Macbeth

An introduction…

Background

English Renaissance-16th to early 17th cent.Era of great learning and knowledgeAge of nationalism—people were proud to be EnglishAge of humanism (man is the highest and greatest being)Around 1600, there was a growing sense of pessimism—plays began to reflect this.

Background

Elizabethan Era-1558 to 1603Plays 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 people’s ideas causing anxiety

Machiavelli-political realism

Copernicus-said the earth was not the center of the universe

Montaigne—skeptic 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 King—not as popular as Elizabeth. She was capable, brilliant, charming,and authoritative…he wasn’t so much

Background on Macbeth

Real 11th 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 11th 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 blood—what is it symbolic for, where do we see it, and who sees blood most often?

The role of the supernaturalWitches

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 witchesHecate: 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 Macbeth—one 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