I need help with my introductory paragraph for my essay on Macbeth.
I am look for a Introductory paragraph which includes the universal truth that "Money and power reveal true character".
Also, introduces the author.
Please help, getting really confused with the combination of all these things.
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According to The Practical Writer, ntroductory paragraphs for essays have three parts: a motivator, a thesis statement, and a blueprint.
Motivator - This is the beinning of the introductory paragraph and its purpose is to grab the interest of the reader. Motivators can a a quotation, an observation, a question.
Thesis Statement - This carries the main idea of the essay and is a general statement based upon your analysis of Macbeth.
Blueprint - This is a short listing of the main points that you will present in the essay. They are your opinions/judgments based upon your analysis. These opinions will be supported with details and passages from the play.
So, in order to compose the introductory paragraph, the writer must reach some conclusions about how or why money and power reveal true character. One quote that comes to mind which may be a motivator is that of Macbeth in Act V, Scene 1:
...I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on th'other (1.5.25-28)
Later in the play, Macbeth bemoans that he has allowed his ambition to overtake his soul. Perhaps, then he may wish to develop the idea of ambition into your thesis, as well. Certainly, his desire for power urges him to believe in the predictions of the three witches and the entertain the idea that the preternatural world can intervene in his life.
As far as introducing William Shakespeare, all you need do is preface your first mention of Macbeth with an allusion to Shakespeare. For instance, if you write about Macbeth's driving ambition and his belief in the preternatural world of the three sisters, you can begin the sentence that introduces these ideas by writing something like this:
The world of William Shakespeare's Macbeth was the Elizabeth Age, one in which great import was given to the spiritual world. For, the influence of ghosts and the preternatural such as witches was perceived by Elizabethans as real. (Look up the Elizabethan Age and you will find more information.)
Before you write, organize your ideas. Think about what you can support and find the passages, etc. that you need as illustrations of these points. Then, look at what you have gleaned and decide upon your thesis, the general statement that will have a blueprint of three points/opinions will you will support. Once you have your ideas organized, then your writing of the essay should follow more easily. See the links below for more help.
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