ELA 11 Literary Analysis
30 Minutes – 25 Points Possible

Directions:  During the past few weeks, we have read the play Macbeth aloud.  Below are two soliloquies that Macbeth delivers close together in Act Five.  In scene 3, he sees that even if he survives the upcoming battle, the rest of his life will be a big disappointment.  Later, in scene 5, he comes to the realization that everything that he and Lady Macbeth fought for was basically an enormous waste of time and effort.  

As you read the passages below, consider how Macbeth uses
•	Evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims
•	Reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence
•	Stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas 

Task: Write an essay in which you explain how Macbeth builds an argument about the meaning of his life.  In your essay, analyze how Macbeth uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument.  Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.
Your essay should not explain whether you agree with Macbeth’s claims, but rather explain how he builds an argument to persuade his audience.

FCA 1: A Thesis statement that addresses how Macbeth makes his claim. (5 pts. total)

FCA 2:  Uses three quotes from the passages below and provides appropriate analysis (15 pts. total)

FCA 3:  Exhibits appropriate comma usage (5 pts. total)

I have lived long enough: my way of life                        25
Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf;
And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,		
I must not look to have; but, in their stead,          
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath,        30
Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.

Act Five, Scene 3

To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,	
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!	 25	
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

Act Five, Scene 5