Notes on Lecture: Essay Planning for "Macbeth"

Introduction

• The lecture focuses on providing a comprehensive essay plan suitable for any exam question about Macbeth.
• Emphasis on revision techniques: quotes, techniques, analysis, and application to potential exam questions.
• The goal is to streamline studying and increase confidence for students.

Key Quote Analysis

Quote 1: "Heat oppressed brain" (Act 2, Scene 1)

• Technique: Soliloquy (reveals inner thoughts)
• Zoom In: Oxymoron - “oppressed brain”
• Context: Freud and the ID (slavery to desire)
• Analysis:
  • Macbeth feels his mind is manipulated by external forces (heat), specifically Lady Macbeth and the witches.
  • Connection to Themes:
    • Witches/Supernatural: Show their impact on Macbeth's mental state.
    • Kingship: Macbeth is a slave to his ambition despite knowing the consequences.
    • Lady Macbeth: Her influence leads Macbeth to feelings of power and control.

Quote 2: "Something wicked this way comes" (Act 4, Scene 1)

• Technique: Juxtaposition
• Zoom In: Chremamorphism (dehumanizing Macbeth)
• Analysis:
  • The witches identify Macbeth as wicked, highlighting his transformation from a noble character to a tyrant.
  • Connection to Themes:
    • Witches: Their perception of their innocence contrasts with Macbeth’s evildoing.
    • Power and Kingship: Shows that Macbeth is unworthy of the throne, signifying his impostor status.
    • Lady Macbeth's Influence: She catalyzed this transformation by encouraging his ambition.

Quote 3: "Instruments of Darkness tell us truths."

• Technique: Metaphor
• Importance: Foreshadows the deception throughout the play.
• Analysis:
  • Witches are deceitful; they provide truths that ultimately lead to betrayal.
  • Connection to Themes:
    • Witches/Supernatural: Their games are malicious; they toy with Macbeth's fate.
    • Macbeth's Character: Highlights how his ambition makes him susceptible to manipulation.
    • Lady Macbeth: Reflects her role in manipulating Macbeth, aligning her with the instruments of darkness.

Quote 4: "He unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps." (Act 1, Scene 2)

• Technique: Symbolism
• Context: Patriarchal ideals of masculinity.
• Analysis:
  • Depicts Macbeth as a fierce warrior; indicates his prowess in battle and savagery.
  • Connection to Themes:
    • Macbeth's Strength: Highlights his initial portrayal as a hero of the kingdom.
    • Influence of Witches/Lady Macbeth: The manipulation of a noble soldier into a tyrant shows the witches' power.

Exam Preparation Tips

• Prepare by practicing with these four quotes and their applications.
• Learn to apply two main quotes (from prepared ones) to any extract provided in the exam.
• Focus on the versatility of the quotes for different characters and themes.

Conclusion

• Leverage the detailed analysis of quotes for effective essay planning.
• Emphasize understanding and application during exams to showcase knowledge effectively.
• Final Note: The lecture provides a comprehensive toolkit for tackling Macbeth exam questions confidently.