MLA Essay Topics for Macbeth
Shakespeare is fertile soil from which grows the most interesting research papers one can imagine. The Bard’s works are actually
able to make research paper writing fun. Seriously!
Does that sound hard to believe? Then you just do not realize all the potential that a Shakespeare research paper has! Shakespeare
is responsible for some of the greatest literature of our time. He is responsible for the most “comedic comedies” and the most
“tragic tragedies”. He is responsible for making historical events supremely interesting.
In a Macbeth research paper alone, there are numerous, solid, and ultimately intriguing research paper ideas – you just have to
think about what interests you best. Consider this: in Macbeth there are conspiracies, betrayals, homicidal plots, insanity, and a
successful (somewhat!) murder. Even more interesting is the fact that in his plays Shakespeare reflected on the world he lived in.
Here are some possible ideas you could use to craft an excellent research paper.
(1)Explain how one of the major themes of the play is still
prevalent in the world today.
(3)Explain how Shakespeare’s audience would respond to the
supernatural elements of the play.
(5)Explain how Macbeth stacks up to Aristotle’s definition of a
Greek tragic hero.
(7)Explain how the portrayal of women in the play is accurate to
the condition of women in Shakespeare’s day.
(9)How did the Black Plaque epidemics affect the person
Shakespeare, the presentation of his plays and the theatres.
(11)Explain how Macbeth is a character that can be compared to
a famous person from the 21st century.
(13)Explain how Lady Macbeth is a character that can be
compared to a famous person from the 21st century.
(15)Explain what kind of relationship existed between
Shakespeare and King James I.
(17)Explain how Elizabeth I played a significant role in the
development of Shakespeare’s world view.
(19)Explain what is meant by the authorship debate and what
evidence exists to support it.
(21)Research the costume, makeup and prop techniques of the
Shakespearean stage.
(23)Research other play writers in competition with Shakespeare
during the time he was most famous and well known in London.
(25)Explain how the roles of men and women during the
Elizabethan/Jacobean periods compare to the characters of Lady
Macbeth and Macbeth and the theme of masculine identity.
(27)Patronization was important during Shakespeare’s time.
Explain what this means and cite details regarding Shakespeare’s
four patrons.
(29)Research famous actors who have played Macbeth and
explain their contributions to the play’s development over time.
(31)Research The King’s Men. Who were its members? How was
the group funded? What interesting facts are known related to
the group? Were there other acting troupes in competition with
them? Etc…
(33)Research Shakespeare’s childhood and explain any major
influences that affected his views and experiences as an adult.
(35)Research the role religion played in Shakespeare’s world and
the effects it had on his life as a child and/or as an adult.
(37)Research the topic of death in Shakespeare’s London. What
were the major causes of death? How was death viewed by
citizens in the city? How were bodies disposed of? Etc.
(39)Research the topic of violence in Shakespeare’s London.
What were the major crimes? How were criminals treated?
What was the legal system like? What were the punishments
associated with certain crimes. Etc…
(2)Compare modern research on dream analysis with Lady
Macbeth's dreams and sleepwalking.
(4)Contrast the historical Macbeth to the character Shakespeare
creates in his tragic play.
(6)Classify Shakespeare’s plays clearly outlining what
characteristics apply to each classification.
(8)Explain why the reign of Elizabeth I is called The Golden Age
of England.
(10)Explain why the play is considered by many as a
psychological treatise on the mind of the murderer.
(12)Explain how witchcraft was viewed by citizens of 16th
century England.
(14)Explain how King James I dealt with witchcraft during his
reign as King of England.
(16)Explain how Shakespeare deals with common superstitions
that existed throughout the ages.
(18)Explain why women were not allowed to act in
Shakespeare’s plays and how this affected performances.
(20)Make an argument for the idea that the character Macbeth
is really a representation of King James I.
(22)Research the curse associated with the play Macbeth and
suggest whether there is evidence to support it.
(24)Research Shakespeare’s theatre The Globe. Who owned it?
Where was it located? How was it funded? How was it designed?
What was its fate? Etc…
(26)Research other playhouses of Shakespeare’s day (The Rose,
The Curtain, etc...). Who owned them? Where were they
located? How were they funded? How were they designed?
What were restrictions put upon them?
(28)Using research on the topic of schizophrenia explain
whether or not Macbeth and/or Lady Macbeth could be
diagnosed with its symptoms.
(30)Research the historical Macbeth (details of his life, the time
in which he lived, the nature of his reign a king, major
contributions to his kingdom, etc...).
(32)Research Shakespeare’s romantic life. Was he married? Did
he have any children? What happened to them? Did he have
other relationships? Did he have any regrets? Etc…
(34)Research Shakespeare’s London. What was it like to live in
that city during that time? What were the standards of living?
What was the legal system like? Etc…
(36)Research the historical King Duncan (details of his life, the
time in which he lived, the nature of his reign a king, major
contributions to his kingdom, etc…).
(38)Research the field of medicine during the 16th century in
London, England. What was it like to be a doctor or nurse? What
were some common practices in dealing with sickness? How
were patients diagnosed? Etc…
(40)Research scholarly opinions on whether Macbeth is a villain
or a victim. Is Macbeth master of his own fate, or under the
influence of his wife? There can be no sitting on the fence for
this topic. Make a strong case for one side.
These are just some of the topics around which you could craft a Macbeth research paper. When you are dealing with something
that truly interests you, research paper writing becomes less an ordeal, and more of an opportunity. Some of the most interesting
research papers imaginable revolve around Shakespeare’s legendary plays, his life and the times in which he lived. If you can think of
another topic related to Shakespeare and his times that interests you, seek approval for that topic. Do not let an opportunity like this
pass you by, simply because you think it is a drag.
Essay Specifics:
 Introduction-Body Paragraphs-Conclusion
 In your introduction, include: a hook, and a thesis statement which dictates the layout of your paper.
 Body paragraphs-each paragraph supports one of the points you’re making. Each paragraph needs a transitional phrase. If
you include a quote, make sure you set up your direct quote and then explain it after.
 Conclusion-paraphrase your introduction and bring it to a close.
 Word limit: 1200-1500 words
 Include at least 3 short direct quotes and 1 direct block quotes
 Include at least 2 indirect citations
 Works cited page
 Follow the MLA specifications!
MLA Scoring:
Writing Style
Total: ____/40
Formatting
Total: ____/20
Ideas & Information
15
3 direct short quotes &
citations
3
Organization
5
1 direct block quotes &
citations
1
Sentence Fluency &
Transitions
5
Paraphrasing in-text
citations
4
Word Choice
5
3
Voice & Appropriate
Tone
5
Conventions
5
3 sources (Macbeth + 2
others) included in
essay
Header (consecutive
pages)
Margins
1
Fonts, underlining,
italics, etc.
Title page info.
1
Works Cited page
4
1
2
You have to write a research essay! What should you do first?
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Choose at least three (preferably five) topics of interest. SUBMIT YOUR TOPIC VIA EMAIL AT THE ASSIGNED DUE DATE –
NOT PIOR TO THE ASSIGNED DUE DATE. You will be notified your assigned topic via email response.
Narrow your topic to a scope that is manageable within the word parameters of the assignment.
Utilize online websites, journals, encyclopedias and articles as well as books with pertinent information on your topic. Avoid
Wikipedia.
Select all the relevant information on your topic and start to organize it into chunks.
Come up with an outline for your essay. SUBMIT YOUR OUTLINE VIA EMAIL BY THE ASSIGNED DUE DATE.
Begin writing your paper. Intro, (make sure you have a hook and thesis), body, conclusion.
Remember who your audience is—ME! This will set the tone: FORMAL. No first person, contractions or slang. Write out
numbers under 100.
Be clear on why you are writing your essay - it’s not a narrative, descriptive or persuasive - it’s an expository essay . . . you
are explaining your topic, in detail, to me. Consider method of development.
Remember to use smooth transitions between your paragraphs with effective topic sentences. Practice coherency.
Often you’ll need to go back, after you’ve written your essay, and revamp your introduction. That’s a good thing.
Add direct quotes after you have written your essay.
Revise and revise and revise your work.
Don’t plagiarize. This will result in NOTICE ON STUDENT FILE, PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONTACT, AND HAVING TO WRITE
ANOTHER PAPER under supervised restrictions.
Edit and proofread your work. SUBMIT YOUR ROUGH DRAFT VIA EMAIL BY THE ASSIGNED DUE DATE.
Make the suggested changes and alterations after receiving the notated draft via email. SUBMIT YOUR FINAL COPY VIA
EMAIL BY THE ASSIGNED DUE DATE
Due dates for assignment components:
1.
All pre-writing and draft work is to be done on loose-leaf or in your exercise. No exceptions. This way, you will be able to
work on it in class and keep it in your notebook. If you don’t have your materials with you to work on, be prepared to start
over or work from the memory of where you currently are in the paper.
In addition to the assessment scheme outlined on the assignment sheet (40/20), you will receive a collaboration/research
mark based on your use of class time (see dates on schedule); so use it! Therefore, it is important you adhere to point
number one above.
Some class time will be given to work on this research paper. At these times assistance and guidance can be availed of by
students. That being said, you will need to work on this assignment independently outside of class.
We will try our best to stick to the calendar, but all dates are subject to change.
Do not leave requests for extensions until the last minute. This assignment is intended for recording on the first report card
on November 25. If it is not been submitted, contact will be made with parents/guardians and a comment related to
missing assignment will be on the report card.
I am always available in school to help students in any way. Any communication after school hours regarding this
assignment is available through my school email account only. Also, all components of this assignment are to be submitted
electronically via that email account in the form of an attachment (see my website for email address).
All components for this assignment are to be emailed as an attachment, to the email address located below, on the dates
they are due.
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MONDAY
OCT 17
TUESDAY
OCT 18
3201-2 (LAB 208)
WEDNESDAY
OCT 19
3201-3 (LAB 208)
3201-1 (LAB 208)
OCT 26
THURSDAY
OCT 20
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TOPIC DUE 12:30 PM
OCT 31
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OUTLINE DUE
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ROUGH DRAFT DUE
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FINAL COPY DUE
DEC 22
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DEC 23
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MLA CITATION GENERATOR
http://www.citationmachine.net/
GREAT MLA RESOURCE SITE
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MY WEBSITE
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REMEMBRANCE DAY