Writing A Literary Essay

1. Writing A Literary Essay A guide focused on William Shakespeare’s Macbeth

2. EXAMPLE OF A LITERARY ESSAY TOPIC: “Lady Macbeth is directly responsible for Duncan’s death. If not for her, Macbeth would have never committed the murder. ” Discuss the truth of this statement and what it reveals about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s characters in a 2-3 page essay.

3. STEP ONE: Think about the topic: • The topic usually has 2 or more components: • 1. THE STATEMENT/QUESTION: • Lady Macbeth is directly responsible for Duncan’s death. If not for her, Macbeth would have never committed the murder. • 2. INSTRUCTION: • The ‘instruction’ tells you how to approach your essay • “Discuss the truth of this statement and what it reveals about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s characters.”

4. STEP TWO: STRUCTURE OF A LITERARY ESSAY • The basic format of all essays is the same: • 1. Introduction – Usually 4-5 lines allowing the reader a glimpse of the focus of and direction your essay has taken. (The beginning of your literary journey.) 2. Body – Divided into paragraphs, the body allows you to present relevant information in a logical and organized manner. (The different stops you make while on your trip.) • 3. Conclusion – Usually 4-7 lines rounding off your discussion and explaining what the evidence has revealed in relation to the topic. (The final destination.)

5. HOW TO WRITE AN INTRODUCTION: • Attention grabber / hook • A quote that links to the statement: (If possible) • e.g. Lady Macbeth hints at her influence over her husband immediately after she hears of the prophecy: “Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thine ear” (I.5), clearly indicating Macbeth will not be able to continue without her. • A broad thesis statement introducing the topic and adding your opinion: • e.g. There is no question that Macbeth holds the weapons that killed King Duncan; however, it can be argued that Lady Macbeth provides the foundation and is the persistent force that leads to the murder.

6. FULL TEXT: INTRODUCTION The role Lady Macbeth plays in the murder reveals much about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s characters. Lady Macbeth hints at her influence over her husband immediately after she hears of the prophecy:“Hie thee hither, that I may pour my spirits in thine ear” (I.5), clearly indicating Macbeth will not continue without her. There is no question that Macbeth holds the weapons that kill King Duncan; however, it can be argued that Lady Macbeth provides the foundation and is the force that leads to the murder.

7. HOW TO STRUCTURE THE BODY: • Remember to use transition that link each paragraph to the next in a smooth manner. • Each paragraph must contain ONE idea ONLY. • Try as far as possible to write each paragraph in the order the events occurred in the play. • Determine how many paragraphs you need to devote to defending your thesis statement (3-4).

8. PARAGRAPHS: “THE STATE, QUOTE, COMMENT TECHNIQUE” • State: Make a statement relating to topic • After the darkness created during Act 1, Scene 1 by the three witches, the praise delivered by the wounded Captain, King Duncan and Ross throughout Scene 2 creates an image of Macbeth as an honourable, fearless and loyal leader who is willing to die defending Scotland. In contrast to the witches, Macbeth seems perfect. • Quote: Find a quote to support your statement. • However, one must also consider the words spoken by the First Witch during Act 1,Scene 1: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” indicating the moral confusion in the world. • Comment: In your own words, write down your observation. • Thus, Macbeth may appear good, but one must realize that he could well be evil. It would not require much from a skilled manipulator to set this evil free and push Macbeth to satisfy his lust for power by killing the King.

9. HOW TO QUOTE: • When quoting, always remember that the quote should “fit” into the sentence in a flowing manner. • Although Macbeth accepts that killing Duncan is the only way to get the crown, he is constantly doubtful. After the murder he says, “I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on't again I dare not” (II.2). This demonstrates quite clearly that Macbeth is overwhelmed by guilt and that Lady Macbeth is the most important factor in his decision.

10. FULL TEXT: PARAGRAPH After the darkness created during Act 1, Scene 1 by the three witches, the praise delivered by the wounded Captain, King Duncan and Ross throughout Scene 2 creates an image of Macbeth as an honorable, fearless and loyal leader who is willing to die defending Scotland. In contrast to the witches, Macbeth seems perfect. However, one must also consider the words spoken by the First Witch during Act 1,Scene 1: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,”indicating the moral confusion in the world. Thus, Macbeth may appear good, but one must realize that he could well be evil. It would not require much from a skilled manipulator to set this evil free and push Macbeth to satisfy his lust for power by killing the King.

11. CONCLUSION: • It answers the "so what?" question. • You have introduced the essay, presented the evidence…so what? • The conclusion ends your argument with a final decision – the meaning of all that you have written in relation to the topic.

12. FULL TEXT: CONCLUSION It is clear that Lady Macbeth feels that her husband is far too weak to do what is necessary and take the throne. Her involvement is essential to get the power they desire. We see this when she tells Macbeth: “What thou wouldst highly, That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, And yet wouldst wrongly win”(I.5), implying that Macbeth’s inner goodness would stop him from getting what he wants. As a result, it is believable that Macbeth would never have killed Duncan if Lady Macbeth had not influenced him otherwise. She may not have physically held the daggers, but her manipulation of Macbeth makes her just as guilty as he is.