grade 9 essay macduff

Miss Huttlestone's GCSE English

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‘Macbeth’ Grade 9 Example Response

Grade 9 – full mark – ‘Macbeth’ response

Starting with this extract (from act 1 scene 7), how does Shakespeare present the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

In Shakespeare’s eponymous tragedy ‘Macbeth’, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship is a complex portrait of love, illustrating layers of utter devotion alongside overwhelming resentment. Though the couple begins the play unnaturally strong within their marriage, this seems to act as an early warning of their imminent and inevitable fall from grace, ending the play in an almost entirely different relationship than the one they began the play with.

In the exposition of the play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth initially appear immensely strong within their marriage, with Macbeth describing his wife as ‘my dearest partner of greatness’ in act 1 scene 5. The emotive superlative adjective ‘dearest’ is a term of endearment, and acts as a clear depiction of how valued Lady Macbeth is by her husband. Secondly, the noun ‘partner’ creates a sense of sincere equality which, as equality within marriage would have been unusual in the Jacobean era, illustrates to a contemporary audience the positive aspects of their relationship. Furthermore the lexical choice ‘greatness’ may connote ambition, and as they are ‘partner(s)’, Shakespeare suggests that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are equal in their desire for power and control, further confirming their compatibility but potentially hinting that said compatibility will serve as the couple’s hamartia.

However, the strength of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship falls into a rapid downward spiral in the subsequent scenes, as a struggle for power within the marriage ensues. This is evidenced when Macbeth, in act 1 scene 7, uses the declarative statement ‘we will proceed no further in this business’. Here, Macbeth seems to exude masculinity, embracing his gender role and dictating both his and his wife’s decisions. The negation ‘no’ clearly indicates his alleged definitive attitude. However, Lady Macbeth refuses to accept her husband’s rule, stating ‘when you durst do it, then you were a man’. She attempts to emasculate him to see their plan through. The verb ‘durst’ illustrates the risk taking behaviour that Lady Macbeth is encouraging; implying an element of toxicity within their relationship, and her harsh speech makes the cracks in their relationship further visible to the audience. It is also probable that a contemporary audience would be made severely uncomfortable in the presence of Lady Macbeth’s unapologetic display of power, and it is possible that Shakespeare attempts to paint Lady Macbeth as the villain of the play, playing upon the audience’s pre-determined fears of feminine power. Though Lady Macbeth appears to be acting entirely out of self-interest, another reader may argue that she influences her husband so heavily to commit the heinous act of regicide, as she believes that he crown may as a substitute for the child or children that Shakespeare suggests she and Macbeth have lost previously, and in turn better Macbeth’s life and bring him to the same happiness that came with the child, except in another form.

As the play progresses, Shakespeare creates more and more distance between the characters, portraying the breakdown of their relationship as gradual within the play but rapid in the overall sense of time on stage. For example, Lady Macbeth requests a servant ‘say to the king’ Lady Macbeth ‘would attend his leisure/ for a few words’. Here she is reduced to the status of someone far lesser than the king, having to request to speak to her own husband. It could be interpreted that, now as king, Macbeth holds himself above all else, even his wife, perhaps due to the belief of the divine right of kings. The use of the title rather than his name plainly indicated the lack of closeness Lady Macbeth now feels with Macbeth and intensely emotionally separates them. This same idea is referenced as Shakespeare develops the characters to almost juxtapose each other in their experiences after the murder of Duncan. For example, Macbeth seems to be trapped in a permanent day, after ‘Macbeth does murder sleep’ and his guilt and paranoia render him unable to rest. In contrast, Lady Macbeth takes on an oppositional path, suffering sleepwalking and unable to wake from her nightmare; repeating the phrase ‘to bed. To bed’ as if trapped in a never-ending night. This illustrates to the audience the extreme transformation Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship undergoes, and how differently they end up experiencing the aftermath of regicide.

In conclusion, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begin the play almost too comfortable within their marriage, which seems to invite the presence of chaos and tragedy into their relationship. Their moral compositions are opposing one another, which leads to the distancing and total breakdown of their once successful marriage and thus serves as a warning to the audience about the effects of murder, and what the deadly sin of greed can do to a person and a marriage.

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gcseenglishwithmisshuttlestone

Secondary English teacher in Herts. View all posts by gcseenglishwithmisshuttlestone

9 thoughts on “‘Macbeth’ Grade 9 Example Response”

wheres the context

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It is also probable that a contemporary audience would be made severely uncomfortable in the presence of Lady Macbeth’s unapologetic display of power, and it is possible that Shakespeare attempts to paint Lady Macbeth as the villain of the play, playing upon the audience’s pre-determined fears of feminine power.

Also ref to ‘divine right of kings’

Thank you! This is a brilliant response. Just what I needed. Could you also please include the extract in the question.

We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.

—> until end of scene

She did (Act 1 Scene 7)

Another great resource for grade 9 Macbeth analysis https://youtu.be/bGzLDRX71bs

In order to get a grade 9 for a piece like this would you need to include a wide range of vocabulary or could you write the same thing ‘dumbed down’ and get a 9.

If the ideas were as strong then yes, but your writing must AT LEAST be ‘clear’ for a grade 6 or above.

This is really great, I’m in Year 10 doing my Mock on Thursday, a great point that i have found (because I also take history) Is the depiction of women throughout the play, during the Elizabethan era, (before the Jacobean era) many people had a changed view of women as Queen Elizabeth was such a powerful woman, glimpses of this have been shown in Jacobean plays, in this case Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is depicted as powerful although she had to be killed of to please King James (as he was a misogynist) women are also depicted as evil in the play, such as the three witches, I also found that the Witches are in three which could be a mockery to the Holy Trinity.

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English Literature

Detailed Macbeth Study Guide for Grade 9 Essays - Tips, Quotes, and Analysis

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This comprehensive Grade 9 Macbeth analysis explores the key characters and themes of Shakespeare's tragedy. It delves into Macbeth's character flaws , the role of ambition, and the consequences of unchecked power. The guide also examines supporting characters like Banquo, Malcolm, Macduff, and Lady Macbeth, offering insights into their motivations and dramatic functions.

• Analyzes Macbeth's tragic hero arc and fatal flaw of ambition
• Explores the influence of the witches and supernatural elements
• Examines Banquo as a foil to Macbeth and his symbolic importance
• Discusses Malcolm and Macduff's roles in restoring order
• Analyzes Lady Macbeth's character development and downfall
• Provides relevant quotes and literary devices used in the play

Lady Macbeth: The Ambitious Consort

This section provides a comprehensive analysis of Lady Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's most complex and fascinating female characters. As the deuteragonist of the play, Lady Macbeth plays a crucial role in Macbeth's transformation and the unfolding of the tragic events.

Lady Macbeth is initially presented as a powerful and ambitious woman who acts as the driving force behind Macbeth's actions. Her character challenges traditional gender roles and would have been particularly shocking to a Jacobean audience.

Vocabulary : Deuteragonist - The second most important character in a drama, after the protagonist.

Quote : "Unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty."

This famous line demonstrates Lady Macbeth's willingness to reject her femininity and embrace cruelty to achieve her ambitions. Her character embodies the archetype of the femme fatale, a manipulative and seductive woman who leads men to their downfall.

Highlight : Lady Macbeth's manipulation of her husband, including her emasculating tactics, plays a crucial role in pushing Macbeth to commit regicide.

Lady Macbeth's initial strength and determination stand in stark contrast to her later descent into guilt-ridden madness. This dramatic character arc illustrates the psychological consequences of their shared crimes.

Example : The sleepwalking scene, where Lady Macbeth obsessively tries to wash imaginary blood from her hands, powerfully symbolizes her guilt and mental deterioration.

For Grade 9 Macbeth essays on guilt , Lady Macbeth's character provides rich material for analysis. Her transformation from a strong, ambitious woman to a guilt-ridden, insane figure offers profound insights into the themes of guilt, ambition, and the corrupting nature of power.

Quote : "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!"

This line from the sleepwalking scene encapsulates Lady Macbeth's futile attempts to cleanse herself of guilt, highlighting the irreversible nature of their crimes.

Understanding Lady Macbeth's character development is crucial for crafting well-argued essays on themes such as gender roles, power dynamics, and the psychological impact of guilt in "Macbeth".

Supporting Characters: Malcolm and Macduff

This section delves into the roles of Malcolm and Macduff, two crucial characters who serve as counterpoints to Macbeth's tyranny and represent the forces of righteous restoration in the play.

Malcolm, as the rightful heir to the throne, embodies the concept of the divine right of kings. His character is defined by his unwavering commitment to the well-being of Scotland and his strong moral compass.

Highlight : Malcolm's patriotism and focus on restoring his country stand in stark contrast to Macbeth's self-serving rule.

As a representative of God's will on earth, Malcolm prioritizes moral governance and the greater good. His character arc demonstrates the qualities of a just and righteous ruler, providing a clear alternative to Macbeth's corrupt leadership.

Macduff, on the other hand, represents the archetype of the avenging hero. Driven by a combination of personal vengeance and patriotic duty, Macduff's character creates a moral dichotomy with Macbeth.

Definition : Archetype - A very typical example of a certain person or thing; a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology.

Throughout the play, Macduff's primary purpose is to liberate Scotland from Macbeth's tyrannical rule. His unwavering dedication to this cause and his personal sacrifices highlight the themes of loyalty and patriotism.

Example : Macduff's reaction to the news of his family's murder demonstrates both his deep personal anguish and his resolve to bring Macbeth to justice.

For Grade 9 Macbeth analysis , examining the roles of Malcolm and Macduff provides valuable insights into the play's themes of legitimate rule, restoration of order, and the conflict between good and evil. Their characters offer a moral counterweight to Macbeth's descent into tyranny and illustrate the qualities of true leadership and heroism.

Macbeth: The Tragic Hero

This section provides a detailed character analysis of Macbeth , focusing on his role as the tragic hero of the play. Macbeth's journey from a respected warrior to a tyrannical ruler is explored, highlighting the key factors that contribute to his downfall.

Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a complex character whose fatal flaw (hamartia) is his overwhelming ambition and greed. This ambition is first awakened by the witches' prophecies, which give voice to Macbeth's inner desires. The encounter with the witches marks the beginning of Macbeth's descent into evil, as he gradually sacrifices his moral principles in pursuit of power.

Quote : "So foul and fair a day I have not seen"

This line, spoken by Macbeth upon his first appearance, foreshadows his transformation and echoes the witches' earlier words. It demonstrates how Macbeth is becoming a vessel for their evil influence.

Highlight : Macbeth's character arc illustrates the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition and the psychological toll of guilt.

As the play progresses, Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid and violent. His murder of Banquo and the subsequent appearance of Banquo's ghost during the banquet scene marks a turning point in Macbeth's reign. This moment of dramatic irony exposes Macbeth's guilt and instability to his guests, signaling the beginning of his downfall.

Example : The bloody apparition of Banquo serves as a physical manifestation of Macbeth's guilt, making it tangible and visible to others.

Macbeth's descent into tyranny is further exemplified by his ruthless murder of Lady Macduff and her children, demonstrating his complete moral degradation. The play concludes with Macbeth experiencing a moment of anagnorisis (realization) following Lady Macbeth's death, as he finally comprehends the futility of his actions.

Vocabulary : Anagnorisis - A moment of critical discovery or revelation

This Grade 9 Macbeth essay analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of Macbeth's character development throughout the play, essential for crafting well-argued essays on themes such as ambition, guilt, and the nature of evil.

Banquo: The Moral Counterpoint

This section offers a detailed examination of Banquo's character and his crucial role in Shakespeare's "Macbeth". As a foil to the titular character, Banquo serves to highlight Macbeth's moral decline while demonstrating the possibility of resisting temptation.

Shakespeare uses Banquo as a dramatic device to contrast with Macbeth's response to the witches' prophecies. While both men receive predictions about their futures, Banquo's reaction showcases caution and skepticism, unlike Macbeth's immediate embrace of the possibility of kingship.

Highlight : Banquo's character demonstrates that the witches' temptations can be successfully resisted, emphasizing Macbeth's free will in his choices.

Banquo's murder marks a significant turning point in the play, accelerating Macbeth's peripeteia (reversal of fortune). This event sets in motion a series of consequences that ultimately lead to Macbeth's downfall.

Vocabulary : Peripeteia - A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, especially in a literary work.

Shakespeare imbues Banquo's character with strong religious symbolism, using him to underscore the importance of faith and morality. Banquo's adherence to his principles is contrasted with Macbeth's deviation from godly virtues.

Quote : "The heaven's candles are all out"

This line, spoken by Banquo, reflects his seeking of divine guidance in a moment of darkness, both literal and metaphorical. It reinforces Banquo's role as a morally upright character who remains faithful to the natural order and to God.

Example : The use of natural imagery, such as "seeds" and "grains will grow", in relation to Banquo emphasizes his alignment with the natural order, contrasting with Macbeth's disruption of it.

For Grade 9 Macbeth essay plans , analyzing Banquo's character provides rich material for exploring themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of ambition. His role as a foil to Macbeth offers valuable insights into the play's central conflicts and moral dilemmas.

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Macbeth: Macduff revision notes

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

20 April 2024

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12 High quality pages of detailed notes focused on the character Macduff from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This note set includes:

• Grade 9 example response
• Thorough exploration of the character across the play
• Detailed analysis of the character in relation to themes
• A wide range of potential essay discussion points
• A range of analysed key quotations that can be used to evidence discussions.

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