ENG3704
EXAM ANSWERS
ENG3704 ANSWERS
MAY/JUNE
2024
, 2 ENG3704
MAYJUNE2024
QUESTION 1: MACBETH
Rothwell argues that in Roman Polanski’s 1971 film Macbeth,’ Lady Macbeth was everybody’s
favourite for the scheming wife’.
Write an essay in which you discuss this idea as it pertains to Polanski’s adaptation of the play.
Refer to the action of the play in your answer and use at least two readings on the film to enrich
your essay. (50 marks)
Essay: The Scheming Wife in Roman Polanski's Adaptation of
"Macbeth"
Introduction
Roman Polanski’s 1971 film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" offers a
distinct interpretation of the classic play, with Lady Macbeth emerging as a pivotal and
intriguing character. As Rothwell argues, Lady Macbeth is "everybody’s favourite for the
scheming wife," a portrayal that is vividly brought to life through Polanski’s direction.
This essay will explore how Polanski’s adaptation highlights Lady Macbeth’s
manipulative and ambitious nature, examining key scenes and drawing on scholarly
readings to enrich the analysis.
Polanski’s Interpretation of Lady Macbeth
Polanski’s adaptation of "Macbeth" is noted for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the
play’s events, with Lady Macbeth standing out as a complex and multifaceted character.
From her first appearance, Lady Macbeth exudes a formidable presence, embodying
the ruthless ambition that drives the plot forward.
One of the most striking aspects of Lady Macbeth in Polanski’s film is her unwavering
determination to see her husband ascend to the throne. This is evident in the famous
letter-reading scene, where she reacts to Macbeth’s news of the witches’ prophecies
with a mix of excitement and resolve. Polanski’s choice to depict her in a solitary setting,
with a close-up on her face, emphasizes her internal scheming and the intensity of her
ambition.
Anderegg’s Analysis: "Polanski’s adaptation captures the essence of Shakespeare’s
characters while adding a unique cinematic dimension" (Anderegg, 2004).
Rothwell’s Insights: "Polanski’s adaptation brings a new level of realism to the character,
making her both more relatable and more terrifying" (Rothwell, 1990).
EXAM ANSWERS
ENG3704 ANSWERS
MAY/JUNE
2024
, 2 ENG3704
MAYJUNE2024
QUESTION 1: MACBETH
Rothwell argues that in Roman Polanski’s 1971 film Macbeth,’ Lady Macbeth was everybody’s
favourite for the scheming wife’.
Write an essay in which you discuss this idea as it pertains to Polanski’s adaptation of the play.
Refer to the action of the play in your answer and use at least two readings on the film to enrich
your essay. (50 marks)
Essay: The Scheming Wife in Roman Polanski's Adaptation of
"Macbeth"
Introduction
Roman Polanski’s 1971 film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" offers a
distinct interpretation of the classic play, with Lady Macbeth emerging as a pivotal and
intriguing character. As Rothwell argues, Lady Macbeth is "everybody’s favourite for the
scheming wife," a portrayal that is vividly brought to life through Polanski’s direction.
This essay will explore how Polanski’s adaptation highlights Lady Macbeth’s
manipulative and ambitious nature, examining key scenes and drawing on scholarly
readings to enrich the analysis.
Polanski’s Interpretation of Lady Macbeth
Polanski’s adaptation of "Macbeth" is noted for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the
play’s events, with Lady Macbeth standing out as a complex and multifaceted character.
From her first appearance, Lady Macbeth exudes a formidable presence, embodying
the ruthless ambition that drives the plot forward.
One of the most striking aspects of Lady Macbeth in Polanski’s film is her unwavering
determination to see her husband ascend to the throne. This is evident in the famous
letter-reading scene, where she reacts to Macbeth’s news of the witches’ prophecies
with a mix of excitement and resolve. Polanski’s choice to depict her in a solitary setting,
with a close-up on her face, emphasizes her internal scheming and the intensity of her
ambition.
Anderegg’s Analysis: "Polanski’s adaptation captures the essence of Shakespeare’s
characters while adding a unique cinematic dimension" (Anderegg, 2004).
Rothwell’s Insights: "Polanski’s adaptation brings a new level of realism to the character,
making her both more relatable and more terrifying" (Rothwell, 1990).
