1. Macbeth
William Shakespeare
Ms. Mathews
English 10 Honors

2. Shakespeare Mini-Bio Born in Stratford-upon-Avon
April 23, 1564 – April 23, 1616
Called “The Bard of Avon”
An actor, poet, and playwright
Part-owner of the acting company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men
Married to Anne Hathaway; had three children

3. Shakespeare’s Plays
Shakespeare’s plays are among the most famous works in the English language and all of Western Literature
He wrote three types of plays:
Comedies
Tragedies
Histories
The First Folio was printed in 1623 and contained 36 plays

4. Setting of Macbeth Set in Scotland around the year 1040
The action of the play alternates between the battlefield and various castles
Macbeth’s castle, Inverness, was located on the River Ness, which flows into the famous Loch Ness

5. Macbeth Background Macbeth was written for King James I
James Stuart was already King James VI of Scotland when Queen Elizabeth's death made him James I of England as well
In the late 1500's, Scotland experienced a witch craze
Many people were convicted of witchcraft and executed without physical evidence

6. James I bought into the witch hysteria, so Shakespeare incorporated the three witches (the Wyrd Sisters) into Macbeth for the king's enjoyment
The archaic (old fashioned) meaning of the word “weird” is “destiny or fate.” The witches, therefore, echo the three fates of Greek mythology.
James I believed that as part of the Stuart line, he was descended from Banquo, although no historical evidence exists to support this claim

7. The Real Macbeth
Macbeth really did exist, though Shakespeare only loosely based his character and story on the real man.
The real Macbeth was king of Scotland from 1040 to 1057 and went to drastic ends to gain the throne and remain in power.
“Macbeth” is a Christian name meaning “son of life” (as opposed to the paternal surname MacBeth).

8. The real Lady Macbeth was named Gruoch
The real Lady Macbeth was named Gruoch. She was originally married to another king and had a son with him, though the child is only indirectly referenced in the play and the first husband is not mentioned at all.
It is considered bad luck to say the name of the play in a theater where it is being performed; instead, it is commonly referred to only as “The Scottish Play.”

9. Important Terms Defined
Motif—a repeating symbol that furthers an important idea or theme
Paradox—a statement that seems to be a contradiction but actually reveals truth
Thane—a Scottish title of nobility equivalent to Earl
Primogeniture—the system of passing on property, titles, or wealth to the eldest male heir

10. Themes of Macbeth Ambition Appearance v. Reality Atmosphere Disorder
Trust and Betrayal
Fear and Guilt
Greed and Power
Excuses
Visions
Desperation
Good and Evil
The Supernatural

11. 9 Motifs in Macbeth Blood 7. Birds Natural Order 8. Sleep
Darkness Clothing
Hands
Masculinity
Supernatural Forces

12. Main Characters Macbeth—Thane of Glamis, military general
Lady Macbeth—Macbeth’s wife
Banquo—Scottish thane and general
Fleance—Banquo’s son
Duncan—King of Scotland
Malcolm—Duncan’s elder son
Donalbain—Duncan’s younger son
Macduff—Thane of Fife, a nobleman of Scotland

13. As you read… Look for and record examples of motifs and themes
Study paradoxical statements to discern hidden truths
Monitor character changes; consider the impetus and results of each change
Read and re-read. Check your understanding.
Ask questions and seek clarification.
Form your own opinions and be able to support them.
Annotate and/or take copious, detailed notes!

14. Analysis Exercise
Sometimes students are hesitant to raise their hands in class because they think their opinions are wrong. The thing is, an opinion cannot be wrong, and most of literary analysis is simply a matter of creating informed opinions based on the text.
Let’s try an exercise to illustration the skills used in literary analysis . . .

15. Which word does not belong?
Horse
Clock
Anvil
Nose
Write your answer in your notes, along with an explanation

16. There was no “correct” answer to the previous question; however, notice how the answer changes when a detail-based question is asked

17. Which word does not contain an O?
Horse
Clock
Anvil
Nose
Now there is only one correct answer

18. Why did we do that?
The exercise demonstrated the difference between analyzing a work of literature based on your own ideas or opinions and answering specific, detail-based questions.
In class discussions, we will do mostly the first type of analysis; on tests and quizzes, you will also be expected to answer the second type of questions. Be prepared for both!