1. Notes on “Macbeth” essay #1
Mr. Cleon M. McLean
A.P. English Literature and Composition
Ontario High School

2. FYI
When writing a literary analysis essay, you must use either the reader or the audience, and try not to use both at the same time.
Do not ask rhetorical questions—i.e., questions which do not require an answer from the reader/listener

3. FYI
You may use abbreviations on timed essays. E.g., “L.M.” for Lady Macbeth, or “W.S.” for William Shakespeare. But you must first spell out the word(s) and put the initials you will be using to abbreviate, next to it. For example, William Shakespeare (W.S.), in the waning days of his literary career, penned keen insights into human experiences—N.B., man’s dark nature.

4. FYI
Beware of wishy-washy stance. If you are given an option in the prompt, then choose ONE and deliver it! Do not attempt to do both, even though each side will likely have great things you can say, for you will likely produce a superficial essay

5. FYI
Characters can’t quote themselves. So, saying, for example, Lady Macbeth quotes, “Make like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t” is awkward

6. “Macbeth” information
Which sounds better to say:
“Macbeth,” written by William Shakespeare, is an exploration into the dark realm of the human disposition
William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” explores the dark realm of the human disposition
Lady Macbeth is trying to persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan.
Lady Macbeth tries to persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan.

7. “Macbeth” information
Common saying: heavy is the head that wears the crown. This means the king has a lot of responsibilities
A character participates in some act.
How does “Macbeth” relate to the modern reader? E.g., blind ambition, Machiavellian antics

8. Grammar & Spelling recEIve woMAN…woMEN
What is wrong with the following?
By planning to kill King Duncan, no longer was Macbeth showing that he could be trusted.
By planning to kill his friend King Duncan, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth planned behind closed doors

9. Vocabulary i.e.—means in other words
Modus operandi—way of acting/operating/working
De facto—means whether rightly or wrongly so
Ceterus paribus—means all other things being equal

10. Vocabulary
Countenance—facial expression. You may have a fair countenance, a disagreeable countenance, or a charming countenance, for example.
Disposition—one’s usual mood; temperament
False fronts
Duplicity/duplicitous—betrayal
Janus—two-faced

11. Vocabulary Cajole—to urge with gentle and repeated appeals
Beguile—to charm or amuse; oftentimes to deceive