Macbeth Act IV Journal

Important Rules for Journal Writing:

•           Journals are to be posted on the blog within three days of the assigned date.

•           Journal entries are to be 200 to 250 words (spelling and grammar count).

•           Submit a journal entry for all five Acts of the play, for a total of five entries.

•           Read and reply to at least one other entry for all 5 Acts (75-100 word replies).

In Scene 1, Macbeth claims that “from this moment,/The very firstlings of my heart shall be/ The firstlings of my hand” (ll.160-162), meaning that he will put into action an idea immediately when he thinks of one, and this determination leads to the cruel slaughter of Macduff’s family.  

Today we may describe this type of behaviour as acting on impulse, or not thinking things through.  How does such behaviour cause problems for people today?  

Do you see a lack of restraint by people, groups, or governments in our Western society?  Explain.

Reply to another student's journal by adding to the discussion, posing questions and answers, and making connections to texts, the world, or yourself.