Conclusion Paragraph Guide I.Restate Thesis Don’t copy/paste Use synonyms Thesis: Lady Macbeth is primarily responsible for Macbeth’s actions because her position as both his wife and partner in crime motivates him to push forward in attaining power and the constant belittlement of her husband’s manliness encourages Macbeth to behave in ways that would not have otherwise been illuminated. Restatement: Lady Macbeth’s ability to control her husband lies in her position as not only his partner in crime, but also his wife, and her skill for attacking his insecurities.

Conclusion Paragraph Guide II.Revisit Hook What type of hook did you use? Return to that idea Hook: “Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best”— Edward Abbey Revisit Hook: The desire for power can be a dangerous road to travel. With Lady Macbeth pushing her husband to act, his greed is amplified to a degree that would have never been achieved without her.

Conclusion Paragraph Guide III.Universal Statement Answer the “so what?” question Why should the reader care? How does topic apply to everyone? Last sentence of conclusion paragraph Example: A toxic relationship can encourage even the best of individuals to act in the worst of ways.

Conclusion Paragraph Lady Macbeth’s ability to control her husband lies in her position as not only his partner in crime, but also his wife, and her skill for attacking his insecurities. The desire for power can be a dangerous road to travel. With Lady Macbeth pushing her husband to act, his greed is amplified to a degree that would have never been achieved without her. A toxic relationship—in this case, one between man and wife—can encourage even the best of individuals to act in the worst of ways.

What good commentary looks like… Lady Macbeth is primarily responsible for Macbeth’s actions because her position as both his wife and partner in crime motivates him to push forward in attaining power and the constant belittlement of her husband’s manliness encourages Macbeth to behave in ways that would not have otherwise been illuminated. Concrete Detail (Quote): In addition, Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth’s manliness, exclaiming, “When you durst do it, then you were a man” ( ). CM #1: Lady Macbeth associates evilness with manliness, saying that he was only a man when he wanted to murder King Duncan. Offers analysis of previous quote CM #2: Lady Macbeth forces Macbeth to feel like he must commit the crime in order to prove that he is a man. Such threats and pressure encourage Macbeth to continue his assent to power. Offers further analysis of quote/ connects back to main sentiment of thesis Transition Lead in Quote

What bad commentary does…. Repeats the CD (quote) Offers obscure or unclear analysis Uses clichés such as: Macbeth keeps secrets from Lady Macbeth and everyone knows that secrets don’t make friends. Gives plot summary instead of analysis Is repetitive and vague because you don’t really know what you are talking about. You Try! Play Bad Commentary Match-Up on your own sheet of paper.

What bad commentary looks like… Concrete Detail (Quote): In addition, Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth’s manliness, exclaiming, “When you durst do it, then you were a man” ( ). CM #1: Lady Macbeth then goes on to tell Macbeth that she would rather have her own baby’s brains smashed in, rather than give up on her ambition, but in Act two she isn’t up to the task of killing Duncan because he looks too much like her father. Plot Summary/Unnecessary information CM #2: Lady Macbeth doesn’t think that Macbeth is a man. Repeats the CD/Doesn’t offer anything fresh or insightful CM #4: Lady Macbeth doesn’t think Macbeth is a man, because he acts unmanly all of the time. Repetitive/Sounds like you don’t really understand the literature CM #3: Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to essentially “wear the pants in the family” and do what needs to be done. Relies on a cliché instead of formulating your own opinion