I’ve just written a book of 25 GCSE answers to the Macbeth Extract questions. There are answers at every grade.
So, I thought I’d check to see if ChatGPT has got any better than grade 6 (which is where it was when I last tested it in April 2023).
ChatGPT is improving all the time. At the time of writing, it is good enough to get a grade 9.
It can’t yet do this on its own, but by combining paragraphs and organising them in chronological order, you can get a pretty good essay.
Here is the essay, with ChatGPT’s marking. It is probably accurate to within 1 mark. To find this out, I pasted in an answer which had already been marked by a senior examiner, and ChatGPT was too generous by only 1 mark.
Examiners only have to be accurate within 3 marks!
My Final Version Combining ChatGPT Paragraphs
Response 26 (in my book - coming soon).
Shakespeare's portrayal of Macbeth as a violent character in Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale, showcasing the consequences of unchecked ambition and regicide within the Jacobean context, warning against the destructive nature of unbridled ambition.*
In this extract the Captain vividly portrays Macbeth's actions during the recent battle against the Norwegian invaders, presenting him as a highly skilled and ruthless warrior. The Captain's description, however, FORESHADOWS Macbeth's propensity for violence throughout the play, revealing why Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a violent character.
Firstly, Macbeth is depicted as an exceptional warrior, skilled in combat and unyielding in the face of adversity. The Captain compares the intensity of the battle to "two spent swimmers that do cling together". This SIMILE highlights Macbeth's tenacity and determination, showcasing his readiness to engage in brutal conflicts.
Moreover, when the Captain describes Macbeth's killing Macdonwald, so that Macbeth "unseam'd him from the nave to the chops". The word choice of "unseam'd" implies a violent and precise act of cutting open the enemy's body, underscoring Macbeth's willingness to inflict gruesome harm.
Furthermore, as Macbeth plans the murder of King Duncan, he contemplates the violent act by stating, "I have no spur/To prick the sides of my intent, but only/Vaulting ambition". The METAPHOR of a "spur" conveys the idea of motivation or justification for violence, implying that Macbeth's ambition alone drives him to commit heinous acts.
Similarly, when Macbeth contemplates the consequences of his violent actions, he exclaims, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood/Clean from my hand?". The METAPHOR of "Neptune's ocean" emphasises the magnitude of guilt and the impossibility of washing away the bloodshed, highlighting Macbeth's realisation of the irreversible consequences of his violent deeds.
In contrast to his initial portrayal as a valiant warrior, Macbeth becomes increasingly ruthless in his pursuit of power. After ordering the murder of his loyal friend Banquo, Macbeth remarks, "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus". The emphasis on being "safely" indicates Macbeth's willingness to resort to violence to ensure his own security, even if it means betraying those closest to him.
In another instance, Macbeth contemplates his own resolve and determination, saying, "From this moment/The very firstlings of my heart shall be/The firstlings of my hand". The REPETITION of "firstlings" emphasises Macbeth's readiness to act violently and impulsively, as his thoughts are immediately translated into violent deeds. This impulsive nature indicates that Macbeth's immediate response to his desires or intentions is to resort to violent actions. By linking the "firstlings" of his heart with the "firstlings" of his hand, Macbeth implies that violence is his instinctive and primary response to any situation, underscoring his inclination towards aggression and bloodshed.
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Additionally, when faced with the news of his wife's death, Macbeth reflects on the futility of life, exclaiming, "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player/That struts and frets his hour upon the stage". The IMAGERY of a "walking shadow" and a "poor player" conveys a sense of nihilism and insignificance, suggesting that Macbeth's violent actions have stripped life of its meaning and value.
For instance, when reflecting on his past, Macbeth remarks, "I have almost forgot the taste of fears". The phrase "taste of fears" suggests that Macbeth has become desensitized to fear and violence, indicating his deep immersion in a world of brutality. The METAPHORICAL use of "taste" implies that Macbeth has become accustomed to fear, implying a familiarity with violence that has eroded his capacity for empathy or remorse.
Moreover, Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a cautionary tale within the Jacobean context. The play serves as a warning to dissuade the nobles from committing regicide, an act considered treasonous and disruptive to the established social order. Macbeth's violent actions and his subsequent downfall illustrate the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and the disruption it brings to the natural order.
In conclusion, Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a violent character driven by ambition, skilled in combat, and plagued by psychological turmoil. The portrayal of Macbeth's violence, as seen in the imagery of unseaming bloodshed and ambition, reveals the darker aspects of his character. Moreover, the play's cautionary nature and its exploration of the consequences of regicide underscore the moral message of the Jacobean era. Macbeth's journey from a valiant warrior to a tyrant consumed by violence and guilt exemplifies the tragic consequences of yielding to one's darkest impulses.
722 words
· Thesis Statement Yes
· Explanations 22
· Quotes 9
· Named Methods 6
· Society/era/patriarchal/Jacobean/contemporary/ historical reference etc 7
· Shakespeare 3
· Exploratory Could, Might, May, Perhaps, Probably 0
· Conclusion Yes
· Paragraphs 12
· Words per paragraph 60
My Comments
These numbers suggest that this essay would score at the top of Level 5 and therefore gain 25 marks.
ChatGPT Comments
Based on the AQA GCSE literature mark scheme, I would assign this essay a score of 27 out of 30. Here is the justification for the marks:
Content: The essay demonstrates a strong understanding of the play and effectively explores Macbeth's violent character, his motivations, and the consequences of his actions. It discusses key scenes and quotes that support the analysis. (Score: 9/10)
AO2: Language and Structure: The essay effectively uses quotations from the play to support its arguments. It identifies and analyzes literary techniques such as simile, metaphor, and repetition, highlighting their impact on character development and thematic exploration. The essay is well-structured, presenting a clear introduction, body paragraphs organized by theme, and a concise conclusion. (Score: 9/10)
AO3: Context and Interpretation: The essay demonstrates an understanding of the Jacobean context and how it influences the play's themes and messages. It discusses the cautionary nature of Macbeth within this context, warning against regicide and the disruption of the social order. The interpretation of Macbeth's journey and the exploration of the consequences of unchecked ambition are insightful. (Score: 9/10)
Technical Accuracy: The essay exhibits a strong command of language with effective use of vocabulary and terminology relevant to literary analysis. The writing is clear and coherent, showcasing an ability to convey ideas and arguments effectively. There are minimal grammatical errors or issues with sentence structure. (Score: 9/10)
Overall, the essay provides a well-structured and insightful analysis of Macbeth's violent character, supported by relevant evidence from the play. It demonstrates a strong understanding of literary techniques and contextual factors.
This is very interesting. Let’s see how accurate it is. I copied in response 18, worth 26 marks, and asked ChatGPT to grade it.
Assessment Objective 1: Understanding of the text (10/10)
The essay demonstrates a strong understanding of the text, particularly in relation to Lady Macbeth's portrayal as a character consumed by guilt and her manipulation of Macbeth. The analysis accurately identifies key scenes and quotes that support this interpretation.
Assessment Objective 2: Analysis of the text (9/10)
The analysis of the text is mostly effective, providing insightful interpretations of key quotes and techniques used by Shakespeare. The essay explores the repetition of "Out, damned spot" as emphasizing the effects of the spilled blood and the symbolic representation of the "spot" as a mark of evil. The use of monosyllables and dramatic irony is also discussed to highlight Lady Macbeth's psychological struggle.
Assessment Objective 3: Contextual understanding (8/10)
The essay demonstrates an understanding of the Jacobean context, particularly in relation to beliefs about witches and the societal roles of women. The references to Lady Macbeth's desire to adopt a male role and the portrayal of her power being shocking to a Jacobean audience show contextual awareness. However, further elaboration and specific examples could enhance the contextual analysis.
27 marks
So, this grading looks pretty accurate and only one mark too generous. That suggests the ChatGPT response is 26, the first mark in grade 9! (I would still give it 25 though - top of grade 8).
Really interesting. Is that the free version of ChatGPT or paid version Dominic?
How did you get such a response- I have given it a try and get nonsense. Kay