Friday, December 10, 2010

Macbeth - "Be a Man" blogging assignment

Identify 5 quotes from Macbeth that comment on what manliness is. Cite the Act, Scene, and Line numbers of the quote. (Quote and Citation = 2 points)

For each, describe in at least two complete sentences the context for the quote and a paraphrase of what is being said. (Description of context = 2 points)

Finally, provide an interpretive explanation of what the quote shows or suggests about manliness. (Interpretation and explanation = 2 points)

Each quote and subsequent commentary is worth 6 points. 5 quotes = 30 points total.

EXAMPLE

Quote:
Malcolm
Dispute it like a man.

Macduff
I shall do so,
But I must also feel it as a man.
I cannot but remember such things were
That were most precious to me.

(Act 4, Scene 3, lines 259-263)

Context and paraphrase: Macduff has just learned that his wife and children have been murdered. Malcolm urges him to take revenge. Macduff says that he plans to, but must first grieve for his loved ones.

Interpretation and Explanation: In this exchange, Shakespeare provides two views on what a man does. First, when Malcolm says to dispute it like a man, Shakespeare suggests that a man must be quick to action to respond to being wronged. But when Macduff answers that he must feel it like a man, Shakespeare also acknowledges that men have more sensitive feelings like love and grief that must be processed before proper action can be taken.

*You MAY NOT the quote from my example as one of your 5 quotes.

DUE: 12:00AM, Monday, Dec. 13 (late Sunday night). Any later blog entries will receive a maximum of 1/2 credit.

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