Blood Imagery

What is the importance of Shakespeare's use of blood imagery in the latter half of Act III? Why does it become so vivid in Macbeth's mind?

Hecate

What is the effect of having Hecate in Act I, Scene 5? Does knowing that the scene was written by someone else change your interpretation of that interchange between Hecate and the witches?

Banquo's Ghost

In Act 3, Scene 4, Shakespeare gives us the first indication that Macbeth is going crazy,\. WHat effect does it give to have Macbeth talking to Banquo's ghost while there are other people around? How does your opinion of LADY Macbeth change as a result of her handling of the situation?

Great Chain of Being

What is the significance of Macbeth upsetting the Great Chain of Being? How does Shakespeare indicate this change in the hierarchy of Scottish society? What other facets of the world does Duncan's murder affect?

Act 2, Scene 4

What is the significance of having the Old Man as a character in this scene? How does his presence help enhance YOUR understanding of the events in the play?

First Question

Rather than ask about Shakespeare, or English, or the play itself, here's a random question from the Blogger archives:

You're digging a hole to China, where do you start?

Introduction to Macbeth

Since many of you seem to be averse to participating in class, I thought that I'd try to incorporate some technology into this Macbeth unit.

Each reply you make to one of my posts will add one participation mark to your grade for the unit, to a maximum of 20. (There are going to be 20 marks for participation awarded for your report card, so 20 replies means 100% for participation.)

In order for me to give marks for participation, you must sign each comment with your first and last names (ie. John Smith).