Week 11: 10/26-30

Mon. We reviewed the discussion questions pertaining to the Macbeth Act II scene ii commentary from last week.

Tues. Macbeth quiz reviewed, and students "peer edited" first draft of commentaries.4th period didn't meet due to Josten's assembly. Class also discussed the importance of secrets in Macbeth, and considered their effects on the outcomes of the play.


Wed. 4th period reviewed and "peer edited" first draft of commentaries; 3rd period practiced personification of abstractions, combined with appositive phrases.


Thurs. Class produced theme statements from Macbeth which used the following topics: ambition, manliness, equivocation, human nature, paranoia, evil, and greed. Class then discussed themes in Macbeth. Lively discussion particularly around the subject of whether Macbeth is an optimistic or pessimistic play (3rd period), and whether Macbeth's motivation from the throne is internally motivated or externally motivated (4th period). As for the latter, interpretations of Macbeth's motive for writing a letter to his wife yielded significantly different understandings of Macbeth's character. Why did he write that letter?

Fri. Graded draft of Macbeth commentary is due on Monday (post-poned from today). Some summary notes were given on themes, character, audience needs, motifs, and Shakespeare's style. We wrapped up the week with a scintillating round of Shakespearean insults.