European Studies: Macbeth Essay

Today I introduced the Macbeth Essay and we discussed brainstorming techniques and tried out a technique called "speculative writing."
Due tomorrow: Macbeth Brainstorming. You need to have chosen the topic of your essay by tomorrow.

If you were absent today, topic choices are listed below. You may pick up the complete assignment sheet in class tomorrow.
Choose one of the following prompts:
•Write a multi-paragraph essay discussing whether Macbeth is personally responsible for his own tragic ending, or whether he is the victim of forces beyond his control.
•Character Analysis: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, or both. Write a multi-paragraph essay that makes an argument about either one of these characters or the relationship between these two characters. Malcolm, in his last speech of the play, calls Macbeth and Lady Macbeth “this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen.” Instead of a character analysis, you may choose to present an argument in your essay as to which of the two is worse: Macbeth, or Lady Macbeth. If you choose this particular option, you will need to discuss both characters in your essay
•Write a multi-paragraph essay that makes an argument about the significance of the witches, the witches and the supernatural, or evil in the play Macbeth.
•Write a multi-paragraph essay arguing that a specific theme which is important in the play is the most significant theme in understanding the play.
•Shakespeare set Macbeth in the Middle Ages but wrote it during the Renaissance. Using a character or theme from Macbeth, argue that your character or theme reflects historical elements of the Renaissance or Middle Ages such as the Great Chain of Being, religious beliefs, chivalry, position of women, Machiavellian philosophy, humanism, etc. You will need to fully explain the character or theme and fully explain the historical element you’re using for connection.
'•”Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.” Lord Acton, 1887 Write a multi-paragraph essay discussing whether this statement is true or not with regard to Macbeth. You may want to integrate a discussion of Macbeth as a Machiavellian ruler into this essay.
•If you have an idea for another essay you would like to write, check with me.

What's Next: Thesis Statements and Shaping

American Studies: Vocab 4

OK guys, sorry for the confusion...your vocab test is this Wednesday. I will not assign the Huck Finn essay until we return on Monday. The vocab list is on my web page, which you can reach through the Skyline page.