You’re by Plath

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7jm8jfh1c800wn6/Powerpoint%20-%20You%27re%20%28final%29.odp?dl=0

Chapter 3 Key Incident – Inference

1. Look at the opening paragraph. Why might we argue that Michael feels resentful towards the new house?
2. ‘I stood there kicking the heads off a million dandelions’. What does this infer about Michael’s feelings?
3. How does his mum feel? Justify your answer with evidence and explain how you came to this conclusion.
4. Look at the description of Doctor Death (page 6). How does Michael feel towards him? Why might we say the description is sinister or ironic?
5. What can you infer from the description of the garage? Justify your choice by quoting at least 3 times from the text.
6. ‘I thought he was dead.’ Infer why Michael thinks the man is dead.
7. How does Michael feel before he leaves the garage? How does he feel after he’s left the garage?

S4 Reading Practice

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6aj7tmr0utm3044/Nat%205%20S4%20Reading%20Assessment%20Class%20Practice%20Boy%20Named%20Sue.ppt?dl=0

S5/6 Higher Prose

2014 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel in which loyalty or bravery or trust plays an important part.
Show how the writer explores the idea in a way which adds to your understanding of the central concern(s) of the text.

6. Choose a novel in which the vulnerability of a central character is apparent at one or more than one key point in the text.
Explain the situation(s) in which the character’s vulnerability emerges and discuss the importance of the vulnerability to your understanding of character and/or theme in the text as a whole.

7. Choose a novel in which a character makes a decision which you consider unexpected or unwise or unworthy.
Explain the circumstances surrounding the decision and discuss its importance to your understanding of character and theme in the novel as a whole.
8. Choose a novel or short story in which ideas and/or characters and/or incidents appear to be designed to shock the reader.
Explain what you find shocking about the text and discuss to what extent this enhances your understanding of the text as a whole.

2013 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel in which envy or malice or cruelty plays a significant part.
Explain how the writer makes you aware of this aspect of the text and discuss how the writer’s exploration of it enhances your understanding of the text as a whole.

6. Choose a novel in which a character is influenced by a particular location or setting.
Explain how the character is influenced by the location or setting and discuss how this enhances your understanding of the text as a whole.

7. Choose a novel or short story in which there is an act of kindness or of compassion.
Explain briefly the nature of the act and discuss its importance to your understanding of the text as a whole.

8. Chose a novel in which the death of a character clarifies an important theme in the text.
Show how this theme is explored in the novel as a whole and discuss how the death of the character clarifies the theme.

9. Choose two short stories in which a central character feels threatened or vulnerable.
Compare how this situation is presented in each story and discuss which story is more effective in arousing your sympathy for the central character.

2012 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel or short story which explores loss or futility or failure.
Discuss how the writer explores one of these ideas in a way you find effective.

6. Choose a novel in which a main character refuses to accept advice or to conform to expectations.
Explain the circumstances of the refusal and discuss its importance to your understanding of the character in the novel as a whole.

7. Choose a novel in which a particular mood is dominant.
Explain how the novelist creates this mood and discuss how it contributes to your appreciation of the novel as a whole.

8. Choose a novel or short story in which there is a character who is not only realistic as a person but who has symbolic significance in the text as a whole.
Show how the writer makes you aware of both aspects of the character.

2011 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel in which friendship or love is put to the test.
Explain briefly how this situation arises and go to discuss how the outcome of the test leads you to a greater understanding of the central concern(s) of the text.

6. Choose a novel in which a central character is flawed but remains an admirable figure.
Show how the writer makes you aware of these aspects of personality and discuss how this feature of characterisation enhances your appreciation of the text as a whole.

7. Choose a novel or short story in which the writer explores feelings of rejection or isolation or alienation.
Explain how the writer makes you aware of these feelings and go on to show how this exploration enhances your appreciation of the text as a whole.

8. Choose a novel in which the narrative point of view is a significant feature in your appreciation of the text.
Show how the writer’s use of this feature enhances your understanding on the central concern(s) of the text.

9. Choose two short stories in which setting plays an important role in developing your understanding of character and/or theme.
Which story, in your opinion, is more effective in developing your understanding? Justify your choice by reference to the setting of both stories.

2010 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel or short story which features a relationship between two characters which is confrontational or corrosive.
Describe how the relationship is portrayed and discuss to what extent the nature of the relationship influences your understanding of the text as a whole.

6. Choose a novel in which the novelist makes use of more than one location.
Discuss how the use of different locations allows the novelist to develop the central concern(s) of the text.

7. Choose a novel in which a character experiences a moment of revelation.
Describe briefly what is revealed and discuss its significance to your understanding of character and/or theme.

8. Choose a novel in which a character seeks to escape from the constraints of his or her environment or situation.
Explain why the character feels the need to escape and show how his or her response to the situation illuminates a central concern of the text.

9. Choose two short stories whose openings are crafter to seize the reader’s attention.
Explain in detail how the impact of the openings is created and go on to evaluate which of the stories develops more successfully from its opening.

2009 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel or short story which deals with true love, unrequited love or love betrayed.
Discuss the writer’s exploration of the theme and show to what extent it conveys a powerful message about the nature of love.

6. Choose a novel or short story with a central character you consider to be heroic.
Show how the heroic qualities are revealed and discuss how this portrayal of the character enhances your understanding of the text as a whole.

7. Choose a novel in which the setting in time and/or place is a significant feature.
Show how the writer’s use of setting contributes to your understanding of character and theme.

8. Choose a novel in which there is an incident involving envy or rivalry or distrust.
Explain the nature of the incident and go on to discuss its importance to your understanding of the novel as a whole.

2008 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel which explores the cruelty of human nature.
Show how the writer explores this theme and discuss how its exploration enhances your appreciation of the novel as a whole.

6. Choose a novel in which a confrontation between two characters is of central importance in the text.

7. Choose two short stories which you appreciated because of the surprising nature of their endings.
Compare the techniques used in creating these surprising endings and discuss which ending you feel is more successful as a conclusion.

8. Choose a novel or short story which is set during a period of social or political change.
Discuss how important the writer’s evocation of the period is to your appreciation of the text as a whole.

2007 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel in which a character reaches a crisis point.
Explain briefly how this point is reached and go on to discuss how the character’s response to the situation extends your understanding of him/her.

6. Choose two short stories in which aspects of style contribute significantly to the exploration of theme.

7. Choose a novel with an ending which you found unexpected.
Explain briefly in what way the ending is unexpected and go on to discuss to what extent it is a satisfactory conclusion to the novel.

8. Choose a novel or short story in which one of the main characters is not in harmony with her / his society.
Describe the character’s situation and go on to discuss how it adds to your understanding of a central concern of the text.

2006 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel or short story in which a central character’s failure to understand the reality of his or her situation is an important feature of the text.
Explain how the writer makes you aware of this failure and show how it is important to your appreciation of the text.

6. Choose a novel, set in a time different from your own, with a theme relevant to the world today.
Show how you are led to an appreciation of the theme’s continuing relevance, despite its setting in time.

7. Choose a novel or short story which you feel has a particularly well-chosen title.
Explain why you think the title helps you to appreciate the central idea(s) of the text.

8. Choose a novel in which a key incident involves rejection or disappointment or loss.
Describe briefly the key incident and assess its significance to the text as a whole.

2005 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel or short story in which a family disagreement plays an important part.
Explain the circumstances of the disagreement and show how the writer uses it to
develop theme and/or character.

6. Choose a writer whose short stories often make use of dramatic or shocking or
surprise endings.
By referring to at least two of his/her stories, show how the writer exploits this feature
to give added impact to the stories as a whole.

7. Choose a novel in which the novelist makes effective use of symbolism.
Show how the writer made use of this technique to enhance your appreciation of the
text as a whole.

8. Choose a novel in which an incident reveals a flaw in a central character.
Explain how the incident reveals this flaw and go on to discuss the importance of the flaw in your understanding of the character.

2004 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel or short story in which the writer’s method of narration (such as first person narrative, diary form, journal…) plays a significant part.
Explain briefly the method of narration and then discuss its importance to your appreciation of the text.

6. Choose a novel in which the story’s emotional twists ensure that your interest is held until the end.
Briefly explain how these twists involve you in the story and then discuss how they lead to a deeper appreciation of the text as a whole.

7. Choose a novel or short story in which the fate of a main character is important in conveying the writer’s theme.
Explain what you consider the theme to be and discuss how effectively the fate of the character conveys it.

8. Choose a novel in which your admiration for a particular character grows as the plot unfolds.
Explain briefly why you admiration increases and, in more detail, discuss how the writer achieves this.

2003 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel or short story in which the writer’s use of setting in time and/or place has a significant part to play in your appreciation of the text as a whole.
Give the relevant details of the setting and then discuss fully why it has such significance.

6. Choose a novel which had such an impact on you that you still reflect upon its message.
Explain why the novel has had such an impact on you.

7. Choose a novel or short story which reaches a climax which you find dramatic or moving or disturbing.
Explain how the writer achieves the effect and discuss how it contributes to your appreciation of the text as a whole.

8. Choose a novel which caused you to reconsider your views on an important human issue. Explain what the issue is and go on to discuss how the writer made you reconsider your views.

2002 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel or short story in which a conflict between two of the main characters is central to the story.
Explain how the conflict arises and go on to discuss in detail how the writer uses it to explore an important theme.

6. Choose a novel which you enjoyed because of the effectiveness of its ending.
Explain how the ending satisfies you and adds to your appreciation of the novel.

7. Choose a novel or short story in which a technique (such as symbolism) is used by the author and is, in your view, vital to the success of the text.
Explain how the writer employs this technique and why, in your opinion, it is so important to your appreciation of the text.

8. Choose a novel or short story in which the main character faces a dilemma.
Outline briefly what the dilemma is and go on to discuss how the character’s reaction to it gives you a deeper understanding of the text as a whole.

2001 Exam Paper

5. Choose a novel which explores in an effective way a theme which is important to you.
Explain how the novelist introduces and develops the theme and show to what extent she or he has effectively engaged your interest in it.

6. Choose a novel in which a main character is seen to grow or mature in the course of the story.
Show how the novelist engages your interest in the character and his or her development.

7. Choose a novel which is influenced by the presence of a powerful or overbearing
character.
Show how the novelist creates this impression of the character and discuss to what extent you felt you could sympathise with him or her.

8. Choose a novel or short story in which a central character’s failure to understand the reality of his or her situation is an important feature of the text.
Explain how the writer makes you aware of this failure and show how it is important to your appreciation of the text.

Higher Drama Questions

Good luck for Monday

2014 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which a central character experiences rejection, isolation or loneliness.
Show how the dramatist makes you aware of the character’s situation and discuss how it adds to your understanding of character and/or theme in the play as a whole.

2. Choose a play which features one of the following conflicts: traditional values versus modern thinking; duty versus self-interest; delusion versus self-awareness.

Show how the dramatist presents this conflict and discuss how it affects your response to the play as a whole.

3. Choose a play in which the opening scene establishes important elements of mood and/or character.
Show in detail how these elements are established in the opening scene and discuss how this contributes to your understanding of the central concern(s) of the play as a whole.

4. Choose a play in which the setting in time and/or place is an important feature.

Show how the dramatist exploits aspects of the setting in a way which enhances your understanding of the central concern(s) of the play as a whole.

2013 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which a central character is slow to understand fully the seriousness of his or her situation.
Explain how this situation has developed and discuss how the character’s behaviour influences your overall assessment of him or her.

2. Choose a play which explores one of the following: the nature of heroism, the impact of self-delusion, the burden of responsibility.
Discuss how the dramatist explores this central concern through her or his presentation of one or more than one character.

3. Choose a play in which the action involves an element of disguise or subterfuge or concealment.
Discuss how the dramatist’s use of this feature adds to your overall appreciation of the play.

4. Choose from a play a scene in which you consider a character makes a significant error of judgement.
Briefly explain the nature of this error of judgement and discuss how this error and its consequences influence your understanding of character and/ or theme in the play as a whole.
2012 Exam Paper

1 Choose a play in which a character shows signs of instability at one or more than one key point in the play.
Explain the reason(s) for the character’s instability and discuss how this feature adds to your understanding of the central concern(s) of the play.

2. Choose a play in which an important part is played by one of the following: crime, punishment, retribution.
Show how the dramatist explores the issue and discuss its importance to your understanding of character and/or theme in the play as a whole.

3. Choose from a play a scene which you found amusing or moving or disturbing.
Explain how the scene provokes this response and discuss how this aspect of the scene contributes to your understanding of the play as a whole.

4. Choose a play in which a central character’s changing view of himself/herself is an important feature.
Show how the dramatist makes you aware of the character’s changing view of himself/herself and discuss how this affects your understanding of the character in the play as a whole.

2011 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which a character feels insecure about his or her position within the society or social group to which he or she belongs.
Show how the dramatist makes you aware of the character’s insecurity and discuss how it influences your appreciation of character and/or theme in the play as a whole.

2. Choose from a play a scene in which manipulation, temptation or humiliation is an important feature.
Explain what happens in the scene and go on to show how the outcome of the manipulation, temptation or humiliation adds to your appreciation of the play as a whole.

3. Choose a play in which the dramatist creates tension at the beginning or the end.
Explain how the tension is created and discuss how it contributes to an effective introduction or conclusion to the play.

4. Choose a play in which a power struggle is central to the action.
Explain briefly the circumstances of the power struggle and discuss the extent to which it contributes to your appreciation of theme and/or character in the play as a whole.

2010 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which a central concern is clarified by contrast between two characters.
Discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of the contrast between the two characters adds to your understanding of this central concern.

2. Choose a play in which a central character experiences not only inner conflict but also conflict with one (or more than one) other character.
Explain the nature of both conflicts and discuss which one you consider to be more important in terms of character development and/or dramatic impact.

3. Choose from a play a scene in which tension builds to a climax.
Explain how the dramatist creates and develops this tensions, and discuss the extent to which the scene has thematic as well as dramatic significance.

4. Choose a play which explores one of the following as a central concern: sacrifice, courage, integrity, steadfastness of purpose.
Show how the dramatist introduces and develops the central concern in a way which you find effective.

2009 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which a central character behaves in an obsessive manner.
Describe the nature of the character’s obsessive behaviour and discuss the influence this behaviour has on your understanding of the character in the play as a whole.

2. Choose a play which you feel is made particularly effective by features of structure such as: dramatic opening, exposition, flashback, contrast, turning-point, climax, anticlimax, denouement…
Show how one or more than one structural feature employed by the dramatist adds to the impact of the play.

3. Choose from a play a scene which significantly changes your view of a character.
Explain how the scene prompts this reappraisal and discuss how important it is to your understanding of the character in the play as a whole.

4. Choose a play set in a society whose values conflict with those of a central character or characters.
Describe this difference in values and discuss how effectively the opposition of values enhances your appreciation of the play as a whole.

2008 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which a central character is heroic yet vulnerable.
Show how the dramatist makes you aware of both qualities and discuss how they affect your response to the character’s fate in the play as a whole.

4. Choose a play which explores the theme of love in difficult circumstances.
Explain how the dramatist introduces the theme and discuss how in the course of the play he/she prepares you for the resolution of the drama.

5. Choose from a play a scene in which an important truth is revealed.
Briefly explain what the important truth is and assess the significance of its revelation to your understanding of theme or character.

6. Choose a play in which a character has to exist in a hostile environment.
Briefly describe the environment and discuss the extent to which it influences your response to the character’s behaviour and to the outcome of the play.

2007 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play which has a theme of revenge or betrayal or sacrifice.
Show how the dramatist explores your chosen theme and discuss how this treatment enhances your appreciation of the play as a whole.

2. Choose from a play an important scene which you found particularly entertaining or particularly shocking.
Explain briefly why the scene is important to the play as a whole and discuss in detail how the dramatist makes the scene so entertaining or shocking.

3. Choose a play in which a character makes a crucial error.
Explain what the error is and discuss to what extent it is important to your understanding of the character’s situation in the play as a whole.

4. Choose a play in which the relationship between a male and a female character changes significantly.
Show how the relationship between the two characters changes and discuss to what extent this illuminates a central idea of the play.

2006 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which the dramatist’s use of contrast between two characters is important to your understanding of one of them.
Discuss how your understanding of this character is strengthened by the contrast.

2. Choose a play in which the conclusion leaves you with mixed emotions but clearly conveys the dramatist’s message.
Briefly explain how the mixed emotions are aroused by the conclusion and then discuss how you are given a clear understanding of the message of the play as a whole.

3. Choose a play which underlines how one person’s flaw(s) can have a significant impact on other people as well as on himself or himself.
Explain briefly the nature of the flaw(s) and then, in detail, assess how much the character and others are affected.

4 Choose a play in which an important theme is effectively highlighted by one specific scene or incident.
Explain how the theme is explored in the play as a whole and then show in detail how the chosen scene or incident effectively highlights it.

2005 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which a character keeps something hidden or pretends to be
something she or he is not.
Explain the reasons(s) for the character’s behaviour and discuss how it affects your attitude to the character.

2. Choose a play whose main theme is made clear early in the action.
Show how the dramatist introduces the theme and discuss how successfully he or she goes on to develop it.

3. Choose a play in which one scene or moment determines the fate of a main character.
Explain fully why you think this is the key moment in the character’s fortunes.

4. Choose a play in which a character is seeking the truth, avoiding the truth or hiding the truth.
Explain to what extent the character achieves this aim and discuss how the dramatist uses the situation to reveal important aspects of the character’s role in the play as a whole.

2004 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play which features one of the following themes: appearance versus reality; good versus evil; dreams versus reality; youth versus age.
Show how the dramatist develops one of these themes and discuss how the exploration of this theme enhances your appreciation of the play as a whole.

2. Choose a play in which the dramatist creates a sense of mystery at or near the beginning of the play.
Show how the dramatist creates the sense of mystery and then discuss to what extent the resolution of the mystery is important to the play as a whole.

3. Choose a play in which the mood is mainly dark or pessimistic.
Show how the dramatist creates this mood and discuss how appropriate it is to the main idea(s) of the play.

4. Choose a play in which your attitude to a central character varies at different stages of the action.
Show how the skill of the dramatist causes your attitude to change.

2003 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which the dramatist explores the idea of rebellion against authority.
Explain briefly the circumstances which give rise to the rebellion and discuss how successfully you think the dramatist explores the idea.

2. Choose a play in which there is a scene involving intense emotion.
Show how the dramatist makes you aware of the intensity of the emotion in the scene and discuss the importance of the scene to the drama as a whole.

3. Choose a play which you have read and watched in performance.
Compare your reading of a key scene with its presentation in performance.

4. Choose a play in which a character feels increasingly isolated from the community in which he or she lives.
Show how the dramatist makes you aware of the conflict and discuss the extent to which you find the resolution of the conflict satisfying.

2002 Exam Paper

1. Choose a play in which there is a scene which provides a turning point in the drama.
Explain why it is a turning point and go on to discuss the importance of the scene to your appreciation of the play as a whole.

2. Choose a play in which there is a breakdown in family relationship(s).
Explain the reason(s) for the breakdown and discuss the extent to which it is important to the play as a whole.

3. Choose a play in which one of the character’s weaknesses were stronger than their strengths.
Explain what happened to this character and then discuss how it affects your view of their situation.

4. Choose a play involving the death of a central character.
Show to what extent the dramatist convinces you that it is an appropriate way to end the play.

Good Luck New Higher

Good luck for Monday S5 – if you require any help, please email me!
Remember to plan for the different essay types; key scene or turning point, character, theme, relationship/ conflict.
Use your essay questions to work out how these questions are hidden/ masqueraded. Is it a key scene? Is it a character question? Remember it’s not always very obvious!
For prose remember the same – character, theme, conflict, setting, key incident! Know what mind of question it is.

For close reading – practise with good quality news papers! Practise with past papers!

Scot Text – get on BBC Bitesize
for study and revision.

Good Luck S4

Good luck for Monday S4 – if you require any help, please email me!
Remember to plan for the different essay types; key scene or turning point, character, theme, relationship/ conflict.
Use your essay questions to work out how these questions are hidden/ masqueraded. Is it a key scene? Is it a character question? Remember it’s not always very obvious!

Only pick drama!

For close reading – practise with good quality news papers! Practise with past papers!

Scot Text – get on BBC Bitesize
for study and revision.
Links to SQA past paper – http://www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers/papers/papers/2014/N5_English_all_2014.pdf

S4 Turning Point Essay Macbeth

A play in which there is a turning point that effects the play as whole is “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare. The play focuses on a Scottish thane who is prophesied to become the King of Scotland by three witches. These false prophecies make Macbeth and his wife riddled with a dangerous ambition which leads them to kill the king and several others. Shakespeare uses a range of literary techniques in order to illustrate an effective turning point.

The act in which the turning point occurs is act 3 , scene 4. In this act Macbeth and his wife host a dinner with their royal court and lords. During this Macbeth sees the ghost of his friend who he murdered which leads Macbeth to outbursts of insanity in front of his guests. Thus , this is the turning point as from this point on Macbeth is a changed man and his downfall has certainly began.

Macbeth is portrayed as a brave and noble warrior from the very beginning. this is made clear when a wounded captain from the battlefield says:

“For brave Macbeth, well he deserved that name”

“brave” has connotations of heroic and courageous. The characterisation of Macbeth is developed here positively as it is now assumed that he is a good noble man with cause and purpose as he bravely fights for his country. Thus, act 3, scene 4 is an effective turning point as the way we see Macbeth and his character change dramatically from our first insight of him. It is also then made clear that Macbeth possesses the potential to be butcherous and lethal, this is made clear when the captain adds:

“He unseamd him from the knave to the chops”

This dialogue portrays Macbeth as being lethal and butcherous as ‘unseamd’ has connotations of a butcher and slaughtering animals. It also means to open up the insides of something as a ‘seam’ is the lining in something which holds it together. The characterisation of Macbeth is yet again developed here as we now know he is an ambitious and lethal warrior as he would kill a man in such a way, Thus act 3 , scene 4 is an effective turning point as this butcherous side of Macbeth which the audience has now seen is amplified in the turning point as by this point he has even murdered his best friend to fulfill his ambition.

Moreover, it is made clear to us that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have a good, strong and equal relationship before the turning point. This is made clear when Macbeth addresses his wife in a letter calling her:

“My dearest partner of greatness”

“partner” has connotations of equality, and equals to each other, which clearly show s that Macbeth and lady Macbeth have a good, close relationship as they are equals and ‘partners’. “greatness” has connotations of excellence and awesome, which shows Macbeth clearly thinks highly and positively of his wife before the turning point. Thus, act 3 scene 4 is an effective turning point as we see the contrast between their relationship prior to the turning point, and as a result of the turning point. It is also then made clear that Lady Macbeth knows how to control and manipulate her husband into doing what she wants. This is made clear when she says to her husband:

“when you durst do it then you were a man”

This dialogue shows that Macbeth clearly takes pride of his appearance to others and his masculinity, and that Lady Macbeth clearly knows how to use it against him. Ironically, this also illustrates how close the couple are also as Lady Macbeth knows exactly how to manipulate and intimidate him, and it shows that she-at this point-is in control. Thus act 3 scene 4 is an effective turning point as after it Macbeth is very much so in control, and Lady Macbeth id not, and the couple are incredibly distant and no longer close.

Furthermore, Macbeth now is starting to deteriorate as a character as he shows streaks of insanity in front of his guests in the turning point, act 3 scene 4. This is clear when he says to Banquo’s ghost:

“Never shake thy gory locks at me”

Macbeth’s insanity as a result of his ambition is shown here as not only is he speaking to a ghost, but he does so in front of a room full of guests. ‘Gory” implies that Banquo was killed in a gross and disgusting way, thus developing the characterisation of Macbeth as he is yet again portrayed as butcherous. Thus act 3 scene 4 is an effective turning point as it illustrates the deterioration of Macbeth as a character and his and his butcherous nature which we seen previous to the turning point. In addition, the idea of Macbeth’s insanity and guilt is developed further when he says:

“Blood will have blood”

The motif of blood here and the image effectively illustrates Macbeth’s guilt and his downfall as all he can think about is blood. Just as Macbeth has took the blood of Duncan and Banquo, so too has he realized that his blood will be took as a consequence. Thus this shows that Macbeth is now coming to realize what his ambition has lead him to. Therefore act 3 scene 4 is an effective turning point as it effectively illustrates Macbeth’s downfall and guilt caused by his ambition.

Additionally, Macbeth has now reached the bottom of his downfall as a character. This is made clear when he says:

“Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player who struts and frets his hour upon stage never to be heard again. It is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing.”

This dialogue is used skillfully by Shakespeare to show the downfall of Macbeth. “signifying nothing” shows how empty Macbeth now feels towards life as a result of what he has done and of the turning point, he sees nothing good that can come from life. Thus act 3 scene 4 is an effective turning point because as a result of Macbeth has became totally hopeless and is drowning in despair, and sees nothing good that can come from life, unlike the noble and good warrior we seen before the turning point.

In “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare there is an effective turning point which effects the play as a whole. Shakespeare successfully illustrated how dangerous ambition can be and how it effects a whole range of characters involved. He does this skilfully through the use of various literary techniques and made the consequences clear by including a clear turning point, Act 3 Scene 4.

S4 Macbeth Conflict Model Essay

“Macbeth” by William Shakespeare is a play in which there is an important conflict between the eponymous Macbeth and his ambitious wife. The play centres on Macbeth’s ambition to become king and how, spurred on by his wife, he murders the king of Scotland. From this point onward Macbeth descends into a downfall that explores the impact that ambition can have not only on a person but on a relationship. Shakespeare clearly explores the conflict in the relationship between the couple through a number of dramatic techniques and in doing so improves our appreciation of the play as a whole.
Firstly our introduction to Macbeth clarifies for us that he embodies ambition. When discussing his actions on the battlefield it is made evident that Macbeth is a ruthless warrior who is ambitious in everything he does:

“He unseamed him from the nave to the chaps.”

This gruesome dialogue highlights our central character’s behaviour on the battlefield as a ruthless warrior. This clearly highlights that our central character is aggressive and ambitious on the battlefield and it is a trait that will spill over into his life. It also makes clear that one of the characters in our conflict allows one of his more negative aspects to get the better of him.
At the very beginning of the play there is little conflict between Macbeth and his wife and in actual fact they are portrayed as a loving and devoted couple. Addressing a letter to his wife, Macbeth writes:

“My dearest partner of greatness”

The use of word choice is telling of the kind of relationship they have. The fact that Macbeth refers to her as his partner highlight the equal nature of their relationship and hints that they share each other’s confidences. He also refers to her as ‘dearest’ highlighting that he loves and appreciates her as dearest has connotations of special and important. Thus it is quickly established that they are a loving couple who appreciate each other. At this point there is no conflict as, having not acted on their ambition, their relationship is a happy one. However it soon becomes apparent that Lady Macbeth is as ambitious a character as her husband. She invites evil spirits to fill her body in order to assist her husband to kill Duncan:

“Unsex me now.
Fill me from the crown to the toe-top full
Of direst cruelty.”

This monologue illustrates the ambition that fills Lady Macbeth to see her husband crowned king. She is asking to be stripped of her femininity, which is in itself transgressive, and urges the spirits to fill her with ‘cruelty’. The sinister tone of this monologue highlights the height of her ambition and suggests to us that she is, in fact, more ambitious that her husband. This foreshadows the conflict as it highlights that they are both ambitious and could, as a result, have conflicting views on how they should proceed.

On his return, it is clear that Lady Macbeth feels the only way they can proceed is to kill King Duncan. She urges her husband to behave duplicitously:

“Look like the innocent flower
But be the serpent underneath it.”
This dialogue, with startling imagery, exemplifies how ambitious Lady Macbeth is for her husband to be king. Just as a flower is pure an natural, she urges Macbeth to appear this way while in fact hiding his true intentions. This idea is continued through the use of a serpent, typically an evil creature, emphasising how she feels he should be in reality. This again illustrates her ambition and suggests that, if Macbeth does not bend to her will they will come into conflict.

However, while he is attracted to the prospect of being king he is not won over by her encouragement. He refuses, in a moving piece of dialogue, to do as she suggests:

“I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people”

Macbeth appears the more moral of the two, comparing the opinions he has earned to gold which suggests he values them. This clearly illustrates a conflict in opinion as he is not willing to throw away what other think of him just for ambition, while Lady Macbeth thinks he must. This is our first hint of conflict as while she is certain of what they should do he finds himself torn morally. As a result of his refusal, Lady Macbeth engages him in the first real conflict between the couple. She reminds him of her own pragmatism and discusses how far she would go to please him, making allusion to what she would have done to their child:

“I would, while it was smiling in my face,
Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums
And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you
Have done to this.”

This transgressive monologue clearly highlights the ambition of the character with whom Macbeth eventually comes in to conflict. Her graphic description of hypothetical infanticide spurs Macbeth to kill the king and to indulge his ambition. This first hint of conflicting attitudes foreshadows what will eventually happen to them and builds not only our understanding of the couple as a unit but also their role in the play as whole.

However, as soon as Macbeth has committed the murder the differences in their character lead them to deal with the consequences in very different ways. Having returned from the chamber covered in blood Macbeth explains to his wife how he could not pray:

“I had most need of Amen and it stuck in my throat.”

Macbeth’s immediate assumption is that he can no longer pray because he has broken his union with God. This intimates that the character is immediately guilty and highglights that he feels he is damned as we associate the inability to pray with being disconnected from God. In direct contrast to this the pragmatic Lady Macbeth reacts practically. In reference to his blood covered hands she says:

“A little water clears us of this deed.”

This simplistic dialogue highlights that the character feels that by literally washing they can metaphorically cleanse themselves of their sin. This develops the conflict between them as both characters react very differently to the result of their ambition. She believes they can easily forget it while he realises the gravity of what they done. This is the first time we properly see a massive disconnect between our originally equal couple and this helps us understand the development of the conflict within the play as a whole.

This conflict is further exemplified when Macbeth begins to exclude his wife from his plans, bringing them in to conflict. When planning the murder of his friend Banquo, he brushes her off:

“Be innocent of the knowledge dearest chuck
Until thou applaud the deed.”

The dismissive tone here is directly contrasting to the way in which Macbeth first addressed his wife. She is no longer his ‘dearest partner’ but ‘dearest chuck’ which is far more condescending as chuck is another word for chick, highlighting his dismissive attitude towards her. While she wants to be part of his plans his ambition has forced him to exclude her, meaning they are now in conflict in terms of their next steps.

In the turning point of the text the conflict between the couple becomes evident. At this point in the text Macbeth’s ambition has driven him to madness and as he hallucinates that Banquo is at the feast:

“Oh, these flaws and starts,
Impostors to true fear, would well become
A woman’s story at a winter’s fire,
Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!”

In this impatient dialogue she becomes irritated with Macbeth’s breaking mental state. She again dismisses his mental instability and the use of an exclamation mark emphasises her irritation and embarrassment. She is actively unsupportive of him at his worst point and this serves not only as a turning point for Macbeth but in their relationship too. As a result of their ambitious act of regicide their marriage has fallen apart and they are no longer connected as they were. Thus their ambition has driven them apart and created a conflict.

As a result of their conflict, Lady Macbeth slowly descends into madness as guilt overwhelms her and she realises they cannot escape what they have done. No longer connected to Macbeth, she decides to take her life. When hearing of her death, Macbeth reacts coldly:

“She should have died hereafter.”

This cold assessment of her death highlights how their conflict has changed them as a couple. The dismissive tone of the dialogue illustrates that he feels her death was bound to happen and his reaction also highlights what ambition has done to them; the character is unmoved by his wife’s death. The impact of ambition and the conflict is further explored in, what is arguably, Macbeth’s most distressing dialogue. He examines the meaning of life:

“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more”

This imagery highlights the misery that Macbeth finds himself in as result of his ambition and the resulting conflict. Just as an actor spends only a while on the stage and then disappears, so too is life both short and unremarkable. This dialogue highlights the huge change in the anti-hero from an ambitious but moral man to someone whose life is meaningless. It cleverly illustrates the journey Macbeth has taken both as an individual and exemplifies the impact the conflict has had on him, as well as his act of regicide.

In conclusion “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare is a play in which there is a conflict. From a loving, equal couple who find themselves overwhelmed by ambition to individuals who deal with the consequences very differently, Shakespeare makes it clear that the ambition they feel is dangerous not only for them as individuals but for their relationship and ultimately leads to their conflict. Through the theme of ambition he highlights the issues surrounding this and cleverly explores the idea that all actions have consequences.

Higher Close Reading Homework

Do the questions marked A (Analysis) for paper 1 only.

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