ENG3704 Assignment 1 semester 2
Due date: 2 September 2024
Questions
Answer one of the following questions
Macbeth
Chamberlain argues that ‘Lady Macbeth’s reference to motherhood and infanticide
near the end of Act One of Macbeth remains one of the more enigmatic moments in
all of Shakespeare’s drama’ (Chamberlain 2005: 72).
Write an essay in which you discuss why Chamberlain finds Lady Macbeth’s attitude
to motherhood so crucial that it shapes her character in the play. Use a close reading
of the play especially with reference to Lady Macbeth’s speeches in Act One and
discuss at least one other article to substantiate your argument.
Hamlet
Gowland in his 2024 article identifies a number of kinds of melancholy but focusses
on the ‘melancholic imagination in describing Hamlet.
Write an essay in which you discuss whether you find this definition the most
appropriate for Hamlet’s mental state in the play. Use a close reading of the play
and at least one other article to substantiate your argument.
Essay 1: Macbeth
Lady Macbeth’s Attitude to Motherhood in Macbeth: A Human Perspective
Introduction
Lady Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's most intriguing characters, presents a complex
and often unsettling portrayal of ambition and gender roles in *Macbeth*. Her
references to motherhood and infanticide are particularly striking and have been the
subject of much scholarly debate. Chamberlain (2005) finds Lady Macbeth's attitude
toward motherhood to be central to her character, arguing that it shapes her actions
and the play’s themes in profound ways. This essay will explore why Lady Macbeth's
perspective on motherhood is so crucial, examining her speeches in Act One and
drawing on additional scholarly insights to deepen our understanding.
Due date: 2 September 2024
Questions
Answer one of the following questions
Macbeth
Chamberlain argues that ‘Lady Macbeth’s reference to motherhood and infanticide
near the end of Act One of Macbeth remains one of the more enigmatic moments in
all of Shakespeare’s drama’ (Chamberlain 2005: 72).
Write an essay in which you discuss why Chamberlain finds Lady Macbeth’s attitude
to motherhood so crucial that it shapes her character in the play. Use a close reading
of the play especially with reference to Lady Macbeth’s speeches in Act One and
discuss at least one other article to substantiate your argument.
Hamlet
Gowland in his 2024 article identifies a number of kinds of melancholy but focusses
on the ‘melancholic imagination in describing Hamlet.
Write an essay in which you discuss whether you find this definition the most
appropriate for Hamlet’s mental state in the play. Use a close reading of the play
and at least one other article to substantiate your argument.
Essay 1: Macbeth
Lady Macbeth’s Attitude to Motherhood in Macbeth: A Human Perspective
Introduction
Lady Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's most intriguing characters, presents a complex
and often unsettling portrayal of ambition and gender roles in *Macbeth*. Her
references to motherhood and infanticide are particularly striking and have been the
subject of much scholarly debate. Chamberlain (2005) finds Lady Macbeth's attitude
toward motherhood to be central to her character, arguing that it shapes her actions
and the play’s themes in profound ways. This essay will explore why Lady Macbeth's
perspective on motherhood is so crucial, examining her speeches in Act One and
drawing on additional scholarly insights to deepen our understanding.
