 Explication: a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.;

 You will often be asked to write a clear and developed explication of a literary passage or quotation. In order to write a fantastic literary explication, you just have to follow a few steps.

 “This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in truth? I am thane of Cawdor: If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair . . . “ (I. III) Macbeth is the speaker of this quote and he is speaking an aside to himself.

 “This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in truth? I am thane of Cawdor: If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair . . . “ (I. III) Macbeth says this after the witches prophesy about Macbeth becoming the thane of Cawdor comes true.

 “This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in truth? I am thane of Cawdor: If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair . . . “ (I. III) Macbeth is expressing his confusion over whether or not to be excited or frightened over his prophesied future. This quote illustrates that Macbeth is transforming into a character whose morals are ambiguous and unclear.

 “This supernatural soliciting cannot be ill, cannot be good: if ill, why hath it given me earnest of success, commencing in truth? I am thane of Cawdor: If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair . . . “ (I. III) This is significant because it illuminates the theme of appearance versus reality. Good and ill used to appear simple to Macbeth, but the reality is that he can no longer tell the difference between the two.

 Macbeth is the speaker of this quote. He is speaking to himself in an aside. Macbeth speaks this aside after the witches prophesy about becoming the thane of Cawdor comes true. Macbeth is expressing his confusion over whether or not to be excited or frightened over his prophesied future. This quote illustrates that Macbeth is transforming into a character whose morals are ambiguous and unclear. This is very significant because it illuminates the theme of appearance versus reality. Good and ill used to appear simple to Macbeth, but the reality is that he can no longer tell the difference between the two.

 1.

Identify the speaker

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2. Discuss Context

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3. Discuss Meaning

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4. Discuss Significance?

    Now it’s your turn to practice and read some more on the web about writing an excellent passage analysis. Go to the English Sharepoint page and click on “Explication Practice” Follow the directions!

Your explication is due next class period.