1. Writing Topics for Macbeth Suggestions

2. The supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth
The supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth. To what extent does it motivate Macbeth's actions?
Examples of imagery within themes of nature—such as flowers (planting), darkness, blood; or with human nature such as superstitions; or a physical element such as disguise/clothing.

3. Does fate control our actions or does man
Does fate control our actions or does man? Look at the prophecies of the witches.  Do they predict what Macbeth will do or do they merely plant a seed that Macbeth allows to grow. 

4. If the main theme of Macbeth is ambition, whose ambition is the driving force of the play—Macbeth’s, Lady Macbeth’s, or both?
Lady Macbeth– discuss her influence and the ebb and flow of power in Macbeth.

5. What was Lady Macbeth’s motivation for manipulation him to kill Duncan?
How Does Lady Macbeth’s understanding of Macbeth’s character help her to manipulate him to carry out the murder of King Duncan?

6. Lady Macbeth is seen as a controlling factor in Macbeth’s life
Lady Macbeth is seen as a controlling factor in Macbeth’s life. She is able to control his actions and events. However, she loses control of Macbeth. Explain what control she has in Macbeth’s life and how the loss of that power contributes to her demise.

7. Macbeth is about various kinds of killing (among other things)
Macbeth is about various kinds of killing (among other things). Does the play distinguish between honorable and dishonorable violence?

8. A motif is a word, image, or action in a drama that happens over and over again. There is a recurring motif of blood and violence in the tragedy Macbeth. This motif contributes to the theme of the drama. In a paper trace the use of blood and violence and cite images that contribute to the theme.

9. Explain the importance and role of the witches and the prophecies to the outcome of the play. What was the witches’ motivation for tricking Macbeth? Did they control the outcome of the play or simply influence it? Would the story have been different without them? What influences did the witches have on Macbeth?

10. “The witches are the most powerful characters in the play and the catalyst to all of Macbeth’s crimes.”  Do you agree?
Are the weird sisters instigators of Macbeth’s actions, or do they merely report what’s destined to be?
Does Shakespeare want us to believe that the witches are real, supernatural, or projections of Macbeth's imagination?

11. Discuss the nature of the three supernatural beings who foretell Macbeth’s future. What might they be, what clues does Shakespeare provide, and what conclusion (if any) does he allow his audience to come to? Is it possible that the ambiguity was necessary to his plot and themes?
Describe how the Witches are a controlling factor in Macbeth’s destiny.

12. The witches are seen as a force working to bring about the demise of Macbeth. They are known as the antagonist in the drama. They foreshadow events that create suspense in the drama and Macbeth makes decisions based on their prophecies.

13. ‘Fair is foul and foul is fair’
‘Fair is foul and foul is fair’.  How does equivocation play a vital role in bringing about Macbeth’s destruction?