Of all Shakespeare’s plays, only Macbeth is set in Scotland, which at that point in time was considered a wild, barbaric, uncivilized country.

It is also one of Shakespeare’s shortest and simplest plays, and it is one of the few plays he never re-wrote or altered – unlike most of his other plays, only one version of Macbeth exists.

The play is considered CURSED in the theater: Actors are injured or even killed. Shakespeare even burned down his own theater enacting this play. Even saying the name is taboo – so actors simply refer to it as “The Unmentionable” or “The Scottish play”.

When an actor accidentally says the name of the play, he’s supposed to go outside, turn around three times, spit, say the most foul word he can think of, and then wait to be invited back inside the theater.

Shakespeare wrote the play in 1606 in honor of King James I, who had been king of England for three years – and had just become king of Scotland as well. The play includes witchcraft, a big interest of King James’, and it includes Banquo, James’ actual ancestor.

The REAL King Macbeth reigned well for 17 years after killing his cousin King Duncan (a weak king) honorably in battle. Macbeth united Scotland, encouraged Christianity, and made laws to protect widows and orphans.

Eventually Duncan’s son killed Macbeth, and then Malcom, the next king, killed Macbeth’s entire family to solidify his kingship.

Of course, Shakespeare never saw any point in sticking to the truth when he saw a good plotline, so he changed the real story significantly – and ruined King Macbeth’s reputation forever.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a story of ambition, desire, betrayal, revenge and justice. It’s a story of a good man who traded everything for power.

 Things are not what they seem/reversal  Blind ambition  Power corrupts  Superstition and its effects on human behavior  Traditional gender roles

Macbeth Lady Macbeth Banquo Duncan Malcolm Donalbain Macduff Witches

October 2—Quiz Act 1 October 6—Quiz Act 2 October 8—Reflection 1 October 8—Quiz Act 3 October 12—Quiz Act 4 October 15—Quiz Act 5 October 16—Reflection 2 October 20—Test (Study Guide Due)

During our study of Macbeth, you will have two reflection type essays due. For each one, you must choose a theme and discuss how it is developed over the course of your reading to that point. This is NOT a summary. You must use direct quotes and examples from the play, and these must be documented with Act, scene, and line number. (I, ii, 35) Your reflection should be a full page typed. (TNR 12, double spaced) It may not be over two pages. These are due October 8 and 16.