6.3 Critical Speech Assignment

Astonishing news! Macbeth lives! Although he is alive, the Fates are still not smiling on him. He is charged with murder in the first degree for the murder of Duncan. For the past year, you have been leading his defence as his defence attorney. Now that all the evidence is in, it is up to you to provide a final, closing argument that will sway the jury to spare Macbeth’s life. (Given his history of violence, let’s just say that it’s in your best interests to win this case!)

As his lawyer, you may choose to either establish Macbeth’s total innocence, or to plead to a lesser crime assuming the burden of guilt be shared with other characters from the play. However, you are limited by your unsuccessful attempt to establish an insanity plea during the trial proceedings. Experts unanimously assert that Macbeth was sane, stating that his occasional hallucinations were manifestations of his conscience. Thus, you must focus both on Macbeth’s qualities that might encourage sympathy and the facts that might foster doubt in the hearts and minds of the jury.

You must use only your Macbeth textbook and the Macbeth Meets CSI package (also found in the Extra Help tab) to support your closing argument. 

Remember: Your purpose is to inform and to convince your audience. Choose your support and your words wisely.

This is a mandatory oral assignment.  You may submit a written copy of the speech but your assignment cannot be marked until you have completed the oral portion. 

You will present this speech, using one of the following means. You may choose to submit in one of the following formats:

• Over the telephone
• Via email recording
• YouTube posting (Note: Make sure your video is saved privately and provide the URL so your marker can find it.)
• Video clip
• Other (If you have another idea, please discuss it with your teacher before you begin. Submitting an alternate format without approval may mean you have to redo the assignment.)

Once you have completed your assignment, save it as Your Name 6.3 Critical Speech and submit it for assessment.

Once you have submitted your assignment,  complete the 6.4 Macbeth Open-Book Quiz, found on the next page.