English

‘Yours Truly, Lady Macbeth’

The Shakespeare Academy has been running at King’s for the past three years as a Widening Participation project. In 2017-18 we reached over 350 students, continuing to develop close partnerships with teachers and pupils at eight London state-funded secondary schools, from Key Stage 3 to GCSE. We run workshops with the students that investigate Shakespeare’s plays through seminar-style sessions, readings, and creative writing activities. Read more about the Shakespeare Academy here .

Below you can read some examples of creative writing by Years 9 and 10 students from our summer 2018 workshops. We asked them to imagine what Lady Macbeth might have written if she had left a suicide note. As you can see, the pieces are inspired by the imagery and language of the play, but re-imagined for a modern audience.

I was particularly encouraged by the ways in which students engaged with the gender politics of Macbeth . Their writings express the limitations of Lady Macbeth’s agency within early modern patriarchy with a subtlety that I found truly impressive. The entrants showcased below were chosen for their originality, insight and imaginative engagement with Shakespeare’s text.  They express the individual poetic and creative voices of the students, while maintaining close adherence to the characterisation, imagery and tone of the play.

– Dr Gemma Miller , English Department and Globe Education

Hiral Galaiya, Avanti House, Stanmore, Year 10

Dear diary,

So much has happened in the last few months; it is hard to wrap my head around everything. Suddenly, Macbeth has prevailed from the mere Thane of Glamis to King – my husband took my advice, transforming from an innocent flower to serpent, only I never saw the goodness of the petals till it was far too late. I should be glad, I should be happy, but I know I shall not be, for I now understand the power of my ambition, and how it will forever leave me wanting more. Desire stripped me, and now I lay here, naked. Naked in guilt.

macbeth creative writing examples

I am beginning to question as to whether any of this was worth it. I feel as though I am stuck in a downfall. A self-inflicted downward spiral. I must take responsibility, before it is too late, so I admit to having pushed…manipulated even, Macbeth to be King. I realise now that my actions were wrong; Cawdor lost one of its loyalist beings (again a quality I never appreciated). My position as a woman drove me to yearn for power, and consequently, it grew resentment. Honestly, power seemed like the ideal substitute to soothe my corrupted mind – I was so afraid of being kept behind doors, that I caused a war – yet look where I’ve ended up!

Never have I experienced such guilt or pity. I am still struggling to fathom my own insanity; they say it came now, as a form of remorse, yet I suppose all of my crafty schemes have been folly. I would like to end this by saying I regret all, and that I never thought it would come to this. The witches were said to be defectiveness, yet my evilness is far worse than theirs, and so is my fate. I suppose this is my suicide note, but ironically, it is not addressed to anyone. Why? Because I am alone, and I deserve it. What’s done cannot be undone.

Yours truly,

Lady Macbeth.

Jathursha Maniyalagan, Avanti House, Stanmore, Year 10

Dear Macbeth,

My dearest partner of greatness, I can barely write as my wicked tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision and a huge painful lump is stuck in my throat, suffocating me, my body is shaking and burning up and I feel as though my life has collapsed. The guilt has consumed me and I can’t escape this pain any longer. Screams from Duncan paralyse my head and torture me during the day, I am truly sorry that you have to find out what happened through someone other than me, I feel like a coward I went against everything I told you, but I am still a woman. Knowing about the supernatural has caused me to go downhill and I could only solve this by forgetting everything, so I ended my life, fast and painlessly, I had to get away from life immediately. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I just couldn’t handle the guilt, my sins will never be forgiven and all of Neptune’s ocean could never wash this blood clean from my hands. I truly wanted everything to go back to normal but miracles aren’t for everyone.

macbeth creative writing examples

I felt like Eve to you, Adam. I deceived you. I made you feel like a woman, I made you become a disloyal man and I did this by being the serpent under the flower by manipulating you. I made the crown become your fruit, I persuaded you to becoming king in the wrong way and the moment I received the letter from you, I tried to lead us to power but I should never have taken fate into my own hands. The spirits disappointed you the same way I did to you, I deserve to be tortured, burned at the stake, maimed, but I am too much of a woman, I commanded the spirits to turn me into a man but they knew I couldn’t handle it. The guilt was eating me alive, so ending my misery was the best decision for the both of us, as I could exclude my horrid self from you, to make you feel happy once again. I really hope you can truly forgive me and I’m unaware of your current position in life but I want you to know that you will always be my king, deep down in my twisted little heart.

Lady Macbeth

Jesal Vadgama, Avanti House, Stanmore, Year 10

Dear my dearest love Macbeth,

Full of serpents is my mind, the three witches have bestowed a curse upon us. Death to those treacherous witches, for they have played with our minds. There is nothing but unholy wine running through my veins; no power on Earth can cure what has been done. We should stop murdering and confess to the lord for we have sinned. I was mistaken; no water can clear us of this deed. I am as weak as a petal on a wilted flower; I cannot bear all this shame so I am going to take my life putting an end to all of this. The witches are to blame for our downfall, kill the witches and you will have a happy life again.

Fair well my love I will miss you, nothing can cure me of this disease. I have decided upon my fate which is suicide and nothing is going to stop me from my death, I am very sorry Macbeth but this is the only way I can get rid of this shame as I have truly become weak. Someone is going to come for me. Do me the greatest favour by not forgetting to kill those three witches. With so much sorrow I must part you for the greater good, I must go this instant. To bed to bed! There is knocking at the gate come, come, come, come, give me your hand. What’s done cannot be undone – To bed, to bed, to bed!

Long live my heroic Macbeth,

From your love Lady Macbeth

macbeth creative writing examples

Radhey Patel, Avanti House, Stanmore, Year 10

Spirits. Spirits I called, that tend mortal thoughts, manifest with sheer hunger within me. Their reach thickens my blood, to where my system art clogged and obscured my hope. I has plagued th’ inventor, I has plagued myself, and there seem’th to be no control. The burden of Macbeth’s poisoned chalice has overcometh me and now I desire to wash it off.

Oh, Macbeth. You made me the snake and thou the God above. The God that wreaked thine destruction onto my mind. The same being that encompassed my mind, my fear, my ambition into one concoction of hatred. Hatred colours my soul. It spreads throughout my entire system, shutting down all other feelings, and becoming central to mine breath and the intent. He has turns his attention to other matters, and I have been driven alternate, but then the wave of his ill thoughts return with a vengeance. My soul is now coloured completely, and all the negative energy that one can muster is thrown into my imagined ill will racing wildly around the mind of mine. Hatred becomes a sickness of the mind, and of the heart. For where hatred has claimed possession, there is no room for love. Left unchecked, Macbeth’s hate has completely poisoned me.

What now? I challenge those thoughts, those intentions before. These spirits have withheld, and now they return to forces beyond with my soul. They left me with the malevolence, with hatred for my own husband. He was the cause. The reason. The drive. I did all this for his progression, his dark hunger! Stars have hidden their fire, and revealed his black desires beneath. Gall has burnt my breasts, and frothed my child. The sex has strengthened me and weakened me. The flower above has left me smelling sweet and seductive, but all this for what? For Macbeth’s desire, greed, avarice, want, determination, hunger that I mistook for love.

There is no more. No more too live for, no more to love. Why should I cage my mortal conscience within my weak body, while Macbeth is glorified at Birnam Wood. His greed is like a net, sweeping up all his pupils, but not me. Not his prithee, no. I inherently deserve nothing. Nothing. Now, it is the vengeance that drives me. The vengeance that poisoned my chalice tenfold ago. The vengeance that has been the death of me. There is no more time for Macbeth, and I bid him my final farewell with hatred, horror and despair.

macbeth creative writing examples

Ryan Radia, Avanti House, Stanmore, Year 10

Be the serpent underneath the flower. No! The flower is no longer visible; it was never visible. I was always the devilish snake, still am. Merely crawling, scratching, slithering through the tragedy we have dubbed Life. Life will walk onwards. Life does not care. Life shall never cease to the living. Always one step ahead; like I thought. Lies I tell again; deep down the flower inside told me to stop but for me, the sly snake within forgot the consequences of deeds so unimaginable; the Lord almighty would not forgive.

macbeth creative writing examples

Forgiveness is all I crave, that word that would cleanse my soul. A word so precious, my tainted tongue would dare to speak. Power was all I have wanted, accepting the darkness within, only to be powerless at the end of the line. Line which has been drawn short, like the level of power I had gained. Desire turned into greed; lust turned into addiction; so so into the final stretch, I still crave, lust, desire my power. Power which deep down I know will never present itself.

Imagine never achieving something of worth, despite turning into a snake, ruining relationships, tearing trust and killing kindness. That’s me. The black spot has grown too much; the end is here. Sorry…

Shaan Vadher, Avanti House, Year 10

Dear my sweet Macbeth,

I cannot take it anymore. The guilt is eating at my innards. I have not got the power within me to keep continuously lying and keep this dark sin from the knowledge of our closest companions. It seems I am too full of the milk of human kindness to carry all of this guilt upon me.

In these dark times, I have realised what it really means to have power. My dear, it is not attained by killing everyone who threatens to take the throne, it is about creating a sense of respect when people hear your name. The more people you slaughter, the more respect you lose.

The blood on my feeble hands remain. It has stained my pale, white skin for all eternity. Anyways, I have written this letter to you to tell you to stop. Your ambition has gotten the better of you; you are a different man now. Your ambition has also been affecting me, the burden is crushing my soul and feeding it to the devil; you will be his next meal.

It is time for me to leave this wretched place, although I feel I won’t be able to feel happiness again, wherever I am. My beloved Macbeth, just always remember that yo______

This is just the beginning.

Meet me at Birnham Wood to finally meet your fate…

macbeth creative writing examples

Tolu Oluwafisayo, Ark All Saints, year 9

The thought of you who kill man

Water is not enough to cleanse this hand

I can’t live with guilt

Even for kingdom we have built

This is all I hear in my dream

All I hear is the screams

This where my body lies

This is the reason for my suicide

I will forever love Macbeth

Sorry you will have to live on after death

This is the end of the letter

This is where we part

I shall live in your heart

macbeth creative writing examples

You may also enjoy:

Lucy Monro reflects on investigating early modern verbatim theatre

Hailey Bachrach discusses ‘gender blind’ casting at Shakespeare’s Globe

Rachael Nicholas on the Shakespeare MOOC run by the department in 2016

Blog posts on King’s English represent the views of the individual authors and neither those of the English Department, nor of King’s College London.

Featured image: Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth in 1888.

From the Department of English at King's College London

Pondering English Pedagogy

A personal blog to share teaching thoughts, ideas, and practises

Re-creative Writing: An Approach to teaching ‘Macbeth’

macbeth creative writing examples

Carol Ann Duffy coursework Curriculum diversity English English Literature Female author Feminism inclusion LGBT Madeline Miller Margaret Atwood Naomi Alderman Natalie Haynes NEA OCR Pedagogy poetry Prose Whole-School

After 6 years of teaching Shakespeare’s Macbeth , I have worked through various strategies to engage students in the (often troublesome) use of language. These have ranged from supported and scaffolded class annotation of the text to ‘Jeremy Kyle-style’ debates between key characters. All have their pros and cons. However, it was after several years of exploring the Re-creative coursework element of the OCR A-Level specification, that led me to this question: why not try the same concept with GCSE students?

So, what does ‘Re-creative’ mean?

This is a process by which students read and study a text with the aim of producing their own form of creative writing in response. OCR use this as an option for their NEA Task 1, where a student can choose to complete EITHER a close a analysis or a re-creative piece.

As outlined by the specification on the OCR website, re-creative writing allows students to:

  • develop aspects of a narrative further in the style or ‘voice’ of the writer
  • consider specific moments in a narrative by adding additional text or adding further context
  • allows students to consider different audiences, contexts, and purposes through the exploration of different written forms and genres

Essentially, by allowing students to explore a text through recreating or adding elements to the existing narrative, they can begin to further understand the ‘voice’ and intentions of the writer, whilst also engaging with various creative tasks. For example, in a Shakespeare text, students can begin to further understand the features and form of a soliloquy by framing a new addition into the existing play – an example that my Year 10 students explored in their study of Macbeth this term.

macbeth creative writing examples

What are the benefits of this approach?

Through the teaching of this method, I have seen a range of benefits through the students’ levels of interaction and engagement, but also through their understanding of the text and various written forms.

“It can […] contribute to wider opportunities of peer-assessment, resulting in meaningful feedback and extended tal k”

As a lover of dialogic teaching (check out Towards Dialogic Teaching by Robin Alexander [2004]), I have found that this can greatly encourage students to share their own ideas through various spoken presentations as well as encourage talk between their peers, both in the planning and writing processes. This, in turn, allows for wider opportunities of peer-assessment, resulting in meaningful feedback and extended talk , such as considering conscious decisions around writers’ craft and how this can shape the meaning of their piece within the wider context of the text.

I short though, the main benefits I have noticed in this creative method of teaching are:

  • Wider opportunities for creative writing – this allows students to develop SPaG and literary skills, whilst breaking up lessons of close, detailed analysis of a rich (often difficult) text
  • Extended understanding of various written form s – which can include elements of writing useful for their Language Papers. For example, article and speech writing as well as poetic forms and play-texts, all of which can help students to extend their knowledge of text layout and rhetorical language features
  • Refined understanding of the primary study text – which, ultimately, helps them to feel more confident when it comes to revision of plot, character, and technique. By allowing students the opportunity to write re-creatively in the ‘voice’ of the primary writer, they can better understand the actions and relationships between characters, as well as have a better understanding of stylistic techniques used by the writer
  • Fun and engaging – which is, essentially, what we want all of our students to experience when learning English. It can break up the monotony of very focused close analysis which – very easily – can become quiet teacher-led. By handing creative tasks over to our students, it gives them the control to discuss their ideas with their peers as well as share work that they can be proud of!

What were students asked to do in their study of Macbeth ?

In this section, I want to demonstrate a more detailed overview of this case study to provide you with some real examples of how re-creative writing can be used as a strategy to help students engage and learn about a primary text, whilst also expanding their skills in writing and peer-assessing.

All forms of writing were produced at various points throughout the students’ study of Macbeth . Each task was used to assess students’ knowledge of key characters and events in the play , whilst also aiming to extend creative writing skills for their AQA Language pape r: using wider and sophisticated vocabulary and adapting language and structure to suit their audience.

Responding to Act 1.5: A soliloquy in the voice of Lady Macbeth

For this task, we had just been introduced to Lady Macbeth’s character as well as having explored the structural forms of soliloquy and asides . I wanted students to demonstrate their knowledge of key character traits of Lady Macbeth (such as manipulative and ‘supernatural or witch-like’ qualities) whilst also experimenting with the form of a soliloquy, using their understanding of Act 1.5 and earlier examples from the character of Macbeth.

macbeth creative writing examples

The students responses were fantastic, showing a strong understanding of her use of language after reading the letter. These were based both on their individual understanding and creative flair, but also rooted in questioning and learning talk with one another.

Some examples of the student pieces are below:

macbeth creative writing examples

Responding to Act 3.3 – A modern retelling of Banquo’s demise

“Students successfully created a range of playscripts, with some even citing references to Naturalist theatre, where they had used significant detail in their stage directions.”

Although not technically “re-creative” (as we were not writing in Shakespeare’s style), I wanted students to further understand the structure of a play-text as well as the use of stagecraft. Normally, I would have asked students to create freeze-frames or short modernised performances of the scene, but due to social distancing , this was not possible (COVID-19 problems…).

macbeth creative writing examples

Students were instructed to create a modern playscript of Act 3.3 which could be included in EITHER a stage or film production of Shakespeare’s original play. The teaching aims of this task were for students to:

  • demonstrate their understanding of stagecraft and potential effects of sound, lighting, and physicality
  • show an understanding of mood and atmosphere through the setting of their piece, the use of dialogue, and the manipulation of sound and lighting
  • explore and discuss relationships between characters and how this might impact later events in the play

macbeth creative writing examples

Students successfully created a range of playscripts, with some even citing references to Naturalist theatre, where they had used significant detail in their stage directions. Many students used particular dialogue such as “a light, a light” to help explore different staging opportunities and decisions. Others decided to use storyboards to help in the planning of their final pieces, showing thoughtful decision-making and discussion during their learning.

macbeth creative writing examples

Pre-Reading Act 4.3 – The Suffering of Scotland – Articles and Speeches

“I also wanted them to consider their ability to explore empathy from the perspective of a citizen trapped within a tyranny”

The final example was used as a way to explore some flipped learning. I wanted students to use their understanding of key themes within the text to help them explore a range of transactional written forms. The context of this task was rooted in students’ recognition that Scotland has quickly been taken over by a tyrannical dictator and how this might have affected characters within the play – namely Macduff. However, I also wanted them to consider their ability to explore empathy from the perspective of a citizen trapped within a tyranny.

Students, therefore, had a choice to either compose a persuasive speech, considering Macduff’s desperation to seek help from Malcolm and King Edward, or an article which reported on events within Scotland. Both forms would allow me to measure their understanding of key plot events as well as helping them prepare skills in non-fiction written forms for AQA Language Paper 2.

macbeth creative writing examples

One of the key elements of this task was the opportunity for peer-assessment . I like to provide students with checklists as a form of guidance, but also encourage students to give written feedback in the form of WWW (What Went Well) and EBI (Even Better If). If you want any more ideas for Assessment for Learning (AFL) you can explore English Inside the Black Box (2006) by Bethan Marshall and Dylan Wiliam.

You can easily adapt existing checklists to fit various tasks and it is a great way to assist students in marking each other’s work – especially if they have limited experience of peer-assessment.

macbeth creative writing examples

This was ultimately very successful, with students exploring various structural methods and learning the basics of article and speech writing. They proudly presented their work, as well as being able to present spoken forms via FlipGrid (an online recording tool).

I was particularly pleased to see students adapt their language to suit specific audiences , which is a key skill for their Language examination papers.

Examples of student work are below:

macbeth creative writing examples

In conclusion?

Essentially, students really enjoyed the process of writing in different forms, but also gained a great deal of knowledge and insight into Shakespeare’s craft and use of character.

Although not perfect (some students essentially re-wrote Act 3.3 in modern dialect as opposed to redesigning the scene), it allowed students to explore language and understanding through methods that went beyond just “reading and analysing” the play.

I believe that, through creative tasks such as these, it can truly engage reluctant learners with more challenging topics (such as Shakespeare) and move us towards skills-based learning and teaching, rather than more traditional modular topic teaching. There are strong links here to Anthony Cockerill’s demonstrations of thematic teaching of English topics and I would strongly recommend you to check out his blog here: https://anthonycockerill.com/2019/07/12/thematic-curriculum-scheme-gothic/

macbeth creative writing examples

Useful tools to aid in the process

I wanted to finish by suggesting some useful tools that can really help to aid in collaborative approaches to these tasks, as well as in peer-assessment. They are particularly relevant for online and distance learning :

  • Flipgrid.com is a great tool for allowing students to record and share written forms, such as speeches
  • OneNote allows students to write text in a shared online notebook, but the collaboration space is particularly good for students to share their work and enable easy peer-marking. It is worth checking this out in your departments
  • Planet eStream is a video database, which include various versions of Shakespeare plays. I used these to help draw students’ attention to the use of staging and other dramatic elements with the aim to elicit comparison between productions.

Thank you for reading.

Share this:, 2 thoughts on “ re-creative writing: an approach to teaching ‘macbeth’ ”.

Fantastic piece. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m about to start teaching Macbeth again with a link to creative writing. This has given me so many ideas. Much appreciated.

Thanks Phillip! You sometimes wonder if anyone actually reads your pieces, so it’s encouraging to know it’s inspired someone in some way! Feel free to share any other ideas you have with teaching Macbeth!

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Macbeth Creative Writing - The Witches

Macbeth Creative Writing - The Witches

Subject: English

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

miss_secondaryenglish_

Last updated

12 May 2023

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macbeth creative writing examples

This lesson is based on students crafting a creative piece of writing based on interpretations of the three witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Students watch a clip of three directors take on the witches, are given guidance on what to include within their writing and a prompted on how to write their creative piece.

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Creative writing - Macbeth on trial

Authors Avatar

Alyssa Bellave                                                                       12/27/11

Macbeth Trial                                                                            Quinlisk

I call to the stand Macbeth......Did you or did you not Murder in Cold blood your king Duncan?

Your Honour on the night of the accused, I held a banquet with good

intentions for my King Duncan who has served the country for

many years. The events leading up to the acusation period were

somewhat distorted. A week or more ago I paid homage to a group

of medians unintentionally whilst on a journey with my fellow

companion Banquo. I was beckoned by the witch that confronted

Join now!

me at the mouth of a cave, within minutes I was under an

unrecognisable spell. They said,

"All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!"

"All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!"

"All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!"

After They Showed Me A Couldron, I then spent most of the day

unconscious on the floor of the cave. I awoke to find myself alone.

Unawhere of the fate that cloned me, I was under their iriputable

power of ambition .

Carry on sir!

This is a preview of the whole essay

Well no sooner had I got back to my tent, Duncan came with his

guards and messenger and gave me the medallion to be the Thane

of Glamis and I was told I was also the thane of Cawdor due to an

evil happening at Duncan's castle.

Anyway, when I told my wife Lady Macbeth, she thought it was

wonderful and we should invite Duncan to a banquet at our castle

but then she told me that to acomplish the last part of the witches

spell we should kill him.

So it was Lady Macbeth that helped you complete the task of killing

your faithful king.

Yes, that is true. When I came home to Inverness she said, "O,

never shall sun that morrow see".

So what happened when Duncan came that night?

Well it started off perfectly, we had a big banquet with

entertainment and the king was smiling and enjoying himself so

much but my wife came over to me and asked when I was going to

do the deed. I told her I didn't want to but she insisted so much that

I had to say yes. We both agreed that it would be done by drugging

the guards, then killing the king and putting the daggers stained

with blood in their hands so it looked as if they had commited the

So did your plan work?

Well everyone was asleep and my wife and I went outside, I had a

dagger and went to the tower. I could see a vision of a dagger in the

air, it was as if it was leading me to Duncan. As I walked along the

corridor, I checked if the guards were out cold. They were and I

went in to the bedroom where he was at rest. I held the dagger

above him in the air and he opened his eyes, I stabbed him many

times in the heart to make sure he was completly dead and as he

rolled around the floor in pain I ran out of the room forgetting to

leave the weapons with the guards.

My wife was outside waiting and she asked if I had done the deed,

she then saw I had the daggers and said,

"Why did you bring the daggers from the place? They must lie

there. Go carry them, and smear the sleepy grooms with blood".

I told her I could do no more and she said she would go and take

them back to the tower. When she came back I was washing my

hands and she said, "A little water clears us of this deed". We heard

a knocking at the south entrance so quickly we retired to our

chamber. It was Macduff at the gate and the porter had answered, I

went back downstairs and Macduff asked if Duncan had stirred

from his sleep, I said he wasn't and I led him to the tower where he

saw the the king on the floor with blood still dripping from his pale

white body. Macduff was very shocked and I was told to ring the

alarm bell, as I went out I saw the two guards on the floor stirring

and shouted to Lennox to see them.

So both of them thought the guards had killed him?

Yes, that was the nature of it

I have no further questions for Macbeth, I now ask the jury to reach

a verdict on Macbeth's fate.

The Jury think the Macbeth should be put to death tomorrow

morning without delay

The case is closed

Peer Reviews

Here's what a star student thought of this essay.

Avatar

PicturePerfect

Quality of writing.

This is a well written piece and it flows nicely. There is some issue with spelling but this is minor. The candidate has attempted to use a higher vocabulary, although this feels a little forced and I’m not sure that it works. For example the word ‘iriputable’ is used at the end of Macbeth’s first speech, it should be spelt irreputable (which means to have no reputation) and I think something like compelling (to have an irresistible/overpowering effect) would work better here.

Level of analysis

The use of quotations to aid in the retelling of Macbeth’s story is a nice touch, especially in the beginning when Macbeth is describing how he felt the witches were putting him under a spell. I think this is an interesting idea and perhaps something the candidate should have pursued further. In addition everything needs to be in speech marks, as the throughout the piece, people are talking to one another. I like the use of different fonts, so that it is clear when Macbeth is talking and when he is being asked questions.

Response to question

I really like the candidates approach to this piece, the use of the trial is an excellent idea and a great way to hear the story from Macbeth’s point of view. However I feel that it would have been more appropriate to try and use similar language to that used by Shakespeare in the play ‘Macbeth’, in this why it would feel more realistic. It is quite clear that this is taking place in a court room but it would have been interesting to set the scene and describe, whats happening, perhaps it could start with Macbeth being brought into the court room, this would add some drama.

Creative writing - Macbeth on trial

Document Details

  • Word Count 782
  • Page Count 3
  • Subject English

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The Real Macbeth

Creative Inspiration

While we may wish to understand The Real Macbeth and his times – the turbulent 11th century when what was to become Scotland began to take shape – we should not forget that the fictional Macbeth, dramatised and made infamous by Shakespeare, has been the inspiration for creative people for hundreds of years.

Creative Macbeth

A Compelling Story

Throne of Blood

Throne of Blood

Macbeth, with its themes of the supernatural, the lust for power and the betrayal of friends, has become almost a universal story.

In films it has been transported to feudal Japan in Akira Kurasawa’s Throne of Blood, released in 1957. Other film adaptations have included resetting the story in Chicago, New York, Melbourne and Mumbai.

Justin Kurzel’s 2015 movie starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard provides a gritty interpretation of Shakespeare’s play, set in the dramatic landscape of medieval Scotland.

In books, Terry Pratchett parodied Macbeth in his book Wyrd Sisters, setting the Macbeth story in the famous Discworld. While in music, Macbeth has been inspiration for traditional opera – including works by Verdi and Shostakovich – and rock opera, as well as for works in other genres.

Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters

Now, through the efforts of modern historians, the real Macbeth is emerging as just as fascinating as his fictional persona, if not more so.

Moray Speyside

128 Macbeth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best macbeth topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on macbeth, 📌 most interesting macbeth topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about macbeth, ❓ macbeth essay questions.

Writing an essay on Shakespearean tragedies may be tricky for some students. There are a lot of ideas to put in your paper, and that may puzzle you. That’s why we’ve prepared a short guide on how to write Macbeth essay.

Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare based on the true story of Scottish king Macbeth. The play tells us about a Scottish general who heard a prophecy from a trio of witches and decided to bring predictions to fulfillment. This is a drama about the jeopardy of excessive lust for power and betrayal of friends.

Some researchers state that William Shakespeare adopted the plot from Holinshed’s Chronicles, a popular history of England, while others argue that the plot of the play was borrowed from George Buchanan. Before you start your Macbeth essay, you should do thorough research on facts and fiction around the play.

To give you ideas on how and what to write in your essay, check the tips below:

  • Check our Macbeth essay samples to acquire knowledge on characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, Banquo, Malcolm, Macduff, Three Witches, and others. Each character is unique, and it’s quite easy to write a paper on each of them. Make a meticulous analysis of each of them, if you decide to write an essay on Macbeth characters. Use dialogues and monologues as supporting arguments to your ideas.
  • In your Macbeth essay introduction provide readers with the thesis statement and a summary you’re going to discuss in the paper. Specify what exactly you will depict or analyze. Sometimes, you may need to write the intro after you finish the body and already have done an in-depth analysis of text and critique materials.
  • When writing body paragraphs, describe the essay topic in detail. Start each section with a short statement, provide a supporting quote, explain it, and make a conclusion. You can always analyze IvyPanda Macbeth essay titles to learn various points of view on each character and event.
  • In the Macbeth essay conclusion, reiterate a topic and your analysis. You should not only summarize the information you’ve gathered and analyzed in the paper body. You have to get back to the intro and provide clear and extensive answers on the questions you raised. Try not to leave any further questions for your readers. Here’s the secret: some professors read the conclusion first. So make it persuasive and give a complete portion of information.

You may be wondering how to use essay examples that you may find on our website. It is super easy. First of all, look through the titles to get some topic ideas.

Then, look through the sample and learn how to create your outline. Think about what you can write in your essay. Check the bibliography: there you can find useful sources for the research.

Indeed, any paper on Shakespeare’s play may concern a variety of topics. So check out our Macbeth essay examples and think of the topics which you can choose.

  • Comparison of the Opening Scene of Macbeth by Orson Welles and The Tragedy of Macbeth by Roman Polanski The opening scene of The Tragedy of Macbeth starts with the words “fair is foul and foul is fair” that Polanski takes from the end of the Shakespeare’s scene.
  • British Literature: Beowulf vs. Macbeth They are as follows: the presentation of the heroes, the consideration of the ethical themes, and the final stages of the plays the latter help to draw some ethical conclusions based on the peculiarity of […]
  • The Downfall of Macbeth Nonetheless, he goes on to murder the king and his character takes a turn for the worst as he kills the chamberlains who would give witness of the king’s death and he claims he killed […]
  • Macbeth & Frankenstein: Compare & Contrast In the being of the play, we assume that Macbeth is akin to the king, a loyal soldier, and a person “full of the milk of human kindness”.
  • The Life and Work of William Shakespeare: His Contribution to the Contemporary Theater In addition, the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare continue to set the standard for the study of the English language in its dramatic context in institutes of higher learning and performance training.
  • Philosophy of Literature: Shakespearean Tragedy In addition, it is also an indication of the facts that human beings are always nosy and ready to participate in other people’s issues.
  • Power and Evocation of Horror: The Macbeth Witches’ Chant Among them are the rhymes, the rhythm of the words, the interpolation of a chorus, the increasing complexity of the lines as the poem progresses, and the vivid and horrifying imagery.
  • Shakespeare Tragedies: Macbeth and King Lear At the beginning of the play, he decides to abdicate his throne and divide his kingdom among his three daughters. This choice eventually undermines the ethical integrity of this character, and he murders murder to […]
  • Macbeth Versions Comparison Film Analysis The use of classic settings in the design of the play helps in portraying the role that gangsters play in the original play of Macbeth and helps present it in the modern world.
  • Unchecked Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” However, in Act 1, scenes 1 to 4, the audience is introduced to Macbeth’s increasing fear and the developing desire to be the king. It appears that the desire to be the king overrides his […]
  • Dramatic Irony in Macbeth Essay Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to amuse the audience and to show the level of deception developed by the main character. The porter gives a clear picture of what is about to happen.
  • Shakespeare Literature: Prophecy and Macbeth Morality The divination made by the witches pushes Macbeth further into immorality as he is made to believe that he deserves the position of king. In addition, Macbeth abandons reason and morality so as to make […]
  • Macbeth by Shakespeare and Oedipus by Sophocles Comparison In Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth, we have the three witches who greet him and inform him that he is to become the “Thane of Cawdor,” the title that he will receive that evening, […]
  • Drama Macbeth: Shakespeare’s Play and Wells’ Film However, the play communicates the meaning of the text in a better way as compared to the film by Orson Wells.
  • Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus” The idea of a person being in the center of the action and trying to overcome some problems connected with doom, fate and some other supernatural forces become peculiar to this kind of art.
  • Oedipus King vs. Macbeth: Drama Comparison The concept reflects the foundation of the decent authority through showing the tendencies of power both in the ancient times and in the period of Renaissance.
  • Macbeth: An Analysis of the Play by Shakespeare Macbeth’s treachery springs from his reliance to the witches who gave him prophecy that results in his endless creation of enemies.
  • Characters’ Traits in Shakespeare’s Macbeth As weird as it might sound, Lady Macbeth is very emotional; as a matter of fact, the crimes that she committed can be attributed to her emotionality rather than her greed, though the latter has […]
  • Themes in the Tragedy of Macbeth by Shakespeare The character of Macbeth is used by Shakespeare to illustrate a man who lacks the strength of moral fiber under the affection of guilt and ambition.
  • Macbeth and Hamlet Characters Comparison The queens in Hamlet and Macbeth play a pivotal role in the life of the heroes of the play. She is portrayed as a mother who, in her awareness of Hamlet’s crisis, feels guilty and […]
  • King Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Play and History He proved to be a courageous man and ambitious because he wanted to become the king, and the only way he could do it was by killing the king.
  • Literary Elements in “Macbeth” Poem In addition, use of Symbolism imagery and symbolism creates a better picture in audience mind, concerning the themes that the play covers; such as where dark is used to represent evil.
  • An Explication on Shakespeare’s Macbeth However, Macbeth’s wife is murdered and the news is broken to him, and he is drifted into a life of futility and remorsefulness.
  • Chaucer’s ‘Miller’s Tale’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale and in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to be more exact, we will find out how the notion of poetic justice is represented by examples of the main characters of the works mentioned.
  • Shakespear’s “Macbeth”: Main Character Change Analysis Macbeth is essentially the story of a character who lives his life in a state of confusion to the degree that the only constant in his life changes.
  • Shakespearean Macbeth as a Tragic Hero In addition to fighting for his king, Macbeth is quickly and well rewarded for his efforts as King Duncan makes him the new Thane of Cawdor in addition to his already holding the title of […]
  • Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Macbeth The world of Macbeth is a world of contradiction. Already a successful soldier in the army of King Duncan, Macbeth is informed by Three Witches that he is to become “Thane of Glamis!”, “Thane of […]
  • Character Analysis of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare The unplanned overnight stay of King Duncan and his entourage at Macbeth’s castle precipitates Macbeth’s first fateful decision: to murder King Duncan and clear the way for the witches’ prophecy to come true.
  • Analysis of Characters in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The witches’ predictions spark Macbeth’s ambitions and then hearten his violent performance; Lady Macbeth offers the brains and the will behind her husband’s intrigues; and the only heavenly being to emerge is Hecate, the divinity […]
  • The Use of Hands as a Motif in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The play presents readers with the world of royalty and the well-knit state; the world of Duncan, his two sons, Banquo, Macbeth and the whole of Scotland and England.
  • Emotions and Outward Actions in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” In this regard, in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the relationship of inward emotions and outward actions is relevant in fully conveying the interplay of themes in this tragedy.
  • Representing the Heroic: Macbeth and Odysseus In Homer’s Odyssey, the noble nature of the hero is made clear in the way that his servants speak of him and strive to behave as he would expect.
  • Shakespeare and His View on Kingship: Macbeth, King Lear and Othello At the same time, it is beyond doubt in the basement Macbeth’s character is clean and as a soldier, he is true to his job and his king.
  • “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: Language and Tropes Typically, ‘the end of something means the onset of another.’ Using this as a viewpoint that provides a lead to what Macbeth is all about, the fact that ‘we will proceed no further in this […]
  • Literary Character Analysis of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The very reason that made me write about this character was how he is depicted as a hero in the opening pages of the play, and only to learn how weak he is from his […]
  • Analyzing the Adaptation of the Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Furthermore, the names of all the characters in both films are the same except for a little twist in the spelling of names like Mcbeth and Mcduff.
  • William Shakespeare: Hamlet and Macbeth It is important to examine the role that the setting plays in Hamlet and Macbeth in relation to the tragic flaw and developments of the plot.
  • The Story of Macbeth by W. Sheakspeare: Relationship and Strengths Between Macbeth and His Wife Lady Macbeth reads a letter her husband had written about the witches’ prophecy and manipulates him to kill King Duncan and take over the kingdom.
  • Supernatural Elements of Act I and II in Macbeth In the play, the supernatural things are central to the plot of the play as they provide a basis for action as Shakespeare meant them to fit in putting the play together.
  • Intro to Theatre: “Macbeth” Shakespeare’s theatrical performances are widespread all over the world and do not lose their relevance, both due to the problems raised by the playwright and the various interpretations of his works. One of such plays is the production of Macbeth directed by Bodinetz (2020) and created by the troupe of Digital Theater +. The performance […]
  • Jeffrey R. Wilson: Macbeth and Criminology The genre of tragedy used in Macbeth poses the question to the reader: who is responsible for committing a crime – the individual or the society?
  • Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The betrayer, Macbeth betrays the King, friend and other subjects in the kingdom. However when Macbeth is told he has just been chosen as the Thane of Cawdor, scenes of the possibilities of him as […]
  • Concept of Power in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” While The government is the system that makes laws and ensures that they are followed, it is the person who wields power who is responsible for the equality and impartiality of its enforcement.
  • The “Macbeth” Film by Rupert Goold While Shakespeare’s play happened in the 11th century in Scotland, the movie’s design is more similar to the events of the 20th century. Corresponding to the era of the first half of the 20th century, […]
  • The Play “Macbeth” by Shakespeare and the Film “Maqbool” by Bhardwaj Bhardwaj’s Maqbool is a great example of how the weather sets the tone for the story, it is not the backdrop in the film, but an active force expressing the psychological state of the characters.
  • Omens in The “Macbeth” Play by William Shakespeare The supernatural was an aspect of the plot structure used to add tension and drama to the occurrences and situations and manifested in various ways. To conclude, the owl and raven were utilized as omens […]
  • The Ambitions and Immoral Decision in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Analyzing Macbeth’s Conscience Throughout Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • Murder and Power in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • Unprincipled Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Use of Supernatural to Create Suspense in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Psychological Victimization of William Shakespeare’s Protagonist in “Macbeth”
  • Responsibility for Planning to Kill Duncan in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Dramatic Techniques to Create a Sense That Macbeth Is Not in Control of His Own Thoughts and Deeds
  • An Analysis of Jam-Packed With Malfeasance and Darkness in the Play “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
  • The Application of Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Witches, Supernatural, and Evil in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Banquet Scene of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Analyzing Macbeth’s Weak Character in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Ambition Often Results in Greed as Portrayed in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Psychoanalytical Criticism of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Women as The Driving Action of the Play in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • William Shakespeare’s Manipulation of the Audience Through “Macbeth”
  • Suspense and the Supernatural in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Sharing the Blame in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Macbeth’s Tragic Downfall in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Characterization of Macbeth in Relation to the Development of Scotland in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Role Reversal in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • The Butcher and His Fiend Like Queen in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Supernatural Forces Create a Suspense Atmosphere in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Archetypal Tragic Hero Characteristics of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus”
  • An Analysis of Macbeth as a Victim of Circumstances in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Power, Ambition, and Treason in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Breakdown of Lady Macbeth in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Unbridled Ambition in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Art of Appeasement and the Political, Religious, and Social Issues Reflected in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Parallels Between Macbeth and Satan in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Some of the Ways in Which Shakespeare Portrays an Atmosphere of Evil in “Macbeth”
  • An Analysis of Lady Macbeth’s Character in “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
  • The Blood Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Macbeth’s Representation of Ambition in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Attract of Wicked in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Manipulations, Greed, and Guilt in William Shakespeare’s Play “Macbeth”
  • Stereotypical Images of Women in “Macbeth” by Shakespeare
  • Symbolism and Imagery in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Subjective Reality to the Viewer in the Play “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • The Betrayal of Human Nature in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Treatment of Gender Disruption in William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “Macbeth”
  • Significance of Act Four Scene One in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Role of Women in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Recurring Images in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Similarities Between the Philosophies From Machiavelli’s “The Prince” and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • The Aristotelian Standards of a Tragic Hero in the Tragedy of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Struggles of the Conscience in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • The Battle Between Good and Evil in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
  • Sleep and Its Meaning in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • Relationship Between Spouses in “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • A Musical Analysis of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
  • What Did Macbeth’s Character, Words, and Actions Show About Changes in His Character?
  • Who Are the Women in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • When Power Falls Into the Wrong Hands in “Macbeth”?
  • Why Are the Period and Place Important in “Macbeth”?
  • What Makes William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” a Pessimistic Play?
  • How Ambitions and Immoral Decision Play a Part in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • How and Why Does Macbeth Turn a War Hero Into an Evil Murderer?
  • Did the Three Witches Push Macbeth to Kill Duncan?
  • What Are the Attitudes Towards Gender Can Be Seen in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • What Part Does the Supernatural Play in “Macbeth”?
  • Was Macbeth Responsible for His Downfall?
  • Does Shakespeare Present Lady Macbeth as Good or Evil?
  • Can One Feel Pity for Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • What Dramatic Techniques Are Used in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?
  • How Did Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s Relationship Change Throughout the Play?
  • What Did Macbeth Say About Good and Evil?
  • Does Shakespeare Present Lady Macbeth as Fiend-Like?
  • Does Macbeth Have Power?
  • How Did Macbeth Turn From “Nobel Macbeth” to “A Bloody Butcher”?
  • What Does Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Have to Say About Kingship?
  • Did Macbeth Suffer From Fate?
  • What Are the Character Traits of Lady Macbeth?
  • Does Macbeth Have Free Will?
  • What Are the Influences of the Witches’ Prophecies on Macbeth’s Actions?
  • How Are the Themes of Appearance and Reality Presented in “Macbeth”?
  • How Are Characters Presented as Disturbed in “Macbeth”?
  • Was Macbeth Considered the Tragic Hero of the Play?
  • How Did Lady Macbeth and Witches Change?
  • What Are the Differences and Similarities Between “Medea” and “Macbeth” Plays?
  • What Factors Lead Macbeth to Kill Duncan?
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Macbeth Act 1 Creative Writing Activity Character's Persona

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  • Easel Activity

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macbeth creative writing examples

Description

Your high school ELA students will enjoy this creative writing activity for Macbeth Act 1. Exploration of characterization in the first act of Macbeth is essential for students’ understanding of the dynamic transformation of characters throughout the play. Shakespeare’s universal illustration of the influence of ambition and the destruction of guilt is fascinating to high school kids. This creative writing activity offers students choices and teachers an opportunity for differentiation . Great as a formative assessment. No-prep. Includes scoring rubric.

Printable PDF or TPT Digital Easel Activity

  • This creative writing activity requires students to a dopt the persona of a character and think the way he or she does.
  • To begin, there is a scenario describing the night of Duncan’s arrival at Inverness. Students are to imagine that Duncan is preparing a speech to honor his warriors, Macbeth is writing in a journal , Banquo comments in a log, and Lady Macbeth is entering thoughts in her diary.
  • There is a definition of persona and its etymological origins.
  • Following are directions for the activity which require students to assume the persona of Macbeth, Banquo, or Lady Macbeth and complete the entry described.
  • For each character, students are provided with three important points to cover . For example, for Macbeth include thoughts about the witches’ prophecies, Duncan’s kingly graces, and his love for his wife.
  • Students are required to include a quote from Act 1. I’ve included directions about quoting : slashes for line ends, brackets for omissions or clarification, block quotes, and citation format (MLA).
  • Students are also required to provide a graphic , art, photo, bitmoji…anything that portrays their characters’ state of mind.
  • The composition requirements include length (250-300 words) and a reminder to follow class format requirements.
  • As a model , I’ve included a speech by Duncan, which illustrates the various requirements of the activity. (I really enjoyed writing that!)
  • I include the graphic which is Sleep and his Half-brother Death by John William Waterhouse.
  • Finally, there is a scoring rubric , which I encourage kids to use as a checklist when writing and peer editing.
  • The format is attractive; clear font; relevant graphics.

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Introduction to Macbeth

Macbeth is one of the well-known tragedies of William Shakespeare that was performed with the full title of The Tragedy of Macbeth. It is one of the plays written during the reign of James I to please him as he was the patron of Shakespeare’s acting troupe. The play was first performed in 1606. It was first published in the First Folio in 1623. Interestingly, Macbeth is also the shortest tragic play by Shakespeare, with no subplots .  It was inspired by the story of Macbeth, King of Scotland, Macduff, and Duncan from the historical record found in Holinshed’s Chronicles, published in1587. The historical Macbeth is very different from Macbeth in the play. It dramatizes the psychological and physical impacts of the ambition a thane of Scotland harbors in his heart and then wreaks havoc with the appearance of order. Thus, creating chaos and disorder.

Summary of Macbeth

The play begins with the witches quickly appear and disappear. They plot and predict about meeting Macbeth, who would return after winning the battle against Thane of Cawdor.

King Duncan receives the testimonies of his conquering generals, Banquo and Macbeth, and the surrender of the rebel from a wounded soldier. His appreciation for both generals increase, and he decides to give all his land and the new title to Macbeth. As foretold in the beginning, after the battles, both the generals meet the witches when crossing the moor. Macbeth listens and believes when the witches predict that he will be the next Thane of Cawdor and eventually become the king. They address Macbeth Glamis, Cawdor, and the King of Scots. They also prophesy that Banquo’s descendants will become future kings. Their prophecy is filled with a puzzle as they call Banquo ‘lesser than Macbeth and greater’ and confuse him further by saying ‘Not so happy, yet much happier’. Macbeth demands answers for their prediction because Thane of Cawdor and King Duncan were still alive who held the title. However, the witches disappear without answering.

When Macbeth and Banquo discuss these prophecies, King Duncan’s representatives, Ross and Angus, arrive with the news. They tell that Macbeth is given the title of the Thane of Cawdor as a reward for winning the battle. Banquo and Macbeth are stunned as they see the witches’ first prophecy come true and wonder about the rest.

Later, they meet King Duncan at his castle, who praises both Macbeth and Banquo for their courage and devotion. King Duncan informs Macbeth about his plans to stay at his place at Iverness and also proclaims his son Malcolm as Prince of Cumberland. King Duncan, at that time, indirectly declares Malcolm as the next king of Scotland. Macbeth’s loyalty is replaced with the greed for the crown as he recalls the prophecies of the witches. He excuses himself to make arrangements for King Duncan’s visit Iverness.

Before King Duncan’s visit, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s wife, learns about the prophecy. She resolves to be the queen and recalls the idea of killing King Duncan. She disapproves of Macbeth’s gentle nature and loyalty as a weakness. However, she does understand that Macbeth has always been ambitious with the desire to be the king. His mind is filled with excitement at the thought of killing the king. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begin to plot, and she decides to murder King Duncan believing that Macbeth does not have enough courage.

King Duncan arrives with his sons, Banquo, Macduff, Lennox, and few more envoys. Banquo senses the ‘ moral decay’ at Macbeth’s place. Lady Macbeth greets the king and everyone else, and they hear King Duncan praise Macbeth once more. When Macbeth’s alone , he worries about his afterlife, wondering what kind of punishment he would receive for killing the king, who is a good man. At that moment, Lady Macbeth manipulates him emotionally and convinces him to murder King Duncan.

Surprisingly, Banquo feels uneasy during his stay. When he tries to talk to Macbeth about the witches’ prophecy, Macbeth refuses to discuss. Macbeth hallucinates a bloodied dagger as they drug the guards. While trying to commit the act, Lady Macbeth hesitates as King Duncan looks like her father. After killing the guards, Macbeth returns to kill the king. He hears someone cry out these final words ‘ Glamis hath murther’d sleep: and therefore Cawdor/Shall sleep no more: Macbeth shall sleep no more! ‘. Though restless, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth pretends to sleep.

The next morning, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are composed and come to greet the others as if nothing happened. Macduff goes to the king’s chamber first and tells the others. Macbeth kills the guards before they can speak to maintain his innocence and push the blame on them. However, King Duncan’s sons Malcolm and Donalbain, know that their lives are in danger and run away from Scotland. Later, Malcolm goes to England and Donalbain goes to Ireland. Surprisingly the others believe that King Duncan’s sons were behind the murders as they have fled the crime scene. At the end of Act 2, Macbeth is crowned as the king.

After the coronation, Macbeth still lingers to the witches’ prophecies. He remembers that Banquo’s sons or descendants were meant to be the future kings. So, Macbeth hires assassins to kill Banquo and his son Fleance.   Now , Macbeth has completely become evil by nature and willing to do anything to secure the throne. On the other hand, Lady Macbeth is overcome with guilt over the murders. When the assassins return, they inform him that Banquo is killed when but his son had escaped.

During a banquet, Banquo’s ghost appears to Macbeth, leaving him startled. The guests see Macbeth talking to an empty chair. Lady Macbeth tells the guests that he is suffering from a lack of sleep. Macbeth is back to self once the ghost disappears. However, during the stay, Banquo’s ghost reappears, making Macbeth hallucinate again. Lady Macbeth believes, Macbeth is going insane. There is a brief reappearance of witches where they further plot to fool Macbeth. They want him to be overconfident and proud of his evil nature.

Meanwhile, Lennox, one of the thanes under King Duncan and the lord, begins to suspect that Macbeth had murdered the king and Banquo. He, Macduff, along with King Edward, decides to support Malcolm.

The witches summon Macbeth and show him the future again. At first, they warn him about Macduff returning to Scotland. Next, they tell him that only a child not born from a woman can kill him. Finally, they show him a child wearing a crown and holding a tree. They tell him that unless the Great Birnam wood (forest) moves, Macbeth will not be killed. Though Macbeth’s confidence is restored, he asks the witches about the prophecy on Banquo’s descendants. During his confrontation with the witches, Banquo’s ghost is present, and the witches leave without giving him the answer. Lennox meets Macbeth at the cave and informs the alliance between Malcolm and Macduff with the English. Macbeth, in the fit of rage, decides to kill Macduff himself. Though the messenger tries to save Macduff’s family, at Macduff’s castle, Lady Macduff is killed, and his son tries to escape. Ross, one of the noblemen, informs Macduff about his family’s murder. As Macduff grieves over the death of his family, Malcolm, King Duncan’s son, asks Macduff to turn his sorrow into revenge.

Macbeth begins to prepare for the battle. Lady Macbeth is left alone and hallucinates, filled with guilt. Her maid brings a doctor, who advises her to get divine help. While Macbeth is prepared at the royal palace for the attack, Lennox rebels against him and waits for the English army.

Macbeth believes in the witches’ prophecy and remains overconfident. Recalling the first apparition shown by the witches, that nobody born of a woman could kill him, he remains anxious but unmoved. He worries about his wife, Lady Macbeth’s failing mental health.

On the other side, Malcolm asks the soldiers to cut the branch from the Birnam Wood to hide themselves. Later, Macbeth comes to know that the forest is moving towards his fort. Despite the growing tension, Macbeth remains arrogant and unmoved. Lady Macbeth commits suicide (which is shown off-stage).

Now , Macbeth heads to the battle with no choice. He learns that Macduff that he was born early by cesarean birth instead of natural birth. Hence the witches’ prophecies flash before his eyes. He realizes that the witched deceived him and doomed his life. He resolves to die and his beheaded by Macduff. In the end, Malcolm declares himself the king and invites the nobilities to Scone to crown him.

Major Themes in Macbeth

  • Ambition: At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is loyal. However, his over-ambitious nature leads him to lust for power . Macbeth, along with his wife, Lady Macbeth, murders King Duncan, Banquo, guards, and Macduff’s family. Their deaths are avenged by Malcolm and Macduff. So, they also lose their lives because of their ambition to take over the crown of Scotland. Shakespeare was inspired by 1605’s rebellion again King James 1 in England.
  • Supernatural Elements: The witches and their manipulating prophecies are the supernatural elements in Macbeth. The three witches are the harbinger of chaos and death. They corrupt overly ambitious Macbeth when they prophesy about him and Banquo. They declare that he will be king and Banquo’s descendants will be future kings. The prophecies change Macbeth and his wife and turn them into monstrous people. They kill the competitors for the throne. While the lead characters do not experience anything supernatural throughout the play, the incantation by witches sets the series of murders, suicide, and betrayals in the play.
  • Treachery and Betrayal: The play also displays betrayal and treachery. At first, Macbeth was a trustworthy general of King Duncan. He is corrupted by the witches and chooses to be treacherous and betrays King Duncan, who comes to Macbeth’s home as a guest. He kills the king and his friend, Banquo, as he gives in to the selfish desires. He betrays the family of Macduff too. Macbeth is also betrayed by his general, Lennox.
  • Crime: The witches’ prophecies manipulate Macbeth and his wife and turn them to criminals. Though they are bestowed with luxury and royalty, they commit heinous crimes because of their never-ending greed. Macbeth commits the first crime by killing his guest, King Duncan. Then he betrays his friend, Banquo, gets him killed and later target’s Macduff’s family. Hence, the play shows the world of crime until justice is done at the end, and Macbeth is beheaded.
  • Violence: The eerie atmosphere the play demonstrates, in the beginning, leads immediately to violence when Macbeth falls upon his guest, King Duncan, and then hires killers for his friend Banquo and his son. Even Lady Macbeth joins hands with him in these killings. The final assault of Macduff and Malcolm ends Macbeth and his treacherous fellows when he comes out of his fortress to fight them.
  • Conflict between Good and Evil: Macbeth and his wife represent evil, while King Duncan, his generals, Banquo, and Macduff represent the good. Shakespeare has shown that Lady Macbeth is schemer, just like the witches without magical powers. While her attempts to kill the king fails, Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to do the job by taunting him when he hesitates. However, ‘good’ is always victorious as the play ends when Macduff and his forces behead Macbeth as a punishment for his crimes.
  • Loyalty: When the play begins, Macbeth and Banquo show their loyalty to King Duncan by fighting for him. While Macbeth begins to corrupt his loyalty after the witches’ prophecies, Banquo resolves to ignore them to stay loyal to King Duncan. The play also shows Macduff’s and Malcolm’s loyalty to the people of Scotland and the dead king.
  • Guilt: Guilt is one of the major internal conflicts that move the play further. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer from guilt until their last breath. Lady Macbeth suffers from paranoia, hallucinations, and mental illness after King Duncan is murder. Macbeth feels guilty at first, and he is haunted by the past. He also sees Banquo’s ghost, which is the result of his guilt.
  • Statecrafts: It means government or control. The deaths of King Duncan, Banquo, guards, Macduff’s family were perfectly planned murders by power-hungry Macbeth and his wife. This shows that statecraft is an important theme of the play. Macbeth did not know the statecraft though he becomes a king. Hence he faced a rebellion by Lennox at the end. At the same time, Macduff and Malcolm, with the help of the King of England, defeat Macbeth and take over the kingdom.
  • Trust: In Macbeth, King Duncan trusts his generals, Macbeth, and Banquo. Sadly, his trust is broken when Macbeth and his wife plot and murder him. Banquo trusts Macbeth as they fought wars together. However, Macbeth kills him after he loses his mind over witches’ prophecies. On the other hand, Malcolm trusts Macduff, and together they win against Macbeth in the end.

Major Characters in Macbeth

  • Macbeth: At first, Macbeth, a Scottish army general. He and Banquo defeat the Thane of Cawdor. King Duncan bestows the title ‘Thane of Cawdor’ to Macbeth, just when he meets the three witches who cast a spell on him. The witches’ fake prophecies also turn him into a despicable person making him make terrible decisions to fulfill them. He is also manipulated by his wife and kills King Duncan. Once he becomes the king, he goes on a killing spree after revisiting the witches. As Macbeth was fooled and cursed by the witches, we can call him an anti-hero , with the qualities of both hero and a villain. At the end of the play, he receives the punishment for all the crimes he had committed when Macduff beheads him.
  • King Duncan: King Duncan is shown as one of the most generous kings. Sadly, King Duncan is stabbed to death by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth when they are cursed by the witches. He is a fatherly figure who was kind and caring for the Scottish. However, his gruesome murder shows his trusting nature cost him his life and many others.
  • Lady Macbeth: She is villainous by nature with immense strength. She mostly influences Macbeth’s decisions without worrying about the consequence. She also shows extraordinary femininity when she pushes Macbeth to kill anyone who comes in his ways of becoming the king. She even takes part in the killing of King Duncan. Eventually, she feels immense guilt for King Duncan’s death and becomes insane. She begins to sleepwalk and hallucinates bloodstains on her hand. When she could not bear the guilt, she commits suicide just before Macbeth is killed.
  • Malcolm and Donalbain: They are sons of King Duncan. They are forced to flee their separate ways after their father is murdered by Macbeth at his castle. At first, they do not retaliate immediately but suspect that Macbeth had intentionally killed their father. Since their life was also under threat, they leave Scotland, Malcolm goes to England and Donalbain takes refuge in Ireland.
  • Banquo: Banquo is a capable and trustworthy general of the Scottish army. He is also Macbeth’s friend, who fought with him against the Thane of Cawdor. Banquo is with him when the witches prophecy and curse Macbeth. Banquo discards his temptation of his descendants being the king and leaves the witches’ prophecies behind. He remains faithful to the kingdom. Sadly, Banquo is killed by the assassins hired by Macbeth. His Fleance escapes at the last minute.
  • Macduff: Macduff is one of Thanes of Scotland (Thane of Fife) and a loyal servant to King Duncan. He discovers King Duncan’s dead body and also suspects the foul play. Sadly, Macbeth kills his wife and son. He helps Malcolm get to reclaim the throne, along with Lennox and King Edward. Macduff reveals that he had a cesarean birth. Hence, as prophesied by witches, he kills Macbeth to avenge the deaths of his family and King Duncan.
  • Siward: Old Siward is the Earl of Northumberland, King Duncan’s brother, and Malcolm’s uncle. He lends his army to Malcolm to take the throne of Scotland back. Sadly, young Siward is killed by Macbeth just before the war ended.
  • Three Witches: The witches appear twice in the play to account for prophecies and set the ball of the action rolling. On both occasions, they have encouraged Macbeth to take the next step, involving him in a vicious cycle. This created mayhem in the orderly world of Scotland until Macbeth himself is killed.
  • Ross: He is Macduff’s cousin and a loyal noble of the Scottish Kingdom. Ross delivers Macbeth’s and Banquo’s victory of the war again, the King of Norway. After the witches’ first prophecy, Ross delivers the news of Macbeth’s new title. He is one of the thanes who leave Macbeth when Malcolm and Macduff arrive with the army.
  • Lady Macduff: Macduff’s wife, Lady Macduff, is the opposite of Lady Macbeth. She is loyal, kind, and has a family. When Macbeth becomes the king, he sends his army to kill her and her family. She displays her innocence by refusing to run away and is killed along with her son. Macduff avenges her death in the end.

Writing Style of Macbeth

The play, Macbeth, shows the language of magnificence, irony , and fluency through the dialogue of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. However, the language becomes mysterious, halting, and somewhat cryptic by the end of the play. When the play starts, the language is highly charged, and the readers/ audiences are given the foreshadowing of future events. Using diverse literary devices , Shakespeare has exquisitely demonstrated that even a villain could be win sympathy and become a hero of the play.

Analysis of Literary Devices in Macbeth

1. Alliteration : A play written in blank verse ; Macbeth shows many examples of the use of alliteration such as:

  • That will be ere the set of the sun. (Act-I, Scene-I, Line, 05)
  • That seems to speak things strange. (Act-I, Scene-II, Line, 46)
  • She should have died hereafter. (Act-V, Scene V, Line, 16)

The above lines taken from different acts show the use of alliteration, which means the use of consonant sounds in quick succession in a line. For example, /th/, /s/ and /s/ sounds are repeated in quick successions in the above lines.

2. Allegory : Macbeth is an allegory that shows how good and evil resides within men. It shows that when people believe in witchcraft or similar evil practices, they do not think about consequences. Here Macbeth shows that evil resides in man, and all he needed was a curse and a prophecy. Macbeth’s ambition turns to greed, and he kills King Duncan. However, goodness prevails by the end when Malcolm and Macduff kill Macbeth together with the assistance from England.

3. Assonance : The play, Macbeth, shows good use of assonance. For example,

  • Who like a good and hardy soldier fought (Act-I, Scene-II, Line, 4)
  • So well thy words become thee as thy wounds. (Act-I, Scene-II, Line, 44)
  • I’ll drain him as dry as hay (Act-I Scene-III, Lines, 19)

In the above examples, vowel sounds appear after some pauses in such a way that they create a sort of melodious impacts in the verses. The sounds of /oo/, /ee/ and /a/ are used in the above lines showing good use of assonance.

4. Antagonist : If Macbeth is taken as the protagonist , the play seems to revolve around him. Then every other character like Banquo and even Macduff are antagonists, stopping his progress. However, we see that Macbeth becomes an antagonist, the main villain of the play, after he is cursed by the witches.

5. Allusion : These lines show good use of allusions.

  • Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? . (Act-II, Scene-II, Lines, 78, 79)
  • Approach the chamber and destroy your sight With a new Gorgon. (Act-II, Scene-III, Lines, 82-83)

These lines show a reference to the earliest mythical figures. The first is a reference to Neptune, the Roman God of the seas, while the second refers to Medusa.

6. Conflict : There are two types of conflicts in Macbeth. The first one is the external conflict that goes on between Macbeth and his enemies, such as Fleance, Malcolm, and Macduff, after he murders King Duncan. The second is the internal conflict that goes on in the mind of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

7. Consonance : The play shows the use of consonance at various places such as;

  • Outran the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan, his silver skin lac’d with his golden blood; and his gash’d stabs look’d like a breach in nature for ruin’s wasteful entrance. (Act-II, Scene-III, Lines, 114-116)
  • Fair is foul and foul is fair. (Act-I, Scene-I, Lines, 12)

In both examples, consonant sounds /s/ in the first and then /g/, /l/ and /f/ in the second reference has been repeated in the above lines.

8. Dramatic Irony : Dramatic Irony occurs at several places in Macbeth. For example, when Macbeth receives prophetic predictions from the witches, and King Duncan is unaware of this fact. Similarly, Macbeth is unaware that witches had cursed him and poured fuel to his greed.

9. Deus Ex Machina : Deus Ex Machina means the appearance of some supernatural elements. It happens at the beginning of the play that three witches appear to predict the future course of action for Macbeth. Later they prophesy about his death and defeat with strings of tricky conditions making Macbeth overconfident and a monster.

10. Foreshadowing: The first example of foreshadowing occurs in the very first action where the bloody battle continues. It shows that another somber murder is going to take place. Another example is when Macbeth hears some voices about losing his sleep when stabbing Duncan. It shows that he and his wife are going to face psychological issues.

11. Imagery : Imagery means to use vivid and descriptive language so that the reader can visualize the depth of the text. For example,

  • For brave Macbeth–well he deserves that name– Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, Which smoked with bloody execution. . (Act-I, Scene-II, Lines 16-19)
  • Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. (Act-IV, Scene -I, Line -I)
  • And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp. Is ’t night’s predominance or the day’s shame That darkness does the face of Earth entomb When living light should kiss it? (Act-II, Scene-IV, Lines 8-11)

These three examples show sensory images, showing the use of the sense of sight and sense of hearing.

12. Metaphor : Macbeth shows the regular use of various metaphors . For example,

  • “There’s nothing serious in mortality. All is but toys. (Act-II, Scene-III, Lines, 92-93)
  • The wine of life is drawn and the mere lees is left this vault to brag of. (Act-I, Scene-II, Lines, 192-5).

These are two beautiful metaphors among various other metaphors. The first one shows life compared with toys and second with wine.

13. Mood : The entire play of Macbeth shows different moods according to the situation. When the play opens, the appearance of supernatural elements and witches herald bloodshed and foul play. When it moves forward, it transforms into bloody fights and assassinations followed by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s psychological conflict that leads to suicide and death.

14. Protagonist: Macbeth is the main protagonist of the play as he causes not only envy for his position but also arouses pity and fear for his fall, though, he uses devious ways to achieve his goal.

15. Pun : Macbeth shows the use of the pun. For example,

  • We should have else desired your good advice, Which still18 hath been both grave and prosperous In this day’s council. (Act-III, Scene-I, Lines, 20-22)
  • Who did strike out the light? (Act-III, Scene-III, Line, 18)

In the first example, the king plays upon the word “grave” while in the second, the murderer plays upon “strike.”

16. Paradox : The play, Macbeth, also shows the use of paradoxes. For example,

  • When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain ? (Act-I, Scene-I, Lines, 1-2)
  • When the battle’s lost and won. (Act-I, Scene-I, Lines, 4)

Paradox means to use contradictory ideas in the same statement. For example, the first statement shows it in the second line as lightning and rain, and the second statement shows in using lost and won simultaneously.

17. Rhetorical Questions : The play, Macbeth, has several rhetorical questions. For example,

  • What, will these hands ne’er be clean?” (Act-V, Scene-I, Line, 46)
  • as the hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself ? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now, to look so green and pale At what it did so freely?” (Act-III, Scene-IV, Line, 106)

These examples show the use of rhetorical questions mostly posed by the character of Lady Macbeth. They also show Shakespeare’s expertise in using rhetorical devices and couple them with other literary devices.

18. Simile : The play, Macbeth, shows the excellent use of various similes such as;

  • For brave Macbeth–well he deserves that name– disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution, like valor’s minion carved out his passage. (Act 1, Scene 2)

Here Macbeth’s ambitious character is compared to a puppet as he was cursed by the witches and did what they had been plotting before they curse him.

19. Soliloquy : The play shows some memorable soliloquies such as;

  • Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme. This supernatural soliciting Cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill, Why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor: (Act-I, Scene-III, Lines, 240-247)
  • If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done quickly: if the assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’ld jump the life to come. But in these cases We still have judgment here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poison’d chalice To our own lips.” (Act-I, Scene-VII, Lines, 474-485)
  • Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee. I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this which now I draw. (Act-II, Scene-I, Lines, 612-621)

These are some of the memorable soliloquies of Macbeth. The first two were delivered by Macbeth on different occasions to show how he is ready to act upon the prophecies. However, the third one sheds light on the Macbeth’s after he commits the crime of killing the king.

20. Verbal Irony : The play, Macbeth, shows verbal irony. For example,

  • There is no art To find the mind’s construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust. (Act-I, Scene-IV, Lines, 10-14)
  • Sirrah, your father’s dead. And what will you don now? How will you live?” (Act-IV, Scene-II, Lines, 30-31).

This use of verbal irony is apparent as the King says that he has absolute trust in Macbeth, and yet he has rebelled against him. In the second, Lady Macduff tells her son that her father is killed without showing that she has sensed the danger.

Related posts:

  • Macbeth Quotes
  • Macbeth Themes
  • Macbeth Characters
  • Macbeth Motifs
  • Song of the Witches: Double, Double Toil and Trouble
  • Speech: “Is this a dagger which I see before me
  • Fair is Foul, Foul is Fair
  • Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
  • 10 Examples of Irony in Shakespeare
  • Twelfth Night Quotes
  • Twelfth Night Characters
  • Twelfth Night Themes
  • William Shakespeare
  • The Tempest Themes
  • The Tempest Quotes
  • The Tempest Characters
  • Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind
  • Sonnet 55: Not Marble nor the Gilded Monuments
  • Twelfth Night
  • Julius Caesar Quotes
  • Julius Caesar Themes
  • King Lear Characters
  • King Lear Themes
  • King Lear Quotes
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  • The Taming of the Shrew
  • Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
  • Sonnet 11: As Fast As Thou Shalt Wane, So Fast Thou Grow’st
  • Sonnet 12: When I Do Count The Clock That Tells The Time
  • Sonnet 14: Not From The Stars Do I My Judgement Pluck
  • Sonnet 15: When I Consider Everything That Grows
  • Sonnet 10: For shame deny that thou bear’st love to any
  • Sonnet 16: But Wherefore Do Not You a Mightier Way
  • Sonnet 17:  Who Will Believe My Verse in Time to Come

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Important Note:

All writing is open to interpretation, and shakespeare lends itself to this more than many others. the work here is largely focused around my interpretation of shakespeare's play, which is that macbeth's actions were the result of a magic spell., though there is plenty of evidence for this in the play, and there are commentators who see it this way, a more common interpretation is that macbeth seized the throne because he was ambitious for power., neither interpretation is "correct" but understanding a range of opinions is essential if you want to get a top mark in your gcses., remember: any argument, that's backed up by the text, is fine. what's here is just an opinion....

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Free Modernized Macbeth Creative Writing Sample

Type of paper: Creative Writing

Topic: Shakespeare , Macbeth , Violence , Women , Sword , Fight , Family , Veterans

Words: 1600

Published: 11/13/2021

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

Scene: Act 5, Scene 6-8

Setting: CAST: a. Malcolm - Badr b. Macduff - Irfan c. Siward - Tarek

We have chosen to interpret the Act 5, Scenes 6 to 8 of William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Macbeth. These scenes portray how stand out to lead his soldiers towards the castle. Shakespeare provided a remarkable way of creating Malcolm’s character especially when he announced that Young Siward and Siward are the ones who will lead the first battle. Scene 7 on the other hand, portrays how Macbeth waited on the battlefield in order to defend his castle. Macbeth was eager to defend his territory that he was able to kill Young Siward. Towards the end of the battle, Macduff entered the scene alone while shouting a challenge to Macbeth. Macduff was characterized as an eager man that aims to avenge the death children as well as his wife. As Macduff was about to exist, he asked Fortune’s help to find Macbeth. The setting will be set to a Wild West theme to establish a combat mood. The props that we will be using are sticks for Scene 6, sword and chair for Scene 7, and another sword and a model of a head for Scene 8. These will help us in portraying the characters and their roles for each scene.

Scene 6: Wild West Song. Enter Malcolm, Siward, Macduff, their army, with boughs.

MALCOLM/BADR

We’re all getting closer y’all. Y’all remove the sticks y'all. Show your faces and show your body. Uncle, get your midget son to go fight I say. While Sheriff Macduff and I will work the plans out base on our thinking y'all.

Hope for the best y’all. If we see the Hill Billy’s powerhouse at night, Let us get harmed if we lost the war.

Let y’all the banjos talk; give them sounds that symbolize road kill and grim reminder. They all exit Scene 7 Enter Macbeth MACBETH: They have put under these pressure, I can’t do nothing. But no worries friends, I will and must fight. Who them? They were not born out of a woman, should I fear or what.

Enter your Siward

Y SIWARD: What’s yo name? MACBETH: You shall be afraid to see it young one Y SIWARD: No, I will not. Not even if your name is hotter than any hell.

MACBETH: The name’s Macbeth

Y SIWARD: OMG, even the devil himself can’t speak of a name this hateful MACBETH: Yeah, not even more fearful Y SIWARD: You liar, you tyrant. With this sword I own, I’ll prove ya wrong of what ya speak They fight, and young Siward is slain MACBETH: Too bad you were born from a woman. I ain’t afraid of swords, and laugh at’em when used by people like you, who was born out of a woman.

Alarums. Enters Macduff MACDUFF: From that was is it, this noise. Tyran show yerr face! If I can’t kill ya with me sword, then

The ghosts of me wife and children will always haunt me.

I won’t waste my time fighting these men who you paid to fight by you, it’s either you

Or I won’t use my sword. You must be somewhere there This noise seems like, sounds like someone is fighting for his life. O’ God show me the way, I ask for nothing, just this. He exits. Alarums.

Enter Malcom and Siward

SIWARD: This way sir, the castle has been abandoned His army fighting on either sides And the nobles, are fighting bravely in the war, Victory is almost at the grasp of your hand sir Just a bit more MALCOLM: They, fight as if they won’t hurt us SIWARD: Please, enter the castle sir They exit. Alarum.

Enter Macbeth. MACBETH: Humph! I won’t die like the old Indians did With my own sword especially? I see them enemies of mine, I better bash them than me

Enter Macduff.

MACDUFF: Turn, boi, turn!! MACBETH: Oh no not you, I’ve been avoiding you Get away. I’m guilty enough of killing your fam MACDUFF: I have no words My words will be said by my sword. You evil bastard.

Not even words may describe you.

Fight. Alarum.

MACBETH: Wasting your time are ya your slicing nothing but thin air

It’s impossible for you to scratch and hurt me man. Go pick someone your own size. My life has been blessed, not dying from someone born of a woman. MACDUFF: Bullcrap, Let them who bless you inform you That I Macduff was from a woman’s womb, but untimely ripped MACBETH: Dagnabit with you talk. I no longer have the guts. I ain’t hearing from any witches anymore with their lies to change my dreams into rubble I say.

You are not worth fighting

MACDUFF: Give up chicken so then I can put you in a cage like those wild animals. Then I will put a sign on it that says “ See the jackass y’all.

MACBETH: Never, I will not surrender to y’all to kiss the feet of Malcolm nor be humiliated by strangers.

Despite living wood coming to Dunsinane over yonder as well as fighting someone who was ripped from the mama’s belly, I will not surrender to y’all. I use all of my power to push my shield. Get over here Macduff and curse the one who flinches and whines “Stop! Pause They exit fighting. Alarums.

They enter fighting, and Macbeth is slain. Macduff

exits carrying off Macbeth’s body. Retreat and flourish.

Enter, with Drum and Colors, Malcolm, Siward, Ross,

Thanes, and Soldiers. MALCOLM: Darn it. I hoped my amigos survived the conflict. SIWARD: Another one bites the dust in combat. But from the looks of our comrades, we barely lost any men.

MALCOLM: Where the heck is Sherif Macduff and your child?

ROSS: Sherif, your child gave the soldier death. His life spam reached long enough to become a man and showed his fighting spirit like a sheriff that just perished

SIWARD: Is he roadkill?

ROSS: Yep and just disappeared from the field. Sadness in you is not as much of his price, it would just build up and won’t stop.

SIWARD: Is he hurt?

ROSS: Yep on his sensitive spot. SIWARD: The great one’s sheriff is here! If I had babies to raise like my hair, none of them would have great esteem. And that's that. MALCOLM: His bravery is better than the sadness, and I will cry for his brave deed. SIWARD: He is worth more than that. His death settled the dispute in piece. Now God protects him and give him peace with his family. Enter Macduff with Macbeth’s head. MACDUFF: Hooray for the Sherif! You are the new Sheriff in town. Macbeth head is now roadkill. There is no longer destruction y’all.

The Sheriff title belongs to you and knows how you feel.

Everyone give your cheers to the new Sheriff of the West! Y’all salute deputy of the West! MALCOLM: Y’all gonna get rewards like Macduff. My people and deputy, I give you a mayor for the West,

The very first mayor.

Prepare yourself for this time of year. Y’all need to get our amigos back that were kicked out by Macbeth’s stupidity. So we can remove all of the evil that he and his horrible wife caused to the land. Whatever the mighty ones told us to do, y’all will do it as soon as possible. Now thank y’all for you wondrous gifts to gain back the land and all of you shall see be become the new roughest tootin cowboy around. D. PROFESSIONALISM Based on my observation, our group was able to come up with what a good outcome for this project. Every member of our group worked diligently in order to integrate our ideas. Thus, we made the scripts entertaining, yet informative. We even had our meeting during the break so that we can for this project accordingly. Irfan deserves to get 90 because of the effort and the way his part was delivered. Even though there were minor lapses, he was aware of the scene’s story line. On the other hand, Tarek deserves to get 85 because he worked less than Irfan, but the outcome of his work is still satisfactory. He was also supportive of the ideas being presented during our meeting. As for me, I believe I deserve to get a 90 because of the extensive work that I have contributed for the group. In general, I have learned a lot on this project and hoping to have similar works in the future.

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Macbeth – English Creative Writing

Macbeth – English Creative Writing

macbeth creative writing examples

? Rationale I wrote the diary telling about Lady Macbeth’s madness under the perspective of an imagining doctor. It was written in simpatico tone and hopes to explain more about Lady Macbeth’s situation after Duncan’s death. In my diary, I tried to use sympathy phrase such as: Poor her, sad for her. I tried to evaluate Lady Macbeth’s responsibilities on Duncan’s death and how scared she feels in modern language. The details of the diary are linked closely to the action of Lady Macbeth in the play.

I chose this topic, because I want to bring out the idea of Lady Macbeth under others readers’ perspective and I want this creative piece of writing to be interesting and unique. (117) Diary of Lady Macbeth’s doctor. Britain, December 9, xxxx The story happened long time ago, when I first became a therapist. My first patient was Lady Macbeth – the queen of Scotland. I still remember the first day I saw her sitting in my office, with a nurse sitting right next to her. She sat there, looking scared.

When I walked in, she startled for a second, then after her nurse whispered something to her, she calmed herself down and eventually smile, but you can see a sad glance in those eyes. Poor her, a young, beautiful lady with big blue eyes and long brown hair. Why she needed a nurse, you might ask. Well, she seemed to be frustrated and she could not speak much. All she did was talking, if I might say, rather mumbling to herself. Her nurse told me that she had been like that for already few days.

When we were gathering in the room, Lady Macbeth was constantly murmuring about the dark spots she had on her hands, while I saw nothing but a silky palm. And then for a few minutes she sat there rubbing her hands, kept telling the spots to go away. As she said that she could not get rids of those spots, she smelled them, and screamed it out loud: “blood, blood”. Even her nurse could not stop her, and Lady Macbeth kept running around like a crazy woman… I had a good impression about this lady at first. However, after the short interview, I found out that she is the most nteresting and devil woman I have ever known. Her nurse told me about the murder of her husband – Macbeth, which I do not think it is necessary to describe it one more time, as it was a dynamic scandal in Britain, for sure you could look up for more details about it. Her husband is the Scottish King, who was not an heir of King Duncan, but a betrayer. For all I have known, Macbeth actually killed Duncan and paid those men to kill Banquo, and although he did it all by himself, the actual prompt was because of Lady Macbeth’s eagerness to be the Queen.

Since the beginning, Lady Macbeth had already set up her plan just right after reading Macbeth’s letter. I believe that she might look innocent and harmless, but inside,

she is the most destructive and manipulating woman ever lived. She wanted the crown dearly and she prompted Macbeth to do all the work, even though she might have some back-up reasons for her crime, she should have felt guilty about it. Sad for her, beautiful woman, but she deserved it, a death of her husband in the end. Total: 450 words

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    macbeth creative writing examples

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  4. Macbeth: Creative Writing

    macbeth creative writing examples

  5. Macbeth Essay Writing

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  1. Macbeth Creative Presentation Illusion of Free Will

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COMMENTS

  1. 'Yours Truly, Lady Macbeth'

    Below you can read some examples of creative writing by Years 9 and 10 students from our summer 2018 workshops. We asked them to imagine what Lady Macbeth might have written if she had left a suicide note. As you can see, the pieces are inspired by the imagery and language of the play, but re-imagined for a modern audience.

  2. PDF Writing! Prompt/Activity!

    1. Fair is Foul Literary Terms Covered: Doubles Theme, Equivocation, Foreshadowing, Tone Section of Play: (1.1.1-‐13), (1.3.1-‐92) Speakers: Witches, Macbeth, Banquo Writing Prompt: How does this double speak affect the tone? This language (equivocation) serves as a type of foreshadowing.

  3. PDF Six Macbeth' essays by Wreake Valley students

    In the extract, when Lady Macbeth said "To be more than what you were, you would be so much more of a man" suggests that Lady Macbeth is manipulating her husband because of his new decision based on his underlying loyalty to King Duncan.

  4. Pondering English Pedagogy

    We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us.

  5. Macbeth: descriptive writing inspired by Act 1 Scene 1 Updated 2022

    Act 1 Scene 1 an opening paragraph model to annotate a long list of useful words a paragraph planning table a link to 3 film versions of Act 1 Scene 1 to evaluate a success criteria of descriptive techniques some images to help generate ideas Tes paid licence How can I reuse this? Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 85%

  6. Macbeth Creative Writing

    pptx, 6.35 MB This lesson is based on students crafting a creative piece of writing based on interpretations of the three witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Students watch a clip of three directors take on the witches, are given guidance on what to include within their writing and a prompted on how to write their creative piece.

  7. A+ Student Essay: The Significance of Equivocation in Macbeth

    Macbeth ignores several signs that might have alerted him to the witches' deceptive capabilities. Banquo warns Macbeth to be wary of their predictions, since evil creatures will sometimes win people's confidence with "honest trifles"—small truths—only to betray them more deeply in the future. Indeed, the witches promise Macbeth fame ...

  8. Creative writing

    Creative writing - Macbeth on trial GCSE English Alyssa Bellave 12/27/11 Macbeth Trial Quinlisk I call to the stand Macbeth......Did you or did you not Murder in Cold blood your king Duncan? Your Honour on the night of the accused, I held a banquet with good intentions for my King Duncan who has served the country for many years.

  9. Macbeth Creative Inspiration · The Real Macbeth

    A Compelling Story Throne of Blood Macbeth, with its themes of the supernatural, the lust for power and the betrayal of friends, has become almost a universal story. In films it has been transported to feudal Japan in Akira Kurasawa's Throne of Blood, released in 1957.

  10. 128 Macbeth Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Check our Macbeth essay samples to acquire knowledge on characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, Banquo, Malcolm, Macduff, Three Witches, and others. Each character is unique, and it's quite easy to write a paper on each of them. Make a meticulous analysis of each of them, if you decide to write an essay on Macbeth characters.

  11. Macbeth Act 1 Creative Writing Activity Character's Persona

    Your high school ELA students will enjoy this creative writing activity for Macbeth Act 1.Exploration of characterization in the first act of Macbeth is essential for students' understanding of the dynamic transformation of characters throughout the play. Shakespeare's universal illustration of the influence of ambition and the destruction of guilt is fascinating to high school kids.

  12. Macbeth

    Introduction to Macbeth. Macbeth is one of the well-known tragedies of William Shakespeare that was performed with the full title of The Tragedy of Macbeth. It is one of the plays written during the reign of James I to please him as he was the patron of Shakespeare's acting troupe. The play was first performed in 1606.

  13. Macbeth

    Macbeth, tragedy in five acts by William Shakespeare, written sometime in 1606-07 and published in the First Folio of 1623 from a playbook or a transcript of one. Some portions of the original text are corrupted or missing from the published edition. The play is the shortest of Shakespeare's tragedies, without diversions or subplots.

  14. Unit: Macbeth

    To write a character description (Part 3) Key Learning. Copy Lesson Link. View Lesson in classroom. Lesson overview. 27 m Video. Presentation (PPT) Transcript. Unit: Macbeth - Narrative writing.

  15. AQA English Revision

    Strategy 1: Extract / Rest of play To see some examples of these, click on the links below: Lady Macbeth as a powerful woman Macbeth as a heroic character Strategy 2: A structured essay with an argument The key to this style is remembering this: You're going to get a question about a theme, and the extract will DEFINITELY relate to the theme.

  16. Macbeth: Essay Writing Guide for GCSE (9-1)

    "If, in Hamlet's words, 'there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio / than are dreamt of in your philosophy,' the play Macbeth is a deep-dive into such 'things.'8 However, whereas the supernatural in Hamlet is shot-through with masculinity (the ghost is Hamlet's father), the fact the central supernatural entities in Macbeth are female opens up themes regarding ...

  17. Creative Writing

    Creative Writing - Macbeth - English. EN. English Deutsch Français Español Português Italiano Român Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Türkçe Suomi Latvian Lithuanian česk ...

  18. How to Write on The Macbeth: Characters with Examples and Analysis

    Macbeth essay ideas can vary a lot, but there is a need to turn on one's imagination before starting to write that essay on Macbeth. The main character in Macbeth is a figure so influential that ...

  19. Writing activities for Macbeth

    Writing activities for Macbeth. advertisement Year 10 English William Shakespeare's Macbeth Name: Class: The following tasks are designed to get you thinking about the play and the characters from a creative perspective. It will test your understanding and knowledge of the characters and the events in the play. You are to work through each of ...

  20. Macbeth: Suggested Essay Topics

    4. Discuss Macbeth's visions and hallucinations. What role do they play in the development of his character? 5. Is Macbeth a moral play? Is justice served at the end of the play? Defend your answer. 6. Discuss Shakespeare's use of the technique of elision, in which certain key events take place offstage.

  21. AQA English Revision

    The work here is largely focused around my interpretation of Shakespeare's play, which is that Macbeth's actions were the result of a magic spell. Though there is plenty of evidence for this in the play, and there are commentators who see it this way, a more common interpretation is that Macbeth seized the throne because he was ambitious for power.

  22. Good Modernized Macbeth Creative Writings

    Free Modernized Macbeth Creative Writing Sample Type of paper: Creative Writing Topic: Shakespeare, Macbeth, Violence, Women, Sword, Fight, Family, Veterans Pages: 6 Words: 1600 Published: 11/13/2021 ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS Scene: Act 5, Scene 6-8 Setting: CAST: a. Malcolm - Badr b. Macduff - Irfan c. Siward - Tarek SUMMARY:

  23. Macbeth

    Poor her, a young, beautiful lady with big blue eyes and long brown hair. Why she needed a nurse, you might ask. Well, she seemed to be frustrated and she could not speak much. All she did was talking, if I might say, rather mumbling to herself. Her nurse told me that she had been like that for already few days.