Macbeth Historical Background The King of England in

Macbeth: Historical Background

The King of England in 1606 was James I, a Stuart. 4 There was no Tudor successor to the throne of England. Therefore, Elizabeth I chose James VI of Scotland to succeed her. After her death in 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England. 4 Elizabeth I had been instrumental in the death of her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, who was beheaded.

4 On her deathbed, Elizabeth wanted to ease her way into Heaven, so she chose Mary’s son James to become the next King of England. 4 The appointment of James I was a good political move, unifying England Scotland under one King.

Macbeth: a tribute to King James I 4 Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1606, during King James’ reign. 4 King James was a devout advocate of the “Divine Right of Kings. ” 4 The setting is Scotland, King James’ homeland. 4 Banquo was an ancestor of James and is shown in the play to be a virtuous person. 4 James believed himself to be an expert on witchcraft. 4 James had an interest in faith healing.

Macbeth: an appeal to Elizabethan people’s interests 4 Shakespeare demonstrated the Elizabethan belief that the country is stable only if the King is good and virtuous. 4 Elizabethans believed that evil occurs in darkness, which is a recurring theme in Macbeth. 4 Shakespeare included a lot of blood and murder, which the Elizabethans expected to see in a play. 4 The play was considered a thriller – a threat to an anointed King and the perceived evil behind the threat – and alluded to the Gunpowder plot of 1605.

History & Macbeth 4 Macdonwald’s rebellion & the 4 History makes no mention of invasion of Sweno took place at Lady Macbeth—her different times—Shakespeare character is almost wholly combined them the creation of Shakespeare 4 Duncan is supposed to have been 4 In history, Macbeth fled killed by four hired servants— before Macduff— Shakespeare has Macbeth Shakespeare shows Macbeth commit the murder bravely fighting 4 History represents Banquo as 4 Used Raphael Holinshed’s equal in guilt with Macbeth— Chronicles of England, Shakespeare whitewashes Scotland, & Ireland as Banquo’s character as a historical reference for his compliment to King James plays

Before the Curtain Opens 4 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 4 King Duncan is the King of Scotland. 4 Edward the Confessor is the King of England. 4 The time period is the eleventh century (1000 -1099). 4 Shakespeare used poetic license to bend some of the historical information.