Macbeth Test Review

What is on the test?

  • An essay question  worth (70 Points) &
  • 30 multiple choice (30 Points)
OR
  • 3 short paragraph answers  (30 Points)

What can I bring into the test? 

  • A one page outline of your essay 
  • This is a good outline you can use
skeleton.pdf
File Size: 47 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

How do I write an essay

- An essay is a formal written argument about a specific topic 
- It is your opinion backed up with textual evidence from the book you are writing about. 

It requires ...

  • An intro paragraph (With a thesis or main idea)
  • 3 body paragraphs 
  • A conclusion paragraph


Here is a good essay guide (coming tomorrow) 

Here is  an exemplar essay (coming tomorrow) 

General stuff you need to know

The plot in general terms 
  • Who did what

Literary Terms
  • Comic Relief 
  • Tragic Flaw
  • Dramatic Irony
Shakespeare and his time

o   The Great Chain of Being and The Divine Right of Kings.
o   Stratfordian vs. Anti-Stratfordian
o   The globe theatre and Shakespearean Theatre.

Theme and Imagery
  • Blood
  • Darkness

Example Questions  

Multiple Choice
  1. In which country is the play set?
    1. Scotland
    2. Ireland
    3. Denmark
    4. Norway
    5. None of the above



  1. Where do the three witches meet?
    1. On a beach
    2. In a cave
    3. On the heath
    4. At Carlin Henneberry’s house
    5. In a castle






  1. Which character narrowly escaped captivity before the action of the play began
    1. Banquo
    2. Duncan
    3. Macbeth 
    4. Malcolm
    5. Donalbain



  1. Who does Duncan proclaim the next King of Scotland?   
    1. Macbeth
    2. Donalbain
    3. Malcolm
    4. Macduff
    5. Scrooge McDuck
Essay Questions



Bring an outline for an essay on  one of the following topics. 




In an essay discuss how the imagery of blood evokes the theme of guilt.




In the essay discuss how the imagery of darkness evokes the theme of a hidden ambition.




“Lust for power leads to a loss of humanity.” Argue in favour or against this statement.




How is the theme of the breakdown of the natural order of things brought out and sustained in Macbeth?




- Hint The weird natural occurrences around Scotland caused by the unnatural death of Duncan.
Short Answers3. Macbeth’s trust in the witches’ prophecies because he doesn’t recognize them as paradoxical half-truths. Using your brain and examples from the play discuss whether or not the witches have real power.




4. One of the important themes in Macbeth is the idea of gender relations. How does the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth contravene the concept of the great chain of being?




5. What is Macbeth’s mindset when he says, ‘’Ring the alarum bell! Blow wind, come wrack! At least we’ll die with harness on our back.”?  Is Macbeth’s death heroic?