Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Introduction to Macbeth Shakespeare took the main events from Macbeth’s reign as king of Scotland (1040-1057). Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, based on Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Historical Background In Shakespeare’s play, Duncan is old and tired, while Macbeth is young and forceful. In actuality, in 1040, Duncan was 36 years old, and Macbeth was at least a few years older. In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth has no supporters but his wife, and his reign is a disaster; in history, Macbeth gained the throne with the support of other nobles and has a rather successful reign. The play covers a period of about nine days; historically, the events covered a span of eighteen years.

Why Alter History? More than likely, Shakespeare was trying to flatter the new King James I, who was from Scotland. He was also trying to explore his beliefs about the attitudes and events of his own time. King James I

Homage to King James I From Scotland—play is set in Scotland James was very proud of his ancestry–thought he was a descendant of Banquo and indirectly of Duncan (both men are portrayed favorably) Believed in witchcraft and ghosts Refused to sit through long plays; Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s shortest plays

Main Characters Macbeth Lady Macbeth Nobleman who will do anything to achieve his ambitions; starts out good but becomes EVIL Lady Macbeth Ambitious, cold-hearted, urges Macbeth to lose sight of his morals; succumbs to feelings of guilt

More Characters The Witches: Supernatural beings offer deceptive predictions and ignite Macbeth’s evil nature Banquo: Another nobleman, friend of Macbeth’s but knows right from wrong Fleance: Banquo’s son; threatens Macbeth’s future King Duncan: King of Scotland, trusting and naïve; poor judge of character Malcolm: Duncan’s son and heir; everything a king should be Macduff: An honorable lord who opposes Macbeth and supports Malcolm

Key Imagery Blood is everywhere in Macbeth, beginning with the opening battle. Once Macbeth and Lady Macbeth embark upon their murderous journey, blood comes to symbolize their guilt, and they begin to feel that their crimes have stained them in a way that cannot be washed clean. Weather: Macbeth’s grotesque murder spree is accompanied by a number of unnatural occurrences in the natural realm. From the thunder and lightning that accompany the witches’ appearances to the storms that rage on the night of Duncan’s murder, these violations of the natural order reflect corruption in the moral and political orders.

Themes Appearances do not always reflect reality. Despite temptations, people are responsible for their own actions. Attempts to control the future by overturning the natural order of society are futile. Ambition can subvert reason. Outside forces that tempt us to do wrong are trying to corrupt our morals.

Renaissance Beliefs