How to Write an Analytical Essay on Macbeth

January 16, 2018 F WP
how to write an analytical essay on macbeth

How to Write an Analytical Essay on Macbeth

Table of Contents

Writing an Analytical Essay on Macbeth

Why write about Macbeth

The centrality of writing about Macbeth is to exhibit how an unconstrained desire can be a destructive force. Writing about Macbeth outlines how ruinous over-ambition or ambition can be. Macbeth, seemingly an aristocrat, is driven to actions and thoughts which are inherently averse to his nature and in the end causes his destruction alongside Lady Macbeth, his wife. ‘Macbeth’ deals with power and kingship and the accountability brought with power. Writing about Macbeth is fundamental in that as it demonstrates that when appropriately established power is ousted by noxious means, appalling penalties can follow.

Beginning an analytical essay on Macbeth

To start an analytical essay on Macbeth, the author needs to present some form of claim or argument about what he/she is dissecting. Analytical essays typically focus on how the poem or book was composed, for example, how specific topics in the story present themselves or how the utilization of metaphor or similitude brings about a precise meaning to the story. In short, analytical essays require one to examine the smaller sections of the piece to explain the larger picture. To write an analytical essay on Macbeth, the writer needs to review any thought or fact: connections that can be linked, thus formulating concepts and utilizing events to support it.

How to write an outline

A ‘plan’ or ‘blueprint’ for your essay is called an outline. An outline aids in sorting one’s arguments and thoughts. An appealing outline makes conducting research and later writing your essay somewhat simpler. Your outline page is comprised of:

  1. Paper Title
  2. Thesis Statement
  3. Major arguments/points shown by Roman numerals
  4. Supporting your key points, shown in Arabic numerals

The Roman number I is the writer’s ‘Introduction.’ In the paper’s introduction section, tell the reader your paper’s purpose and what it intends on proving (your thesis). The final roman number is the conclusion; there one summarizes information presented to the reader.

Sample Outline

I. Introduction

  • A. Sentence to catch the reader’s attention
  • B. One-two sentence proclamation (thesis statement)

II. Body

  • A. First Paragraph
  • B. Second Paragraph
  • C. Third Paragraph

III. Conclusion

  • A. Thesis Restatement
  • B. Insightful sentence closing

How to write a thesis for an analytical essay on Macbeth

To do it correctly, the essay writer should sum their idea into one sentence or two. The thesis statement should display the paper’s topic and show the reader what the article is about and thus aiding in keeping the argument focused and guides the writer.

How to write an introduction

The introduction is designed to grab the reader’s attention along with giving an idea of the essay’s focus. Start with a redherring/attention grabber. This includes:

  • Surprising information which must be provable and correct.
  • Dialogue which does not substantially have to identify the speakers; however, the reader must understand points made.
  • Anecdotes which are stories that illustrate a point.
  • Summary information; one to three sentences expounding your topic.

Tips on writing an introduction and thesis

  • Be as specific and exact as possible.
  • Indicate your paper’s purpose, however, evade sentence structures like “my essay’s purpose is…”
  • Avoid burying your thesis statement late in the paper.
  • Avoid clichés.
  • Provide relevant and helpful information.
  • Convince the reader your essay is worth reading and their time.

Writing body paragraphs

Naturally, body paragraphs develop the paper’s main idea in a series of sections. When writing body paragraphs, the writer’s chosen topic must be outlined, explained, and argued. All main ideas written in the outline make the body paragraph.

Tips on body writing

  • Begin by writing down your key ideas in sentence form
  • Write down your supporting points for your chief idea that is, paraphrases and quotations from sources and facts (findings and statistics from conducted studies)
  • Ensure you tie the facts you state back to the paragraph’s main idea (Analysis)
  • Your transition from paragraph to paragraph should be fluid
  • Explain your argument’s importance

How to finish an analytical essay on Macbeth

Finishing the analytical essay is simple once the framework is known. To conclude, three main sectors are taken into consideration. They are a transition from the body’s last paragraph, a rundown of the essay’s points and thesis statement, and finally, a closing statement that wraps everything up.

Tips on conclusion writing

  • Make it short.
  • Answer the ‘So what’ question showing your readers the substance of your essay; show your reader the meaningfulness of your essay.
  • Redirect your readers – this is done by giving them something to think about.
  • Synthesize rather than summarizing; don’t repeat things stated in your thesis.
  • Challenge the reader by posing a question.

Tips on revision

  • Utilize your grammar check, spell-check, and check your spelling.
  • Keep your format simple.
  • Include clear transitions, markers, and citations.
  • Include evidence and support for all main points.
  • Ensure the essay’s intent is shown not told.

Analytical essay on Macbeth

I. Introduction

‘Macbeth’ is a play highlighting a breakdown in relationships between individuals Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth start the play showing an alluring relationship, however, as the plot advances; Macbeth’s aspirations drive him to commit regicide alongside other murders hence their relationship weakens and dissolves. This breakdown drastically impacts the play. Lady Macbeth’s longing for power prompts her enthusiasm in controlling Macbeth’s activities. Conversely, she loses control which ends in her tragedy.

II. Discussion

Ambition is typically what drives most towards progress, however, in Macbeth, it drives Macbeth towards his ruin. Ambition is a quality craved by many; however, through Macbeth, it is shown as an attribute that isn’t so positive. Macbeth proves that aspiration was a noteworthy constituent in his demise. Macbeth made it so effortless for the witches to help annihilate him. The witches noted his ambition was his weakness thus making it effortless for them to plan Macbeth’s destruction. Macbeth’s desire to have the witches stay on and continue with their prophecy shows his ambition and strives for power which the witches instantly spotted.

Initially, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth adored each other: when Macbeth writes Lady Macbeth a letter naming her his “dearest partner in greatness,” this signifies that he views her as her equal. Lady Macbeth’s mind starts working after reading Macbeth’s letter. Lady Macbeth’s statement ‘shalt be’ uncannily mirrors the Witches prophecy.

The breakdown of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship results from various deeds, most obviously King Duncan’s murder. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respond differently. Macbeth is overcome with regret and remorse he knows sleep no more. He has interrupted sleep showing how tense he is with the crime. The guilt he experiences shows disallows him to sleep. Contrary, Lady Macbeth reacts differently. She is practical and calm, instructing him to rinse his hands. She openly says “water will clear us off this deed” showing her buoyancy that the water will drain away the guilt. Lady Macbeth calls the shots in their relationship since Macbeth is too weak. Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth’s manhood and bravery, and affection between them diminishes.

The mental suffering Macbeth and Lady Macbeth go through following the murder is another factor that adds on to their relationship’s breakdown. After being crowned king, Macbeth makes known his discontent. “To be thus is nothing, but being safely thus.” Macbeth has the idea that Banquo will be crowned and dreads its fulfillment. Similarly, Lady Macbeth is equally disappointed when she expresses that their desire has gone without content. Still, the pair is uncommunicative at this point.

III. Conclusion

From act one, Lady Macbeth persuaded Macbeth to complete a detestable deed that led to what his alleged fate was, even though none said King Duncan had to be murdered for the prophecy to manifest. After that inhuman deed, victims of Macbeth’s paranoid personality typically followed. Macbeth’s ambitions mainly driven by greed, insecurity, and hopelessness greatly impacted Macbeth fate toward death. Macbeth’s ambitions drove him downwards as being a deplorable hero in Shakespeare’s enthralling play.

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