Prompt #4 Final Prompt

In Act III Macbeth states 'I am in blood/Stepp'd in so far,that, should I wade no more,/Returning were as tedious as go o'er" ( III, iv, 167-169). Later in the play, Macduff describes Macbeth as a fiend. As a reader, do you have any sympathy for Macbeth?

Prompt #3

An interesting idea presented in Macbeth is the gender of evil. Shakespeare examines the traits that characterize both masculinity and femininity. What are these traits, and how do various characters embody them? Additionally, how do some of the characters in the play subvert our perceptions of gender roles?

Prompt#2: Shakespeare uses the soliloquy technique extensively in Macbeth. Choose the one soliloquy that you think most successfully defines a particular character, or a particular theme, in the play. Why did Shakespeare choose to have the character use a soliloquy here? Defend your choice.

Macbeth Prompt #1

Banquo is a foil to Macbeth in that both are the subject of prophecies concerning the future kingship of Scotland, but they react to these prophecies differently. How does each respond to his encounter with the witches? Are there key differences? Why does Shakespeare include two sets of prophecies? What is the effect of this juxtaposition?