Project Instruction

2/28

• Literary criticism is the study, evaluation, and interpretation of literature.

• A thesis is a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.

• The goal of this paper is to prove an interpretation of a symbol in Macbeth.

Instruction

• Combination of group and individual work• 100 points total• 30 (5 per day for the next week)• 70 (20 introduction, 30 body, 20 conclusion)

• 5 points today for completing outline & deciding on concept or conflict

• Example: Clothing & Ambition

Introduction Components

OTHER THAN THE FIRST AND LAST SENTENCES…ORDER DOES NOT MATTER

1. General summary statement of play including author and title (preview)

2. Introduction of symbol and power: concept or conflict

3. Specific example of symbol (from Act I)4. Circumstances of example

Introduction Components

5. Direct quote (Shakespeare)– Introduce quote with own words– Parenthetical reference – (Act I. Scene 2. Lines 3-4) = (I.2.3-4).

6. Significance of example7. Thesis statement (theory of power: concept or

conflict and introduction of future examples)8. Five to seven sentences

Sample 1: Summary

In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, force and fate pass the Scottish crown through three men.

AuthorTitlePreview

Sample 2: Symbol & Power

The ambition of Macbeth, a killer and a king, is represented symbolically by clothing.

SymbolPower

Sample 3&5: Specific Example

For example, upon hearing of his promotion, Macbeth replies, “The thane of Cawdor still lives. Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?” (I.3.109-110).

Direct quoteIntroductionParenthetical Reference

Sample 4: Circumstances

Prior to this announcement, three witches had prophetically greeted Macbeth by his current title, Thane of Glamis; a future title, Thane of Cawdor; and the ultimate title, King.

Context

Sample 6: Significance

Macbeth’s question is significant because Macbeth acknowledges the title of Cawdor does not naturally belong to him. Additionally, the witches’ truthful prophecy encourages Macbeth to seriously consider his ascension to the throne.

Deeper meaning

Sample 7: Thesis

Throughout the play, Macbeth’s rise and fall is traced through the fit and feel of his clothing.

PowerSymbolPreviewTransition

Goals• Outline– Assign examples from packet to paragraphs• CHANGE SYMBOL (all say blood )• IGNORE DUE DATE LINE: PROVIDED• Work chronologically

– Introduction = Act I– Conclusion = Act V– More than one example can be used from one act

– EXAMPLE: I.3.109-110 Macbeth gets promotion.

• Connect symbol to concept or conflict

GOALS

• Draft introduction• Turn into Mrs. Moore– Points– Safety

• Body paragraphs = Monday• Revisions = Tuesday– Introduction– Body Paragraphs

Writing Style Reminders

1. MLA Format– Double spaced (every other line) on composition

paper– Write legibly! Points will be deducted if illegible– Underline Macbeth (play)

2. Model Class Examples (Deviation will reduce score)

Continued 1

3. Only Third Person

4. No Contractions

5. No Slang or Conversational Language

6. Peer Edit -Most important for body paragraphs

Continued 2

7. Do Not Say “This Quote”

Introduce Quote with Own Words– For example,” …” (Act. Scene. Line).– Character Name + verb, “…” (Act. Scene. Line).– Introductory clause, “…” (Act. Scene. Line).

8. Use Parenthetical References

How should we start?

• Names on paper• “X” every other line for reminders

• Re-read components and sample• Re-read examples focusing on introduction

• Write one sentence at a time• The first and last ones are the hardest!

Body Paragraph 1NOT A BELL RINGER

• Topic sentence– Act summary (incorporate act number into

sentence)– Symbol– Power: concept or conflict

Body Paragraph 2

• Specific example:• Specific circumstances (scene) of example• Direct quote (Shakespeare)– Introduce quote with own words

• Parenthetical reference (Act II. Scene 3. Lines 4-5) = (II.3.4-5).

• Significance of example

Body Paragraph

• Connection to thesis/transition (power: concept or conflict)

• Five to seven sentences

• DOUBLE SPACE AGAIN!– Mark every other line with an “X”

Transitions/Connections

• Thesis:• Throughout the play, Macbeth’s rise and fall is

traced through the fit and feel of his clothing. • Topic Sentence: • In Act II, Macbeth and his lady make the

witches’ third prophecy come true by killing King Duncan for the royal robes.

Transitions/Connections

• Final Sentence:• Having obtained the crown, Macbeth’s now

reaches for absolute control over his country and his future.

• Next Example:• Macbeth says, “Upon my head they placed a

fruitless crown, /And put a barren scepter in my gripe, […]/No son of mine succeeding” (III.1.65-69).

3/5

• GOALS:• Revise introduction– I will visit each group.

• Peer edit body paragraphs– Everyone reads all!

• Thursday/Friday = “Final Copy” days

BELL 3/7 RINGER

• The conclusion is the resolution of a paper; it is meant to tie up all the loose ends.

• Another goal of this paragraph is to connect and discuss ideas from the individual body paragraphs.

• Restate the idea of the thesis…not the sentence itself!

Components 1

• General summary statement of play (review)

• Introduction of symbol and power: concept or conflict

• Specific example of symbol (Act V)…

Components 2

• Circumstances of example

• Direct quote (Shakespeare)– Introduce quote with own words

• Parenthetical reference (Act V. Scene 6. Lines 7-8) = (V.6.7-8).

• Significance of example

Components 3

• Discuss impact of power: concept or conflict on play (character or event)– Reference previous examples– See sample paragraph

• Five to seven sentences

Examples

• Thesis Statement: Throughout the play, Macbeth’s rise and fall is traced through the fit and feel of his clothing.

• Closing Sentence: In conclusion, Macbeth’s attire physically represents his inability to retain the power he killed so many to obtain.

Goals

• Thursday: Draft conclusion (turn in)

• Friday: Rewrite introduction

• Rewritten body paragraphs due MONDAY.

• Monday: Rewrite conclusion– Final draft due!!!