Question

name: period: grade macbeth mid unit assessment your task: after reading act 1 and act 2 in macbeth by william shakespeare, write a well - developed, text - based response of two to three paragraphs that discusses a developing central idea and the characterization writing strategy shakespeare uses to develop it. in your response, identify the developing central idea in the text and analyze how the author’s use of characterization to develop it. use two pieces of strong evidence from the text to support your analysis. do not simply summarize the text. guidelines: be sure to: • identify a central idea in the text • analyze how the author’s use of characterization develops this central idea. • use two pieces strong and thorough evidence from the text to support your analysis • organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner • maintain a formal style of writing • follow the conventions of standard written english write response here:

Explanation:

In Acts 1 and 2 of Macbeth, one developing central idea is the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition. Shakespeare uses characterization to develop this. Macbeth's initial hesitation and subsequent eagerness to pursue the prophecy - related to becoming king - shows his ambition growing. For example, when the witches first prophesy his future titles, he is intrigued yet cautious. Later, spurred on by Lady Macbeth, his actions become more ruthless. Evidence 1: Macbeth's soliloquy about the dagger before killing King Duncan shows his inner turmoil but also his determination to follow through on his ambition - "Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand?" Evidence 2: Lady Macbeth's taunts about Macbeth's manhood to goad him into the murder demonstrate how ambition can be stoked by others and how it changes characters. Her words like "When you durst do it, then you were a man" reveal her own ambitious nature and how it influences Macbeth.

Answer:

One developing central idea in Acts 1 and 2 of Macbeth is the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition. Shakespeare uses characterization to show Macbeth's transformation from a hesitant nobleman to a willing murderer. Evidence from the text includes Macbeth's dagger soliloquy and Lady Macbeth's taunts about manhood.