Persuasive essay

  1. Select a “secondary” character (Banquo, Macduff, Malcolm) and analyze the way in which he or she serves
    as a foil to a central character and thus help to expand your understanding by contrast. (A foil is a character
    who enhances another through contrast). You could also theoretically use Lady Macbeth as a secondary
    character to Macbeth.
  2. Does power corrupt automatically? Apply this famous expression to the events and characters in Macbeth.
    You can focus on a single character or several. You may take the position that it always corrupts, never
    corrupts, or sometimes corrupts, but be sure to provide textual support.
  3. Is Macbeth a tragedy of fate or of character? In determining your position on this, consider whether the
    witches play a central or collateral role in shifting the ambitions and actions of the play’s characters.