Macbeth Essays - What's Everyone Covering?

decisions

I haven't looked at Macbeth in any kind of detail since the Mocks and now I have no clue what I need to do. What is everyone covering?

aimzLc2

Yes! i would also be really interested to know , so far i have only covered
-kingship
-downfall of macbeth/ if we feel sympathy for him
-macbeth and lady macbeth releationship
-evil vs good

ray2012

All I've really covered are kingship, the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and I have a tiny bit (which I don't remember any of) done on the soliloquies function and that kind of stuff.

I'm grand making up an answer for Macbeth on the spot though, so it shouldn't be too troublesome, hopefully!
I'd love a question on the relationship between the two though - quite an easy question!

Tommyrawr

aimzLc2 wrote: »

Yes! i would also be really interested to know , so far i have only covered
-kingship
-downfall of macbeth/ if we feel sympathy for him
-macbeth and lady macbeth releationship
-evil vs good

Pretty much the same, I've one on Duncan's inability to be a strong leader, just incase.

0mega

- Kingship
- Deception
- Character of Macbeth
- Character of Lady Macbeth
- Relationship between Macbeth & Lady Macbeth
- Symbolism
- Role of the Witches & the Supernatural

That should surely be enough I hope!

Apparently the character of Banquo is tipped to come up as it came up a few years ago but was scrapped after the paper two was handed out instead of the paper 1.. 2010 possibly?

decisions

1953

"Macbeth has physical courage, but moral weakness, and is subject to excited imaginative fears." Discuss this estimate of Macbeth, quoting freely from the play.

Or

"There is at once a grossness, a horrible reality about the witches, and a mystery and grandeur of evil influence." Discuss, with suitable quotation from the play.

1962

"We find in Macbeth rapidity of movement, great diversity of character, and many spectacular scenes." Discuss this estimate of the play and quote in support of the points you make.

Or

"Lady Macbeth dominates the play up to the murder of Duncan; after that her influence gradually diminishes, while her husband's power for evil grows ever greater." Discuss with relevant quotation from the play.

1975

In Macbeth Shakespeare does not present Macbeth as a mere villain, but succeeds in arousing a measure of sympathy for him. Discuss the character of Macbeth in the light of this statement, supporting your answer by relevant quotation and reference.

Or

In Macbeth the inner self is conveyed, not through the ideas expressed, nor through the actions performed, but by means of an elaborate pattern of imagery and symbolism. Test the truth of this statement by considering any two of the play's characters and the images and symbols associated with them. Support your answer by relevant quotation or reference.

1987

"The Banquo Macbeth has killed is not the innocent soldier who met the witches and scorned their prophecies, nor the man who prayed to be delivered from temptation. He is a man whose principles have been deeply compromised." Discuss this view, supporting the points you make by reference to or quotation from the play.

Or

Discuss the way in which the language of the play Macbeth contributes to the creation of the atmosphere of evil and violence that pervades the play. Support your answer by relevant quotation or reference.

1995

Discuss the course and nature of the resistance to Macbeth's rule in the play. Support your answer by quotation from or reference to the play.

Or

"Kingship, with all its potential for good or evil, is a major theme in the play, Macbeth. Discuss this view, supporting your answer by quotation from or reference to the play.

2003

"We feel very little pity for the central characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's play." To what extent would you agree with the above view? Support your answer by reference to the play.

Or

"In Macbeth, Shakespeare presents us with a powerful vision of evil."

Write your response to the above statement. Textual support may include reference to a particular performance of the play you have seen.

2004

"Shakespeare's Macbeth invites us to look into the world of a man driven on by ruthless ambition and tortured by regret."

Write a response to this view of the play, Macbeth, supporting the points you make by reference to the text.

Or

"The play Macbeth, has many scenes of compelling drama."

Choose one scene that you found compelling and say why you found it so. Support your answer by reference to the play.

2007

"The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth undergoes significant change during the course of the play"

Discuss this statement supporting your answer with the aid of suitable reference to the text.

Or

"Essentially the play Macbeth is about power, its use and abuse"

Discuss this view of the play, supporting your answer with the aid of suitable reference to the text.

2009

"Macbeth's murder of Duncan has horrible consequences for both Macbeth himself and for Scotland"

Write a response to this statement. You should refer to the play in your answer.

Or

"Macbeth has all the ingredients of a compelling drama"

Write a response to this statement, commenting on one or more of the ingredients which, in your opinion, make Macbeth a compelling drama.

ray2012

decisions wrote: »

1987

"The Banquo Macbeth has killed is not the innocent soldier who met the witches and scorned their prophecies, nor the man who prayed to be delivered from temptation. He is a man whose principles have been deeply compromised." Discuss this view, supporting the points you make by reference to or quotation from the play.

Or

Discuss the way in which the language of the play Macbeth contributes to the creation of the atmosphere of evil and violence that pervades the play. Support your answer by relevant quotation or reference.

Oh wow, 2 horrible questions that year..!

decisions

Looking at all the questions I'm thinking Macbeth, LadyMacbeth, Witches, Banquo, Kingship and Power and I should be fine.

I'm expecting a few curveballs in this paper.

Slow Show

Ah Banquo's actually fairly easy to get a lot out of if you go deep enough, I wouldn't have thought so but we got given a plethora of notes and there were literally pages detailing his character. Key Notes stuff is good too! I wouldn't be surprised at all if he came up actually, particular if that 2010 P2 thing is true, Macbeth hasn't been up since either.

0mega

Might be worth covering Banquo then.

navosa

What sort of stuff would you bring into a question regarding Banquo? I haven't looked at anything along those lines...

navosa

navosa wrote: »

What sort of stuff would you bring into a question regarding Banquo? I haven't looked at anything along those lines...

Well you'd start off by saying how from the start he is linked to Macbeth as before they even enter the stage, Duncan mentions them both in the same sentence. ("Noble Macbeth and Banquo") Then explain that Banquo is there to contrast Macbeth; that is the function of their link.

Next, elaborate on that point by using the witches prophecies for him ("Lesser than Macbeth yet greater etc..") And discuss his reaction to the witches compared to Macbeth's.

The next paragraph will have two options, criticise him for not doing anything after Duncan's murder or discuss how he would have done something had he enough evidence to convict him. Perhaps explore both options if you wish.

I would most definitely discuss his death and how he saved Fleance; showing nobility and honour.

You could also discuss the banquet scene. Is this the Supernatural at play and Banquo has come back to teach Macbeth a lesson? This ambiguity lends itself to discussion in the essay.

Slow Show

All of the above are great, but another aspect you can get a lot of mileage out of is that Banquo is also troubled by ambition, yet unlike Macbeth he doesn't embrace it (I can't remember the exact quote but he said something about being haunted by 'cursed thoughts' in his sleep and begs God to restrain him from them), but it really highlights how his character has been compromised and how he in some way succumbs to evil as his silence could point towards him passively paving the future for his descendants.

I'd love a good question on Banquo now that I think of it.:P

Slow Show

Slow Show wrote: »

All of the above are great, but another aspect you can get a lot of mileage out of is that Banquo is also troubled by ambition, yet unlike Macbeth he doesn't embrace it (I can't remember the exact quote but he said something about being haunted by 'cursed thoughts' in his sleep and begs God to restrain him from them), but it really highlights how his character has been compromised and how he in some way succumbs to evil as his silence could point towards him passively paving the future for his descendants.

I'd love a good question on Banquo now that I think of it.:P

Yes, this ^. I meant to elaborate more but that is the criticism that people give Banquo and since I don't agree with it, I always steer clear of it. I do try and mention it then counter it because with Banquo's character, you need to exploit every avenue.
I would love a question on Banquo. If someone didn't prepare it, they could be considerable thrown I do think but it's a question you just have to take time to look at and it's very manageable.

aimzLc2

Slow Show wrote: »

All of the above are great, but another aspect you can get a lot of mileage out of is that Banquo is also troubled by ambition, yet unlike Macbeth he doesn't embrace it (I can't remember the exact quote but he said something about being haunted by 'cursed thoughts' in his sleep and begs God to restrain him from them), but it really highlights how his character has been compromised and how he in some way succumbs to evil as his silence could point towards him passively paving the future for his descendants.

I'd love a good question on Banquo now that I think of it.:P

Deleted User wrote: »

Yes, this ^. I meant to elaborate more but that is the criticism that people give Banquo and since I don't agree with it, I always steer clear of it. I do try and mention it then counter it because with Banquo's character, you need to exploit every avenue.
I would love a question on Banquo. If someone didn't prepare it, they could be considerable thrown I do think but it's a question you just have to take time to look at and it's very manageable.

I honestly wasn't planning on preparing a banquo character question i would be very stuck if it came up but you have both made it seem alot easier and gave me some ideas, thanks!

Leaving Cert Student

While Macbeth is guilty of an horrific action, it is fair to say Banquo is guilty of a treasonous inaction.

kevin12345

One of the head examiners told us they are expecting a question on Banquo. They told us something like, "Banquo is an enigmatic character - difficult to interpret and understand at times." could come up. They gave us a sample answer for that question, if I can track it down I'll post it!

aimzLc2

kevin12345 wrote: »

One of the head examiners told us they are expecting a question on Banquo. They told us something like, "Banquo is an enigmatic character - difficult to interpret and understand at times." could come up. They gave us a sample answer for that question, if I can track it down I'll post it!

Hmm interesting , that would be brilliant if you could!thanks

kevin12345

kevin12345 wrote: »

One of the head examiners told us they are expecting a question on Banquo. They told us something like, "Banquo is an enigmatic character - difficult to interpret and understand at times." could come up. They gave us a sample answer for that question, if I can track it down I'll post it!

That would be such a lovely question. Could they please please do that? :P If you could track it down that would be great because I'd be interested in reading it to see what points they made.
And not to go off topic but did they mention anything about poetry?

Leaving Cert Student

To think of all the juicy quotes and other study I have done for Macbeth, an essay on Banquo seems like such a waste. I wouldn't even get to mention Macbeth's complexity or Lady Macbeth's goading

Having said that, if it is flagged to come up, perhaps I should prepare something!

decisions

If Banquo comes up its an easy question once you have it prepared, if you don't have it done I think the other option will be like 87 and it will be horrible.

Leaving Cert Student

decisions wrote: »

If Banquo comes up its an easy question once you have it prepared, if you don't have it done I think the other option will be like 87 and it will be horrible.

If banquo comes up, everyone will do the other question, meaning banquo gets marked a little easier? I am still struggling with the concept of getting 4 pages out of the man though...



"oftentimes to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles to betray us in deepest consequence"

thelad95

Have a massive feeling something will come up on Macduff or Banquo, probably something to do with their importance in the context of the play or some such. Anyone here learning off the essays in key notes?

thelad95

Leaving Cert Student wrote: »

While Macbeth is guilty of an horrific action, it is fair to say Banquo is guilty of a treasonous inaction.

Banquo is guilty of a type of treasonous inaction by inadvertently acquiescing in Macbeth's unlawful usurpation of the Scottish throne.

Leaving Cert Student

Leaving Cert Student wrote: »

If banquo comes up, everyone will do the other question, meaning banquo gets marked a little easier? I am still struggling with the concept of getting 4 pages out of the man though...



"oftentimes to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles to betray us in deepest consequence"

I have an essay here on Banquo which is roughly 1,100 words. Not too hard if I'm being honest.

thelad95 wrote: »

Have a massive feeling something will come up on Macduff or Banquo, probably something to do with their importance in the context of the play or some such. Anyone here learning off the essays in key notes?

I don't think I'd be able to handle an essay on Macduff as easily. What points do they make about him in Key Notes?

decisions

Macduff would be horrible, I must have a look at that.

Jade.

Are there essays on their characters in key notes? I'm after loosing mine

Leaving Cert Student

thelad95 wrote: »

Have a massive feeling something will come up on Macduff or Banquo, probably something to do with their importance in the context of the play or some such. Anyone here learning off the essays in key notes?

one on macduff would be disastrous surely? Maybe one on the importance of the minor characters could come up?

Leaving Cert Student

Leaving Cert Student wrote: »

one on macduff would be disastrous surely? Maybe one on the importance of the minor characters could come up?

If macduff and kingship were to come up I would be royally screwed

Leaving Cert Student

Leaving Cert Student wrote: »

If macduff and kingship were to come up I would be royally screwed

You should have an essay prepared on Kingship, in my opinion.
5 Paragraphs.
1. Kingship in historical context; why is it there? Reference the gunpowder plot
2. Duncan as King, his pros and cons.
3. King Edward of England and his contrast to Macbeth
4. Malcolm and his contrast to his father and Macbeth.
5. Macbeth and his abuse of Kingship.

kevin12345

Deleted User wrote: »

That would be such a lovely question. Could they please please do that? :P If you could track it down that would be great because I'd be interested in reading it to see what points they made.
And not to go off topic but did they mention anything about poetry?

I can't find it in any of my folders but I'll be getting it off a friend on Monday, along with a Macduff question so I'll post them then. They didn't really mention anything specific for poetry just that they'll most likely stick with the theme + style questions and will probably stay away from the personal response questions.

Slow Show

An essay on Macduff would be going a step too far on the SEC's part tbh, his character is very black-and-white, the only real flaw is that he left his family apparently unprotected? Good vs evil is the only way I see of them introducing him really.

Vito Corleone

Macduff is a much more important character and the plot is dependant on him. Take Banquo away and the plot would basically be the same minus a few scenes. I reckon neither of them will come up in the end tbh, all we're going on is what someone said. It's Plath and Heaney all over again.

I'll probably end up learning stuff on Banquo in the end though.

Leaving Cert Student

Vito Corleone wrote: »

Macduff is a much more important character and the plot is dependant on him. Take Banquo away and the plot would basically be the same minus a few scenes. I reckon neither of them will come up in the end tbh, all we're going on is what someone said. It's Plath and Heaney all over again.

I'll probably end up learning stuff on Banquo in the end though.

banquo has come up in the past and was due to come up few years back when the papers were cocked up

Jade.

Anyone who has key notes handy is there an essay on Banquo? Lost mine but will borrow one of my friends if there is! :P

ray2012

I'll give the character of Banquo a look over just in case, but I won't focus on it too much. I'd love a nice question on the theme of kingship.. Anyways, if you learn the important quotes in the play, you'll be able to answer most of the questions they can ask. I'm learning off a lot of quotes that I can use, and I pretty much make up my answer on the spot. I'm just hoping we don't get two horrible questions! :P

Mr. Rager

I'm not too sure about Banquo on his own, but I could definitely see a question on how he and Macbeth give in to temptation, etc.

Lollipops13

anybody with a decent essay on banquo please please post!

Slow Show

Vito Corleone wrote: »

Macduff is a much more important character and the plot is dependant on him. Take Banquo away and the plot would basically be the same minus a few scenes. I reckon neither of them will come up in the end tbh, all we're going on is what someone said. It's Plath and Heaney all over again.

I'll probably end up learning stuff on Banquo in the end though.

Yeah but it's his function that's important, not his actual character, and what they're looking for is for you to actually analyse a character, something that I just think would be near-impossible for the Duffster.

Debating the values of Macbeth characters, what have my weekends come to....:pac:

ynwa14

Eek, if anyone has a link to a sample essay or points or something on Banquo/Macduff I'd appreciate it a lot. Didnt even think of preparing anything on them and my teacher was a big fan of "lets read the play through and do two exam questions once we're done yep well done you've finished MacBeth!!!" Notes is not a thing we were given, so I kind of rely on Keynotes.

Leaving Cert Student

Jade. wrote: »

Anyone who has key notes handy is there an essay on Banquo? Lost mine but will borrow one of my friends if there is! :P

ye there are two

Vito Corleone

Slow Show wrote: »

Yeah but it's his function that's important, not his actual character, and what they're looking for is for you to actually analyse a character, something that I just think would be near-impossible for the Duffster.

Debating the values of Macbeth characters, what have my weekends come to....:pac:

Depends how they phrase the question, if it's along the lines of "the importance of the character..." then Macduff would be much easier imo. I don't know, I'm just not feeling all the love for Banquo. Honestly, I'm hoping neither come up.

Yes, I do feel a little sad debating this...

Jade.

Leaving Cert Student wrote: »

ye there are two

Thank you Will have to get a loan of the book so!

Leaving Cert Student

thelad95 wrote: »

Banquo is guilty of a type of treasonous inaction by inadvertently acquiescing in Macbeth's unlawful usurpation of the Scottish throne.

key notes?

outnumbered

Lads, looking at the whole likeliness of Banquo appearing, i am beginning to fret. I pulled out a typed essay from some unknown source there now and it seems good. My question is, should I prepare my own now( which could take 3 hours for me) or just learn off that one. I have done out 100% essays on Bishop, Plath, theme/issue, cultural context, 3 paper 1 essays and One Kingship one. they all scored 100% (by a very hard corrector but they took me like 6 hours each.) I want that standard essay on Other topics in macbeth but don't have the time or the corrector! :P What should I Do?

On another note, has anyone any A1 standard essays on derek mahon and/or Adrienne rich??

11Charlie11

outnumbered wrote: »

Lads, looking at the whole likeliness of Banquo appearing, i am beginning to fret. I pulled out a typed essay from some unknown source there now and it seems good. My question is, should I prepare my own now( which could take 3 hours for me) or just learn off that one. I have done out 100% essays on Bishop, Plath, theme/issue, cultural context, 3 paper 1 essays and One Kingship one. they all scored 100% (by a very hard corrector but they took me like 6 hours each.) I want that standard essay on Other topics in macbeth but don't have the time or the corrector! :P What should I Do?

On another note, has anyone any A1 standard essays on derek mahon and/or Adrienne rich??

http://jamietuohy.com/category/poetry/
I think there is a good essay on here about Adrienne Rich

AndyMc

Where are all these promised essays?
I suppose we just wait in this purgatory.

hitchcock

Is anyone preparing for a question on the role of either Macduff or Malcolm?

decisions

hitchcock wrote: »

Is anyone preparing for a question on the role of either Macduff or Malcolm?

As part of a Kimgship essay, but not by themselves.

I wrote a Banquo essay over the weekend and am yet to get it back corrected so will hopefully let you all know how it goes.
With regards to a Macduff essay, I don't think I could do one, even if I tried my hardest.
I'm not anticipating a LM/Macbeth relationship to come up as it came up the last time Macbeth was on the course; it may be risky but they have to examine other areas, surely?