Evaluation-Macbeth Coursework Essay

In my english coursework on Macbeth by William Shakespeare the task was to choose two soliloquys and write about them, write how they affect the story, the character, if they are important in that particular scene and if they make any significant mark on the play and the story. The two soliloquys I chose were act 1 scene 7, and act 2 scene 1. I chose these two soliloquys because they are important points in the story. They help shape the storyline and the way in which it goes. These two soliloquys come in the start of the play, and therefore help shape it greatly. They come just before Macbeth murders Duncan, act 1 scene 7 is where Macbeth is thinking to himself whether he should commit the murderous deed or not. His first thoughts to himself are that he shouldn’t, but his devious wife soon persuades him. In act 2 scene 1 Macbeth is on his own and is hallucinating. He sees a dagger before him pointing to Duncans room, almost beckoning him to go and kill his king to which Macbeth has been so loyal to. This soliloquy is famous and helps to shape the storyline because it is just before he kills Duncan. From these soliloquys I have studied I can learn a lot about the ideas of the play. I think the main ideas that I can gather from act 2 scene 1 are that a man can be completely changed by a single action in his life. Macbeth was loyal to his king, but then his wife suggested the idea of kiling Duncan and taking the throne himself. From this act I can also learn about the characters. Macbeth is influenced by his wife and she has a lot of control over him, he is a strong and loyal man to his king and has a fairly strong character. From this I can learn that a play works on characters actions and reactions, this is what builds storyline and character. The ideas of the play here as shown in this soliloquy by Macbeth deciding whether or not he should kill duncan are that a loyal man can be driven to do something that goes against what he stands for, and that the main character does not have much self confidence, and doubts himself. This soliloquy shows me that the character doubts himself, and is considering whether or not he should commit the murder so he can fullfil his wife’s plan of becoming king, which he is now beginning to like the idea of. From this I can learn that this particular play works on deceit, betrayal and selfishness from some characters. Some of the ideas in these soliloquys that interested me the most were how a mans ideas and thoughts of himself and what is right and wrong can be changed very quickly if his pride is under threat, as shown in act 2 scene 1. I find another idea interesting in act 1 scene 7, if someone is under pressure than their mind can work in a completely different way, and they would think to act like they would never act if they were calm and in control. This is shown here in this soliloquy by Macbeth thinking to himself whether or not he should commit the deed or not. In explaining my findings to the class, I was pleased with the way I interpreted the Shakespearean text and the way I wrote the essay in which I was reading from. Also in explaining it to the class, I think I should have looked up more and read as I looked at my essay sheet most of the time. I don’t think I made the audience feel involved enough in what I was saying. This is my evaluation of my Macbeth english coursework on soliloquy’s.