices, macbeth: quizzes, macbeth: theme wheel, brief biography of william shakespeare.

Macbeth PDF

Historical Context of Macbeth

Other books related to macbeth.

  • Full Title: The Tragedy of Macbeth
  • When Written: 1606
  • Where Written: England
  • When Published: 1623
  • Literary Period: The Renaissance (1500 - 1660)
  • Genre: Tragic drama
  • Setting: Scotland and, briefly, England during the eleventh century
  • Climax: Some argue that the murder of Banquo is the play's climax, based on the logic that it is at this point that Macbeth reaches the height of his power and things begin to fall apart from there. However, it is probably more accurate to say that the climax of the play is Macbeth's fight with Macduff, as it is at this moment that the threads of the play come together, the secret behind the prophecy becomes evident, and Macbeth's doom is sealed.

Extra Credit for Macbeth

Shakespeare or Not? There are some who believe Shakespeare wasn't educated enough to write the plays attributed to him. The most common anti-Shakespeare theory is that Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, wrote the plays and used Shakespeare as a front man because aristocrats were not supposed to write plays. Yet the evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship far outweighs any evidence against. So until further notice, Shakespeare is still the most influential writer in the English language.

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How to Write a Grade 9 Macbeth Essay ( WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature )

Revision note.

Nick Redgrove

English Senior Content Creator

How to Write a Grade 9 Macbeth Essay

In the WJEC Eduqas English Literature GCSE Shakespeare exam, you will complete two types of essay questions on Macbeth:

One extract-based question worth 15 marks

One longer essay question worth 25 marks

You will need to answer both of these questions and you have 60 minutes in which to do so. The exam board recommends that you spend 20 minutes on the extract question, and 40 minutes on the longer essay. 

The requirements for these two questions are quite specific, so read on for guidance and advice on how to get full marks for both types of literature essay.

How do you start a Macbeth essay?

Extract or essay question first.

Start with the extract-based question, as the exam paper has been designed to ease you into the longer essay by giving you a shorter question first (and you have all the evidence you’ll need to include in the extract). 

Know your exam timings

Once you’ve decided which question to begin with, plan your timings. Twenty minutes should be enough time to answer the first question, so check the exam hall clock and write down what time you will start wrapping up your answer. 

Many students spend too long on the extract question and don’t leave enough time to properly answer the essay question, which is worth 10 more marks. Don’t leave any marks behind in the examination room!

Plan, don’t write

Before you begin writing, make a plan. 

Students often want to begin writing immediately as they believe the more they write in an essay, the more marks they will receive. However, this is not the case. Instead, follow the maxim: “plan more, write less”. The more you know in advance what your argument will be, and what evidence you can use to support that argument, the more marks you will likely be awarded.

What should I include in my plan?

Essay writing is all about planning. A good plan includes the following:

Thesis statement

Topic sentences

Evidence

A really good plan contains each of these three elements and it means your argument will be what examiners call “coherent”, which means joined-up. Furthermore, once you’ve got all the pieces of your essay together, it makes it much quicker to write!

Example plan

Below is a model plan for this past paper 25-mark essay question:

Guilt is a key theme in Macbeth. Write about how Shakespeare presents guilt at different points in the play. Refer to characters and events from the play in your answer.

You’ll see that you can write your plan in note form to save time:

Eduqas GCSE Macbeth Essay Plan

How do you write a good introduction for GCSE English Literature?

The key to writing a good introduction to a Macbeth essay is simple: make sure you plan it first. You should know what your argument is before you put pen to exam paper. What is your personal “take” on the question and what evidence proves this? 

Here are some tips to help you to write an effective introduction:

Is short: one or two sentences is plenty

Is long and rambling

Just contains your thesis statement: a short summary of your argument and personal opinion

Contains many points and so doesn’t present a single, clear argument

Doesn’t include evidence

Includes quotations, or a lengthy introduction to the plot, characters or context

Takes a whole-text, or whole-extract, approach

Focuses on only one scene, or just one aspect of the extract

How many paragraphs should a top marks Macbeth essay be?

For the 15-mark extract question, which you should spend only 20 minutes on, try to plan and write two or three paragraphs (at most) aside from your introduction and conclusion. 

For the 25-mark question, you should try to write a longer essay — comprising three or four paragraphs — but it doesn’t need to be any longer than that. The more focused your response, and the more time you spend planning your answer, the better you will do.

Here is a model essay structure for GCSE:

Macbeth Eduqas GCSE Essay Structure

We have created a top grade model answer for the extract question , as well as a Macbeth Grade 9 example answer for the essay question ; both are answers to past WJEC Eduqas English literature papers.

Do I need to include a conclusion in my Macbeth essay?

It is always a good idea to include a conclusion to any GCSE Macbeth essay because it signals to the examiner that you have created a coherent response, and that you have sustained your argument all the way through your writing. However, given that the questions are only worth 15 or 25 marks, you don’t want to spend too long crafting a perfect conclusion. 

Aim instead to create a simple, one- or two-line conclusion that sums up the argument you put forward in your thesis statement.

How many quotes do I need to include in my Macbeth essay?

Students are often taught paragraph frames, or scaffolds, like PEE, by their schools or teachers. Although these can be useful when learning how to write essays, it’s really important to note that examiners at GCSE think these scaffolds limit students’ answers and can result in lower-mark responses.

One of the reasons for this is that a PEE structure suggests you should only include one piece of evidence for each point you make. In fact, the more evidence you have – in the form of textual references or direct quotations – the better your argument will be. 

So try to include multiple quotations or references for each topic sentence point you make. Don’t forget that a textual reference doesn’t have to be a direct quotation: you can paraphrase a quotation, or include stage directions, plot points, or comments about characterisation or (for the 25-mark essay question) changes and contrasts across the text. These all count as “evidence” and will make your argument stronger.

You must not include quotations from elsewhere in the play when answering the 15-mark extract question, as you will be given no credit for this. Instead, examiners want to see candidates using quotations from the beginning, middle and end of the extract.

For the longer 25-mark essay, examiners suggest students learn a range of shorter quotations (rather than fewer really long ones). They also want to see students take a “whole-text” approach, so try to learn quotations from all points of the play.

See our Macbeth Quotations and Analysis page for some of the best quotes to learn, arranged by character (Macbeth; Lady Macbeth; the three witches).

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Author: Nick Redgrove

Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

macbeth literature essay introduction

Macbeth Essays

There are loads of ways you can approach writing an essay, but the two i favour are detailed below., the key thing to remember is that an essay should focus on the three aos:, ao1: plot and character development; ao2: language and technique; ao3: context, strategy 1 : extract / rest of play, the first strategy basically splits the essay into 3 paragraphs., the first paragraph focuses on the extract, the second focuses on the rest of the play, the third focuses on context. essentially, it's one ao per paragraph, for a really neatly organised essay., strategy 2 : a structured essay with an argument, this strategy allows you to get a much higher marks as it's structured to form an argument about the whole text. although you might think that's harder - and it's probably going to score more highly - i'd argue that it's actually easier to master. mainly because you do most of the work before the day of the exam., to see some examples of these, click on the links below:, lady macbeth as a powerful woman, macbeth as a heroic character, the key to this style is remembering this: you're going to get a question about a theme, and the extract will definitely relate to the theme., the strategy here is planning out your essays before the exam, knowing that the extract will fit into them somehow., below are some structured essays i've put together., macbeth and gender.

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Home Essay Samples Literature

Essay Samples on Macbeth

Why is macbeth a tragic hero in shakespeare's play.

Shakespeare's timeless play "Macbeth" introduces us to a character whose downfall is both captivating and tragic. Macbeth, the protagonist, has intrigued audiences for centuries with his complex journey from a noble warrior to a tormented villain. In this essay, we will delve into the reasons...

  • Tragic Hero

How is Macbeth a Tragic Hero: Exploring Shakespeare's Masterpiece

Unveiling the layers of Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, the character of Macbeth stands as a quintessential example of a tragic hero. To answer "how is Macbeth a tragic hero?", in this essay we will delve into the depths of his character, motivations, and the unfolding events...

The Characterisation of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Drama

In this essay I will explore the play’s key techniques, such as; Imagery, Characterisation, Stage Directions, and Dialogue alongside other important language features which are portrayed in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ focusing on the extract, Act 1 Scene 7. This scene highlights the central themes of the...

  • Character Analysis

The Tragedy of Macbeth Ambition by William Shakespeare

Morality is defined as principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. There are objective and subjective accounts of morality which differ from each person. Objective morality includes universally known principles that are not up for analysis and are widely...

  • Macbeth Ambition
  • Macbeth Power

How Shakespeare Presents Ambition in Macbeth

Shakespeare doesn't portray Macbeth as inherently ambitious, but as a tragic hero. He lacks bloodlust yet develops vaulting ambition via metaphysical aid, which leads to an unholy regicide and a tyrannous rule foreseen by the witches.In Macbeth Act 1;5 Lady Macbeth speculates about Macbeth's letter on the prophecies...

  • William Shakespeare

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Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair In Macbeth And Lord Of The Flies

Life is really hard when fear controls a human being. Fear is very consuming to one's self. Jack Merridew from Lord of the Flies and Macbeth from Macbeth both entered lives that tests their ego and their mental capabilities. “Fair is foul and foul is...

  • Lord of The Flies

Portrayal Of Characters With Animal Imagery In Macbeth

The play Macbeth was written in 1606 by famous playwright William Shakespeare. It is the story of murder and usurper. The storyline went from crime to crime to finally reach the security of the throne. The historical context is about King James the 1st. He...

  • Imagery in Literature

The Use Of Sensory Imagery In Macbeth

Over history, psychological distress has and will always be significant. Shakespeare brings to the audience's attention all the problems that his generation failed to notice. Since hearing the witches’ prophecies, Macbeth finds himself in a predicament trying to fulfill the prediction of him becoming Thane...

Themes Of Power And Ambition In Macbeth 

Ambition is a powerful urge to do or to accomplish something, commonly requiring assurance and diligent work. In Williams Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the characters Lady Macbeth and Macbeth want to gain the position of authority and they are focused to do anything to accomplish this objective....

Overwhelming Ambition Of Macbeth Character

Ambition can force a naturally virtuous man to be enveloped by evil. Macbeth, from William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, began as a courageous Scottish general who fought for King Duncan with no mercy. But once the witches lured Macbeth with the possibilities of his prophecies, ambition...

Role Of Ambitions In Our Life

Ambition fills a man with eagerness. Once it is discovered in one’s mind, it demands to be acted upon. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tale of a fight between men’s instinct and their love for hierarchical order. The play portrays various levels and dimensions of ambition...

The Definition Of Fate And Free Will In Macbeth

Throughout time, it has been believed that fate has the power to forge one’s destiny. On the other hand though, I believe these choices can defy fate and that fate only manipulates one's mind into choosing their own path. In the play Macbeth, Shakespeare messes...

The Theme Of Fate And Free Will In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

All through the ages it is believed fate, by some wild power, has the ability to manufacture one's fate. The result of an individual's decisions is constrained by the manner by which they are destined to happen. In any case, some accept these decisions can...

Analysis of the Character of Lady Macbeth from the Shakespeare's Play

In the play, Lady Macbeth is the wife of the protagonist Macbeth and one of the most powerful presences of a female character in literature. She is introduced to us in the play reading a letter from her husband who calls her his “dearest partner...

  • Macbeth Guilt

Similarities in Suspence Between The Monkey’s Paw by W.W Jacobs and Macbeth by William Shakespeare

The short story The Monkey’s Paw by W.W Jacobs and the tragic play Macbeth by William Shakespeare both share many similarities in terms of suspense and tension. In the two stories, both the protagonists are consumed by greed which causes them to make irrational decisions...

Gothic Features in Shakespeare's Macbeth

The English advanced courses (LK) in secondary schools intensely work with authentic texts utilizing a vast variety of text types and formats that entail complex literary texts, non-fiction texts, and often visual, audiovisual or listening texts that are extracted from the radio, TV, or the...

  • Gothic Fiction

Macbeth An Iconic Hero Tragic Hero

Throughout Macbeth Macbeth transforms from a respected Noble into a tyrannous ruler that is ultimately defeated by his own hubris. The play tells the classic tale of a tragic hero by giving macbeth a fatal flaw and excessive pride as well as a moment in...

The Destructive Nature of Revenge in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare delves into the theme of revenge and its impact on the characters, particularly Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff. The story shows how revenge serves as a powerful motivator that ultimately leads to tragic consequences. This essay aims to explore...

Macbeth: A Warning of Consequences of Unchecked Ambition

Ambition, as defined as the desire to accomplish a task or reach a goal, is often times seen as desirable due to the sentiment that this trait would allow for more productivity and an increased quality of life. However, as all constructs in the universe...

Shakespeare’s Play Macbeth: The Dark Side of Ambition

Ambition is often seen as a very admirable trait, with it frequently being associated with drive and hard work in order to accomplish a lofty goal. However, it is very possible for someone to have too much ambition. Too much ambition can result in corrosive...

Being Possessed by Ambition: The Tragedy of Macbeth

In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses Macbeth’s tragic fate to show the danger of extreme ambition when that ambition causes people to use deceit and treachery to further their own goals. Ambition, in itself, is not harmful, but untempered ambition has a corrupting influence. Shakespeare illustrates this...

The Horrifying Power of Unchecked Ambition: The Downfall of Macbeth

Ambition is an important aspect of every human being. Sometimes it makes people succeed, but when ambition becomes unchecked, it leads to tragedy even for a great man. William Shakespeare develops the theme of ambition in his play Macbeth. At the beginning of the play,...

Reader's Perspective of the Literary Works

A reader’s perspective of a literary piece is a major component of a writer’s success. A writer uses hidden messages or symbols beneath the morals of the story to allow for the imagination of the audience to be explored. In the play Macbeth, William Shakespeare...

  • Perspective

Presence of Elizabethan Tragedy in Shakespeare's Macbeth

The tragedy of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, was written in the early 1600s. Many people debate whether this play is an Aristotelian tragedy or an Elizabethan tragedy. The main components that are included within an Aristotelian tragedy involve, fate and free will impacting the character’s...

  • Literature Review

Battle of Good and Evil in Macbeth and Faustus

The conflict between good and evil is a common theme explored in British literature. Two works of literature that reflect this binary between good and evil are Doctor Faustus, written by Christopher Marlowe, and Macbeth, written by Shakespeare. Every day, a person is faced with...

Satan as a Hero in Paradise Lost

Literary heroism typically refers to a character being admired for their courage, achievements or noble qualities. However, there are many interpretations of what a hero can be defined as depending on the context. In Milton’s Paradise Lost, the character of Satan tends to be pigeonholed...

  • Paradise Lost

Macbeth: The Power of Influence and Manipulation

Life Changing Decisions The definition of influence is the power to have an important effect on someone or something. Guilt is a feeling that can haunt the conscience, make one feel excessive remorse and in extreme conditions suffer from mental health issues. The play Macbeth,...

Depiction of Evil in Shakespear's Macbeth

This essay is going to explore how Shakespeare creates a mood of evil through the characters, scenes and language and examines how the audience at that time may have been affected and how they reacted to this tragedy, Macbeth, set in Scotland in 1040. Macbeth...

Macbeth: Mental Illness in Shakespeare's Play

Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, follows the story of a once loyal servant to the King, who was appointed General of the army and was honoured and commended for his services. In the play, Macbeth doesn’t react to this fondly, and instead grew a stronger desire for...

Manipulation and Uncontrolled Ambition in Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth is a play about uncontrolled ambition. Ambition is a strong desire to successfully achieve more in terms of status, possessions or power. It may be motivated by need, greed or vanity. It requires much inner discipline and inner strength, and the drive to be...

“To Be Or Not To Be?” How Relevant Is Shakespeare

Shakespeare has been dead for over four hundred years now. Four hundred two years now to be exact. Many people recognize the name William Shakespeare but when was the last time you have read one of his poems or stories or even watched one of...

  • 21St Century

Costume Design in Macbeth

Macbeth is strongly associated, in most imaginations, with the peculiar and picturesque costume of the Highlanders, as that common to all ancient Scotland. Walter Scott relates with great satisfaction how with his own hand, he plucked the huge bunches of black plumes from the bonnet...

  • Literary Devices

Analysis Of Act Two Scene One Of Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth, also known as ‘’The Tragedy of Macbeth’’ is a play by William Shakespeare. It was performed for the first time around the early 1600’s. Shakespeare was born in 1564. His family a part of the middle-income group and they were a successful glove-maker. He...

The Impact of The Supernatural on Macbeth's Actions in Shakespeare's Play

Corruption, fraud, and violence are a few of many aspects of human life that result from choosing the wrong path in one’s life. Proven by the robber barons of the 19th century, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and Cornelius Vanderbilt often dealt with the aspects...

Best topics on Macbeth

1. Why Is Macbeth a Tragic Hero in Shakespeare’s Play

2. How is Macbeth a Tragic Hero: Exploring Shakespeare’s Masterpiece

3. The Characterisation of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Drama

4. The Tragedy of Macbeth Ambition by William Shakespeare

5. How Shakespeare Presents Ambition in Macbeth

6. Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair In Macbeth And Lord Of The Flies

7. Portrayal Of Characters With Animal Imagery In Macbeth

8. The Use Of Sensory Imagery In Macbeth

9. Themes Of Power And Ambition In Macbeth 

10. Overwhelming Ambition Of Macbeth Character

11. Role Of Ambitions In Our Life

12. The Definition Of Fate And Free Will In Macbeth

13. The Theme Of Fate And Free Will In Macbeth By William Shakespeare

14. Analysis of the Character of Lady Macbeth from the Shakespeare’s Play

15. Similarities in Suspence Between The Monkey’s Paw by W.W Jacobs and Macbeth by William Shakespeare

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Introduction to Macbeth

Summary of macbeth, major themes in macbeth, major characters in macbeth, writing style of macbeth, analysis of literary devices in macbeth, related posts:, post navigation.

macbeth literature essay introduction

Macbeth – A* / L9 Full Mark Example Essay

This is an A* / L9 full mark example essay on Macbeth completed by a 15-year-old student in timed conditions (50 mins writing, 10 mins planning).

It contained a few minor spelling and grammatical errors – but the quality of analysis overall was very high so this didn’t affect the grade. It is extremely good on form and structure, and perhaps could do with more language analysis of poetic and grammatical devices; as the quality of thought and interpretation is so high this again did not impede the overall mark. 

Thanks for reading! If you find this resource useful, you can take a look at our full online Macbeth course here . Use the code “SHAKESPEARE” to receive a 50% discount!

This course includes: 

  • A full set of video lessons on each key element of the text: summary, themes, setting, characters, context, attitudes, analysis of key quotes, essay questions, essay examples
  • Downloadable documents for each video lesson 
  • A range of example B-A* / L7-L9 grade essays, both at GCSE (ages 14-16) and A-Level (age 16+) with teacher comments and mark scheme feedback
  • A bonus Macbeth workbook designed to guide you through each scene of the play!

For more help with Macbeth and Tragedy, read our article here .

MACBETH EXAMPLE ESSAY:

Macbeth’s ambition for status and power grows throughout the play. Shakespeare uses Macbeth as an embodiment of greed and asks the audience to question their own actions through the use of his wrongful deeds.

In the extract, Macbeth is demonstrated to possess some ambition but with overriding morals, when writing to his wife about the prophecies, Lady Macbeth uses metaphors to describe his kind hearted nature: “yet I do fear thy nature, / It is too full o’th’milk of human kindness”. Here, Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a more gentle natured being who is loyal to his king and country. However, the very act of writing the letter demonstrates his inklings of desire, and ambition to take the throne. Perhaps, Shakespeare is aiming to ask the audience about their own thoughts, and whether they would be willing to commit heinous deeds for power and control. 

Furthermore, the extract presents Macbeth’s indecisive tone when thinking of the murder – he doesn’t want to kill Duncan but knows it’s the only way to the throne. Lady Macbeth says she might need to interfere in order to persuade him; his ambition isn’t strong enough yet: “That I may pour my spirits in  thine ear / And chastise with the valour of my tongue”. Here, Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as a manipulative character, conveying she will seduce him in order to “sway “ his mind into killing Duncan. The very need for her persuasion insinuates Macbeth is still weighing up the consequences in his head, his ambition equal with his morality. It would be shocking for the audience to see a female character act in this authoritative way. Lady Macbeth not only holds control of her husband in a patriarchal society but the stage too, speaking in iambic pentameter to portray her status: “To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great”. It is interesting that Shakespeare uses Lady Macbeth in this way; she has more ambition for power than her husband at this part of play. 

As the play progresses, in Act 3, Macbeth’s ambition has grown and now kills with ease. He sends three murders to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance, as the witches predicted that he may have heirs to the throne which could end his reign. Macbeth is suspicious in this act, hiding his true intentions from his dearest companion and his wife: “I wish your horses swift and sure on foot” and “and make our faces vizards to our hearts”. There, we see, as an audience, Macbeth’s longing to remain King much stronger than his initial attitudes towards the throne He was toying with the idea of killing for the throne and now he is killing those that could interfere with his rule without a second thought. It is interesting that Shakespeare presents him this way, as though he is ignoring his morals or that they have been “numbed” by his ambition. Similarly to his wife in the first act, Macbeth also speaks in pentameter to illustrate his increase in power and dominance. 

In Act 4, his ambition and dependence on power has grown even more. When speaking with the witches about the three apparitions, he uses imperatives to portray his newly adopted controlling nature: “I conjure you” and “answer me”. Here, the use of his aggressive demanding demonstrates his reliance on the throne and his need for security. By the Witches showing him the apparitions and predicting his future, he gains a sense of superiority, believing he is safe and protected from everything. Shakespeare also lengthens Macbeth’s speech in front of the Witches in comparison to Act 1 to show his power and ambition has given him confidence, confidence to speak up to the “filthy nags” and expresses his desires. Although it would be easy to infer Macbeth’s greed and ambition has grown from his power-hungry nature, a more compassionate reading of Macbeth demonstrates the pressure he feels as a Jacobean man and soldier. Perhaps he feels he has to constantly strive for more to impress those around him or instead he may want to be king to feel more worthy and possibly less insecure. 

It would be unusual to see a Jacobean citizen approaching an “embodiment” of the supernatural as forming alliance with them was forbidden and frowned upon. Perhaps Shakespeare uses Macbeth to defy these stereotypical views to show that there is a supernatural, a more dark side in us all and it is up to our own decisions whereas we act on these impulses to do what is morally incorrect. 

If you’re studying Macbeth, you can click here to buy our full online course. Use the code “SHAKESPEARE” to receive a 50% discount!

You will gain access to  over 8 hours  of  engaging video content , plus  downloadable PDF guides  for  Macbeth  that cover the following topics:

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  • Plot summaries
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There are also tiered levels of analysis that allow you to study up to  GCSE ,  A Level  and  University level .

You’ll find plenty of  top level example essays  that will help you to  write your own perfect ones!

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AQA English Literature GCSE: How to Write a GCSE Macbeth essay (sample exam question included)

AQA English Literature GCSE: How to Write a GCSE Macbeth essay (sample exam question included)

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

avitalbenchabbat12

Last updated

11 May 2022

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macbeth literature essay introduction

This resource aims to demonstrate to students studying Shakespeare’s Macbeth at GCSE level how to write/structure an essay in their exam, step-by-step. A sample question and essay plan is also provided in this resource.

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Act Summaries & Analyses

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

The play examines the corrupting power of ambition. Whose ambition functions as the driving force of the narrative , Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? Why?

How do gender expectations and perceptions intersect with violence in the play? To what extent do characters play into or fight against gender roles?

The weather is an ever-present force in Macbeth. How does the weather reflect the emotional state of the characters? Of the trajectory of the play?

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Ambition & Guilt: Great Essay Introduction for Macbeth

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Do you want to write an essay introduction for Macbeth ? This article covers the play’s major themes to help you write a compelling essay.

Macbeth is a tragedy that tells the story of a Scottish nobleman who becomes obsessed with his own ambition to rule. It also showcases the repercussions of the actions he takes to get there.

The themes of Macbeth, which range from ambition to guilt, help to explain why it is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. Macbeth’s themes and underlying ideas add layers of significance to this excellent work of literature.

An Overview of the Play “Macbeth”

“Macbeth” is a tragedy by William Shakespeare that shows how the main character, Macbeth, goes from being a war hero to a murderous villain. Beginning as the thane of Glamis, Macbeth progressively advances to the position of King of Scotland.

The higher Macbeth progressed along his path to power, the more corrupt and evil he grew in the process. Macbeth’s character shift drives the whole theme of this play.

How to Write an Essay Introduction for Macbeth

An introduction paragraph is your opportunity to introduce the reader to the play and the main . Some other points to include in your introduction paragraph are the setting, conflict, and protagonist. Make sure you also introduce the protagonist’s main goal and the conflict that is central to the story.

When writing an essay on Macbeth, make the introductory sentence provocative to draw the readers in.

Also, avoid beginning your introduction with a quote, no matter how tempting it may be. If you must quote, consider paraphrasing as an alternative. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to use quotations throughout the essay.

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Understanding the Major Themes in Macbeth

Macbeth is a tragedy that dramatizes the psychological effects of unchecked ambition.

Loyalty, guilt, innocence, and fate all center on the notion of ambition and its consequences. The play, Macbeth, has some major themes in the play which are as follows:

Macbeth’s ambition turned out to be his tragic flaw. It lacks morality which ultimately leads to Macbeth’s downfall. Two things fueled his desire. The Three Witches’ prophecy states that not only would he rule Cawdor as thane but also as king. More significantly, the attitude of Macbeth’s wife, who mocks his assertiveness and manliness and actively orchestrates her husband’s deeds.

But Macbeth’s ambition quickly gets out of hand. He believes his authority is in danger to the point where it can only be maintained by killing his perceived enemies. Ambition ultimately leads to the downfall of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. He loses the battle and is beheaded by Macduff, while Lady Macbeth kills herself due to insanity.

Macbeth features numerous instances of loyalty. Macbeth is a valiant general at the beginning of the play. King Duncan rewards Macbeth with the title thane of Cawdor after the original thane betrayed him and allied with Norway. However, once Duncan names Malcolm as his heir, Macbeth concludes that to become the king himself, he must assassinate the king.

Shakespeare’s loyalty and treachery dynamic is demonstrated once more as Macbeth betrays Banquo, his noble best friend, out of paranoia. Although they were allies in battle, Macbeth recalls the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s descendants would one day rule Scotland once he becomes king. Then, Macbeth decides to get him killed.

After discovering the king’s death, Macduff, who suspects Macbeth, goes to England. He teams up with Malcolm there, the son of Duncan, to plot Macbeth’s demise.

Appearance and Reality

Near the close of act I, Macbeth already has plans to kill Duncan. Macbeth then tells him, “False face must hide what the false heart doth know.”

Similar to this, the witches’ statements—such as “fair is foul and foul is fair” subtly manipulate reality and appearance. Their prophecy that no child “of woman born” can defeat Macbeth is proven false. This was when Macduff revealed that he was born by Caesarean section.

Also, the witches assured that Macbeth would not be defeated until “Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill Shall come against him.” It was considered unnatural, as a forest would not climb a hill. But in reality, it meant soldiers cutting trees in Birnam Wood to get closer to Dunsinane Hill.

Fate and Free Will

If Macbeth hadn’t followed his violent path, would he have become the king? This question raises the issues of fate and free will. He was appointed thane of Cawdor shortly after the witches predicted that without him doing anything to earn the position.

The witches predict Macbeth’s future and his fate. But Macbeth exercised his own free will in killing Duncan, and he planned the other assassinations after Duncan’s death. The same is true of the other visions the witches conjure for Macbeth. He interprets them as a sign of his invincibility, but they actually foretell his demise.

Macbeth is a tragic play about human lack of control and choice, the seeming inevitability of destiny, and adherence to nature. An introductory essay for Macbeth would analyze that it is one of Shakespeare’s early tragedies driven by ambition, loyalty, guilt, and fate. This article gives a quick overview of Macbeth and the major themes of the play.

Ambition & Guilt: Great Essay Introduction for Macbeth

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Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to Write a Macbeth Essay

All literature students and those studying humanities have to read Shakespeare. The name of William Shakespeare is the most powerful “brand” in the world of drama. His comedies and tragedies seem to never be forgotten. Literature students very often get assignments of writing essays on Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies. Macbeth is one of the most famous tragedies by Shakespeare. Essays on Macbeth are common assignments both in high schools and universities. Any essay on Shakespeare may concern a great variety of topics. There is no lack of topics and you can make the best choice. It is possible to write on the plot, tragedy lines, characters etc. When you start your essay, check out outline example to better structure your essay.

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Writing a macbeth essay, macbeth characters, macbeth essay outline, macbeth essay conclusion, download free sample of macbeth essay.

Macbeth Essay Sample (Click the Image to Enlarge)

Why is it necessary to find Macbeth essay example ? As a rule, when students are given freedom in choice of a topic they are somewhat puzzled. There is such a great variety of topics which you can choose. So, look for Macbeth essay examples and think of the possible topics which you can choose. Besides, you can find much valuable information on Macbeth essay format , outline , requirements as to structure, list of works cited etc. Use information only from the most reliable sources like web sites of essay writing companies. Professays.com offers its visitors and customers free Macbeth essay examples which they can use to compose own essays. Do not forget that these are only examples, so do not copy-paste them.

Macbeth is the shortest tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is a powerful play with grim scenes and story line. The play is about a Scottish soldier who, after hearing prophecies from witches, sets about bringing the prophecies to fulfillment. William Shakespeare is assumed to have adopted the plot from Holinshed’s Chronicles, a popular history of England well known at the time of Shakespeare. Another school of thought argues that Shakespeare borrowed the plot from George Buchanan. To compose a Macbeth essay, one should take into consideration all the facts and fiction into account.  Meticulous research is needed to get the facts right. The nuances and affectations by Shakespeare in the play are amazing and need careful handling while composing a narrative essay . ProfEssays.com offers services in custom essay writing and can be of tremendous help in composing a personal essay .

The plot of Macbeth can be termed as “macabre”. The perfidy, violence and avarice of the characters are awesome. Macbeth essay should be able to capture these in vivid detail. Reading Macbeth will give you some ideas for a good composition. Research on the reviews by famous literary figures can provide intellectual tinge to a descriptive essay . Remember to focus on your assignment because, the volume of information you come across will be voluminous and it is easy to get distracted. Bookmarking or noting down the links where interesting and relevant information is available can be of help. The trick will be to sift through the available information and select authentic and relevant data for your composition. ProfEssays.com enlists the services of consultants with certified academic qualifications to help customers write essays , dissertations , term papers and other writing assignments. All compositions delivered by us will be written from scratch with unique and original content with on time delivery. We do not reuse any work delivered by us to a client.

Some useful tips for writing a successful Macbeth essay are:

  • Introduction : Introduce the theme of the essay with a synopsis of what you intend to portray in the essay.
  • Description : Describe the theme in detail. References and quotes can be used to color the essay.
  • Analysis or interpretation : Do an analysis or interpret the theme in your own words. You can draw inspiration from the reviews of the learned through research.
  • Conclusion : Conclude the essay reiterating your theme and your analysis or interpretation of it.

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ProfEssays.com experts can provide guidance through all these steps for composing a paper to attain good grades. Macbeth essay will be relatively easy to compose if good care is taken to bring in a sense of gravity to the theme. ProfEssays.com service provides choice and flexibility in presentations and papers. We also provide fast turnaround say, within 8 hours of the confirmed order.

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Shakespeare’s Macbeth is perhaps one of the most famous tragedies. No wonder this is one of the most popular topics for literature essays . Here you can develop a dozen of topics and analyze so many issues. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a very touching drama, so every student will experience different feeling and emotions and thus will be able to write an interesting essay . Of course, if you have very little writing experience you have to look for essay examples on Shakespeare’s Macbeth to make sure you learn essay writing ABC. Besides, you can learn much about potential essay topics. You can write about Macbeth’s personality or major problems in this drama.

If you have got such an assignment do not freak out. Writing a Macbeth essay is not as difficult as it may seem. There is much information and critique materials on Macbeth which you can find online. Besides, you can find tips from professional writers or even order a custom essay with a professional essay writing company, like Professays.com . We have written more than a dozen essays on Macbeth both for high school and college students. We know what it takes to write a persuasive Macbeth essay that your professor will highly evaluate. Some of our writers specialize in literature essays, and some of them are Shakespeare fans. So, they will be delighted to write a nice Macbeth essay .

Most essays on Macbeth are written on Macbeth characters . These are Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Three Witches, Banquo, King Duncan, Macduff, Malcolm, Hecate, Fleance and others. Each of the character possesses some unique features and that is why it is easy to write on them. Try to make a exhaustive analysis and penetrate deep in character’s souls. There are so many events, monologues and dialogues in Macbeth that can be used as arguments supporting certain ideas and evaluations. Essay on Macbeth characters are quite popular among students. In fact, over 80% of all Macbeth essays are related to analysis of this tragedy’s characters. Professays.com has writers who specialize in Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies. So, feel free to contact us. Our writers will take into account all your requirements and recommendations.

As known, before writing of any essay type it is necessary to compose an outline. Macbeth essay outline does not differ from that of other essay types. Traditionally, it should include introduction, body and conclusion. It should be noted that introduction usually contains information on reasons why you have chosen a particular topic as well as statement with what conclusions you want to achieve. You specify what exactly you are going to depict or analyze. Sometimes, introductions are written when the entire essay is ready, since a writer knows more after deep analysis of text and critique materials.

Writing a conclusion is a true art. Indeed, it is not easy to summarize gathered and analyzed information having a limited number of words. Besides, your conclusion has to be very precise and laconic. Macbeth essay conclusion should get back to introduction in which you posed certain questions and give clear and comprehensive answers. Your conclusion should leave no further questions. Readers should feel that they have got a complete portion of information – no more, no less. Make your conclusion persuasive as very often professors first read conclusion, and if it is not good, your essay is unlikely to receive high grade.

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‘Macbeth’ Grade 9 Example Response

Grade 9 – full mark – ‘Macbeth’ response

Starting with this extract (from act 1 scene 7), how does Shakespeare present the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

In Shakespeare’s eponymous tragedy ‘Macbeth’, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship is a complex portrait of love, illustrating layers of utter devotion alongside overwhelming resentment. Though the couple begins the play unnaturally strong within their marriage, this seems to act as an early warning of their imminent and inevitable fall from grace, ending the play in an almost entirely different relationship than the one they began the play with.

In the exposition of the play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth initially appear immensely strong within their marriage, with Macbeth describing his wife as ‘my dearest partner of greatness’ in act 1 scene 5. The emotive superlative adjective ‘dearest’ is a term of endearment, and acts as a clear depiction of how valued Lady Macbeth is by her husband. Secondly, the noun ‘partner’ creates a sense of sincere equality which, as equality within marriage would have been unusual in the Jacobean era, illustrates to a contemporary audience the positive aspects of their relationship. Furthermore the lexical choice ‘greatness’ may connote ambition, and as they are ‘partner(s)’, Shakespeare suggests that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are equal in their desire for power and control, further confirming their compatibility but potentially hinting that said compatibility will serve as the couple’s hamartia.

However, the strength of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship falls into a rapid downward spiral in the subsequent scenes, as a struggle for power within the marriage ensues. This is evidenced when Macbeth, in act 1 scene 7, uses the declarative statement ‘we will proceed no further in this business’. Here, Macbeth seems to exude masculinity, embracing his gender role and dictating both his and his wife’s decisions. The negation ‘no’ clearly indicates his alleged definitive attitude. However, Lady Macbeth refuses to accept her husband’s rule, stating ‘when you durst do it, then you were a man’. She attempts to emasculate him to see their plan through. The verb ‘durst’ illustrates the risk taking behaviour that Lady Macbeth is encouraging; implying an element of toxicity within their relationship, and her harsh speech makes the cracks in their relationship further visible to the audience. It is also probable that a contemporary audience would be made severely uncomfortable in the presence of Lady Macbeth’s unapologetic display of power, and it is possible that Shakespeare attempts to paint Lady Macbeth as the villain of the play, playing upon the audience’s pre-determined fears of feminine power. Though Lady Macbeth appears to be acting entirely out of self-interest, another reader may argue that she influences her husband so heavily to commit the heinous act of regicide, as she believes that he crown may as a substitute for the child or children that Shakespeare suggests she and Macbeth have lost previously, and in turn better Macbeth’s life and bring him to the same happiness that came with the child, except in another form.

As the play progresses, Shakespeare creates more and more distance between the characters, portraying the breakdown of their relationship as gradual within the play but rapid in the overall sense of time on stage. For example, Lady Macbeth requests a servant ‘say to the king’ Lady Macbeth ‘would attend his leisure/ for a few words’. Here she is reduced to the status of someone far lesser than the king, having to request to speak to her own husband. It could be interpreted that, now as king, Macbeth holds himself above all else, even his wife, perhaps due to the belief of the divine right of kings. The use of the title rather than his name plainly indicated the lack of closeness Lady Macbeth now feels with Macbeth and intensely emotionally separates them. This same idea is referenced as Shakespeare develops the characters to almost juxtapose each other in their experiences after the murder of Duncan. For example, Macbeth seems to be trapped in a permanent day, after ‘Macbeth does murder sleep’ and his guilt and paranoia render him unable to rest. In contrast, Lady Macbeth takes on an oppositional path, suffering sleepwalking and unable to wake from her nightmare; repeating the phrase ‘to bed. To bed’ as if trapped in a never-ending night. This illustrates to the audience the extreme transformation Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship undergoes, and how differently they end up experiencing the aftermath of regicide.

In conclusion, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begin the play almost too comfortable within their marriage, which seems to invite the presence of chaos and tragedy into their relationship. Their moral compositions are opposing one another, which leads to the distancing and total breakdown of their once successful marriage and thus serves as a warning to the audience about the effects of murder, and what the deadly sin of greed can do to a person and a marriage.

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9 thoughts on “‘Macbeth’ Grade 9 Example Response”

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It is also probable that a contemporary audience would be made severely uncomfortable in the presence of Lady Macbeth’s unapologetic display of power, and it is possible that Shakespeare attempts to paint Lady Macbeth as the villain of the play, playing upon the audience’s pre-determined fears of feminine power.

Also ref to ‘divine right of kings’

Thank you! This is a brilliant response. Just what I needed. Could you also please include the extract in the question.

We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.

—> until end of scene

She did (Act 1 Scene 7)

Another great resource for grade 9 Macbeth analysis https://youtu.be/bGzLDRX71bs

In order to get a grade 9 for a piece like this would you need to include a wide range of vocabulary or could you write the same thing ‘dumbed down’ and get a 9.

If the ideas were as strong then yes, but your writing must AT LEAST be ‘clear’ for a grade 6 or above.

This is really great, I’m in Year 10 doing my Mock on Thursday, a great point that i have found (because I also take history) Is the depiction of women throughout the play, during the Elizabethan era, (before the Jacobean era) many people had a changed view of women as Queen Elizabeth was such a powerful woman, glimpses of this have been shown in Jacobean plays, in this case Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is depicted as powerful although she had to be killed of to please King James (as he was a misogynist) women are also depicted as evil in the play, such as the three witches, I also found that the Witches are in three which could be a mockery to the Holy Trinity.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Tragic Hero — The Fall of Okonkwo: A Tragic Hero’s Descent

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The Fall of Okonkwo: a Tragic Hero’s Descent

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  1. PDF Six Macbeth' essays by Wreake Valley students

    Level 5 essay Lady Macbeth is shown as forceful and bullies Macbeth here in act 1.7 when questioning him about his masculinity. This follows from when Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth to be ambitious when Macbeth writes her a letter and she reads it as a soliloquy in act 1.5.

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    Shakespeare's source for Macbeth was Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, though in writing Macbeth Shakespeare changed numerous details for dramatic and thematic reasons, and even for political reasons (see Related Historical Events). For instance, in Holinshed's version, Duncan was a weak and ineffectual King, and Banquo actually helped Macbeth commit the murder.

  3. How to Write a Grade 9 Macbeth Essay

    A good Macbeth essay introduction. A not-so-good Macbeth essay introduction. Is short: one or two sentences is plenty. Is long and rambling. Just contains your thesis statement: a short summary of your argument and personal opinion. Contains many points and so doesn't present a single, clear argument. Doesn't include evidence

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    Strategy 2: A structured essay with an argument. The key to this style is remembering this: You're going to get a question about a theme, and the extract will DEFINITELY relate to the theme. The strategy here is planning out your essays BEFORE the exam, knowing that the extract will fit into them somehow. Below are some structured essays I've ...

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    Macbeth was a real Scottish king, although he was somewhat different from the ambitious, murderous creation of William Shakespeare. His wife was real too, but Lady Macbeth's real name was Gruoch and Macbeth's real name was Mac Bethad mac Findlaích. The real Macbeth killed Duncan in battle in 1040 and Macbeth (or Mac Bethad) actually went ...

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    Introduction. Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, is a tragic play that explores themes of ambition, power, and moral corruption. The protagonist, Macbeth, is initially portrayed as a brave and noble soldier, but his unchecked ambition leads him to commit heinous acts and ultimately brings about his own downfall. This essay will examine the role of ambition in Macbeth and highlight its ...

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