Wednesday

 Today you need to begin to write an analytical essay on some motif in Macbeth. You will need to choose a motif - such as birds - and connect it to a major theme (this should be your thesis) and then discuss how this motif in developed in the play. You will need evidence from the text. Please send me your thesis statements as you get them written so I can check them and let you know if they work.

Unit Learning goal: At the end of this Unit students will be able to analysis a motif found in Macbeth, create a thesis, and connect the motif to the meaning of the play as a whole by writing a short 2-3 page essay.

Scale/Rubric relating to learning goal:
4 – The student is able to combine more than one motif into a thesis statement, and answer it by evaluating the text and using specifics to back up his/her position.
3 – The student can choose a motif, develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.
2 – With some direction/help from the teacher the student can choose a motif, develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.
1 – Even with help from the teacher the student is unable to choose a motif, or develop it into a thesis statement, and analyze the text using specific evidence to back up their position.

MOTIF and THEMES IN Macbeth 

• Motifs

--washing of hands 

 --blood
--planting of seeds, things growing
--the atmosphere of Macbeth’s castle
--spells or chants and supernatural beings
--weather 

 --daggers
--spirits, scorpions, snakes and things in the mind
--birds and flying:

• THEMES:

--Blind Ambition
--The Corruption of Power
--Appearance vs. Reality
--Superstition and how it affects human behavior
--Good vs. Evil