Another essay question. The responses are astounding.
Describe the plot of "Macbeth" in sonnet format. "Macbeth" is a tragedy by William Shakespeare about a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and urged on by his wife, Macbeth murders the king and takes the throne for himself. However, his guilt and fear of retribution lead him to become a tyrannical ruler, causing chaos and destruction in the land. Eventually, Macbeth is overthrown and killed in a final battle. In sonnet format, the plot of "Macbeth" might be summarized as follows: In Scotland, long ago, a warrior named Macbeth Received a prophesy from witches three: He would be king and rule the land until his death. Driven by ambition and his wife's deceit, Macbeth kills the king and takes the throne by force. But guilt and fear soon turn him into a tyrant, Causing chaos and destruction in the land. The people rise up against their cruel leader, And in a final battle, Macbeth is killed. His reign, brief and bloody, ends in defeat. Such is the tragic tale of Macbeth, a man Who let his lust for power lead him to his end. Okay, this time, describe "Macbeth" in limerick format. "Macbeth" is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, so it may be difficult to summarize the plot in a lighthearted and humorous way, as is typical of limericks. [Touché!] However, here is one possible attempt: There once was a Scottish general named Macbeth Whose ambition soon got the best of him yet He killed the king and took the throne But guilt and fear turned him to stone And in the end, he was overthrown and met his death. This limerick only briefly touches on the main events of the play and leaves out many important details. It also takes some liberties with the story in order to fit it into the limerick form. If you want to learn more about "Macbeth" and its plot, I suggest reading the play or consulting other sources. [The last line would be better as: "And in the end, he was overthrown."]
