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In each act of the play, analyze the arguments listed below. Write a paragraph or two in which you analyze the rhetoric of the character’s argument.

Act I — Analyze the rhetoric of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s argument in Act I, Scene 7 and explain why Macbeth is persuaded by his wife to murder King Duncan. What is each character’s claim, their data and use of appeals?
Act II —What is Macbeth’s justification for killing the guards in Act II, scene 3? Is he believable? Persuasive? Why or why not?
Act III —In Scene 5 Macbeth gives his reasons for continuing to murder people. Look carefully at his lines, starting with lines 131. What is his claim, data, and because? Does he make a good argument?
Act IV — What argument do you think Macduff made to himself for going to England? What might have been his claim? What were the consequences of his decision? In your opinion, was it worth it for him to go? Why or why not?
Act V — Scene 5 contains one of the most famous soliloquies in the play. What is Macbeth’s claim, data, and use of appeals?

User Hironori
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Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Act I - In Act I, Scene 7, Macbeth is grappling with the moral implications of killing King Duncan, and his wife Lady Macbeth attempts to persuade him to commit the murder. Lady Macbeth's claim is that Macbeth's hesitation makes him less of a man, and that he should be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goal. She argues that he is bound by his honor and that he needs to prove himself as a man by going through with the plan. She uses emotional appeals, claiming that if he truly loved her, he would go through with the plan. Macbeth's claim is that killing Duncan goes against his duty as a loyal subject to the king. However, Lady Macbeth presents data to support her argument by emphasizing how beneficial it would be for their future. In the end, Macbeth is persuaded by Lady Macbeth's arguments because of her clever use of persuasion techniques and the promise of power and success.

Act II - In Act II, Scene 3, Macbeth justifies killing the guards by saying that he did so in a moment of rage, as he feared they would be blamed for the murder of King Duncan. However, his explanation is not very convincing. It is clear to the audience that Macbeth has committed the murder himself, and the fact that he took the time to smear blood on the guards and place the murder weapon on them undermines his claim of having acted impulsively. His justification is not persuasive and ultimately only serves to make him appear more suspicious.

Act III - In Scene 5, Macbeth gives his reasons for continuing to murder people. His claim is that he is acting to protect his throne and his own life. He presents data to support this argument, citing the prophecy that he will not be killed by anyone "born of woman." He also cites Banquo's prophecy as a threat to his power. His because is that he must take action to protect himself and his reign. However, his argument is not particularly compelling, as he is acting out of fear and paranoia rather than reason or justice. His use of appeals is mainly emotional, with a focus on his own personal safety and security rather than any higher moral principles.

Act IV - It is likely that Macduff's claim for going to England was to seek help in deposing Macbeth and restoring order to Scotland. His data would be the knowledge of Macbeth's tyrannical reign and the damage it was doing to the country. The consequences of his decision were severe, as his family was later murdered by Macbeth's men in retaliation. However, ultimately, Macduff's decision to go to England was worth it, as it helped to bring about Macbeth's downfall and restore peace to Scotland.

Act V - In Scene 5, Macbeth delivers the famous "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow" soliloquy, reflecting on the meaninglessness of life. His claim is that life is inherently meaningless and filled with despair, and that all people are destined for the same end. His data is his own experiences and observations of life, and his appeals are mainly emotional, with a focus on despair and hopelessness. His argument is a bleak and pessimistic one, but it is also a reflection of his own mindset as he faces his imminent death.

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