An introduction to Macbeth a tribute to King

An introduction to…

Macbeth: a tribute to King James I ■ Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1606, during King James’ reign. ■ King James was a devout advocate of the “Divine Right of Kings. ” ■ The setting is Scotland, King James’ homeland. ■ Banquo was an ancestor of James and is shown in the play to be a virtuous person. ■ James believed himself to be an expert on witchcraft. ■ James had an interest in faith healing.

Macbeth: an appeal to Elizabethan people’s interests ■ Shakespeare demonstrated the Elizabethan belief that the country is stable only if the King is good and virtuous. ■ Elizabethans believed that evil occurs in darkness, which is a recurring theme in Macbeth. ■ Shakespeare included a lot of blood and murder, which the Elizabethans expected to see in a play. ■ The play was considered a thriller.

Before the Curtain Opens ■ When the play begins, there are two wars in progress: 1. Civil War - King Duncan vs. Macdonwald’s rebels 2. National War - Scotland, led by King Duncan, against invading Norway, led by King Sweno

Setting ■ King Duncan is the King of Scotland. ■ The time period is the eleventh century (1000 -1099). ■ Shakespeare very loosely based Macbeth off of historical events, but changed a lot of information.

MACBETH: THE CHARACTERS

Macbeth Characters Macbeth: brave general under Duncan who becomes too ambitious after three witches prophesy that he will be King of Scotland. Lady Macbeth: vicious wife of Macbeth, even more ambitious than Macbeth.

King Duncan: King of Scotland, murdered by Macbeth who was one of his generals whom he had just promoted. Malcolm: Duncan’s eldest son. Donalbain: Duncan’s youngest son. Malcolm Donalbain

Banquo: Macbeth’s friend and general, suspected Macbeth of killing the King. Fleance: Banquo’s son, who survives Macbeth’s attempt to murder him. Macduff: general, believes that Macbeth killed the King Ross: Macduff’s cousin, messenger who carries news to people like Macbeth and Macduff throughout the play.

Hecate: moon goddess and goddess of the witches, directs supernatural occurrences. Makes plan to give Macbeth false security. The three witches: They tell Macbeth that he is to become King, leading him to evil. Lennox: nobleman, suspicious of the murder of the king

MACBETH: THEMES

The corrupting power of unchecked ambition ■ How does ambition corrupt characters? Namely, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Fate or Free Will ■ Were events destined to happen (fate) or did characters set them in motion on their own (free will)?

Kingship vs. Tyranny ■ Who is a “king” and “tyrant” and why? What are ideal “kingly” characteristics?

Gender Roles – Masculinity and Cruelty ■ How does masculinity = cruelty? ■ How do women play a role in violence?