Macbeth

An introduction
Background
English Renaissance-16
th
to early 17
th
cent.
Era of great learning and knowledge
Age of nationalismpeople were proud to be English
Age of humanism (man is the highest and greatest being)
Around 1600, there was a growing sense of pessimismplays began to reflect this.
Background
Elizabethan Era-1558 to 1603
Plays tend to be sentimental and romantic
More nationalistic
More crossing of class barriers (falling in love)
Jacobean Era-1603 to 1625
More realistic and satirical
More disillusioned and dark
Greater sense of class conflict
Why the change? (4 reasons)
1. Influence of 3 writers who shook up peoples ideas causing anxiety
Machiavelli-political realism
Copernicus-said the earth was not the center of the universe
Montaigneskeptic and philosopher
2. People were worried about the loss of Queen Elizabeth who had no heirs.
3. The end of the century reminded them that time goes on and nothing lasts, life is
unpredictable
4. James I became Kingnot as popular as Elizabeth. She was capable, brilliant, charming,and
authoritativehe wasnt so much
Background on Macbeth
Real 11
th
century Scottish King, but ruled peacefully; killed King Duncan because nearest male
relative tradition not followed
Written in 1605-1607
Tragedy
Written to please King James (formerly King of Scots [1567-1603], interested in witchcraft)
Historically, play would take place in late 11
th
century, but as typical of Shakespeare, several
modern anachronistic references
Themes
1. Great ambition or lust for power ultimately brings ruin
2. Evil can be disguised as something nice- looking
3. Temptation overcomes even the strong.
4. Guilt haunts the guilty
Watch for
Who is ultimately responsible for all the deaths that occur (who do you blame?)
The role of bloodwhat is it symbolic for, where do we see it, and who sees blood most often?
The role of the supernatural
Witches
Ghosts
Hallucinations
Macbeth as Tragic Hero?
Noble birth
Several redeemable, likable characteristics
Has tragic flaw of character
Downfall caused by tragic flaw
Has self-realization or self-awareness but often too late
Death usually causes audience to sympathize or feel pity.
Macbeth
Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, a general in the King's army
Tragic downfall is his quest for power or his AMBITION.
Hecate and the 3 witches
Hecate: ancient (pre-Olympian) Greco-Roman goddess of witchcraft and crossroads. Sometimes
depicted with three faces.
Witches:
Disgusting women (if you can call them that)
Add an element of supernatural and prophecy to the play.
They can assume the shape of an animal, but with a defect, such as a tailless rat.
They are described as having beards but looking human.
Lady Macbeth
loves her husband.
She is also ambitious but lacks the morals of her husband.
King Duncan
King of Scotland
Duncan is a good king who his people like. However, he is unable to discern those who
threaten his reign.
Banquo
Thane of Lochaber, a general in the King's army
Banquo serves as a foil to Macbethone of his closest friends
King James I believed himself descended from Banquo
Macduff
Thane of Fife, a nobleman of Scotland
Macduff shows early on a distrust of Macbeth.
Malcolm and Donalbain
Both are minor characters
Sons of King Duncan
Malcolm is set to inherit the throne next
Lennox and Ross
Noblemen and minor characters
Both observe Macbeth and become suspicious of him