Journaling Expectations

JOURNAL WRITING


Journal writing is an important step in following the plot, but more importantly it is a time to attach insight (commentary) to what you are noticing as you read. This will also make your essay writing easier as your thoughts and commentary are already merging. Below you will find some ideas for keeping a journal, which you must do after every scene. Beyond a chronological sequence of events of the play, your journal may include

1. a character development journal (noting traits, changes, interaction with other characters, interaction with the themes of the play, the character's use of language). Examine characters in terms of their loyalties.

2. a close watch on one or more of the themes of the play (how they are interpreted by Shakespeare, and how they are developed). List recurring themes that develop as you read. Add notations of act and scene (or page numbers in novels) to serve as a guide for later reflection and writing.

3. writing about symbols found throughout the play (selecting one symbol, blood for example, and listing each quote in which it appears and discussing how the symbol furthers the development of plot, character, and theme).

4. a vocabulary* journal (listing and defining words of literary and dramatic importance)

5. a response journal (writing about your personal interaction with the play)

6. reflections on imagery, motifs, and theme—Shakespeare's use of imagery develops many themes, list these as they appear in the play. For example, the use of clothing begins with "borrowed robes" (I,ii) and continues with clothing representing a disguise of "false face" (I,vii) being repeated many times. Other examples include: flowers/planting, omens and unnatural events (superstitions), darkness, water/cleansing, blood, weather, and sleep/death.

7. Quote Analysis*—Analyze quotes reflecting the development of plot, character, and theme.

Be sure to include the

A. Speaker

B. To whom the character is speaking

C. The situation (and its significance to plot development)

D. Interpretation (include any literary devices, etc.)

For example:

If you can look into the seeds of time,

And say which grain will grow and which will not,

Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear

Your favors nor your hate. (I,iii)

ANALYSIS

1. Banquo

2. To the witches

3. The witches have given Macbeth the good news that he will be king

4. Banquo expresses a curiosity to hear his own future (the metaphor of the "seeds of time") but, unlike Macbeth, shows neither fear nor great desire to receive special concessions from these women.



USING YOUR JOURNAL

Don’t let journaling be something you have to do and don’t let it be just busy work — Use your journal writing to develop an essay about how a character acts as a foil in order to expose flaws or themes, use it as an examination of how a theme has developed, a study of how symbol or imagery or motifs furthered the theme. In your writing, like always, incorporate direct quotes from the play that are complemented by your insight and commentary — something which should have been done in your journal.



“Out, out, brief candle! 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." Macbeth (V,v,17-28)