William Shakespeare

Plot Overview Shakespeare’s shortest and bloodiest tragedy Tells the story of a brave Scottish general (Macbeth) who receives a prophecy from three witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed with ambitious thoughts and encouraged by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and seizes the throne for himself. He begins his reign with a guilty conscience and becomes a tyrannical ruler Spiral of arrogance, madness, and death (Macbeth & Lady Macbeth)

Macbeth Introduction Written by William Shakespeare in 1605 Shakespeare wrote Macbeth at the beginning of King James I reign Before James succeeded Elizabeth I, he was king of Scotland Placing the play in James’ homeland probably pleased him Of all the plays Shakespeare wrote under James’s reign, Macbeth most clearly reflects the playwright’s close relationship with the king. James I was interested in witchcraft and wrote a book, Demonology, on the subject – which possibly explains the witchcraft in Macbeth 3

The Real Macbeth Macbeth was a real king of Scotland (from 1040-1057) He did kill King Duncan (1040) and seized the throne Unlike the Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play The real Macbeth had a legitimate claim to the throne The real Macbeth was a strong leader The real Macbeth’s reign was successful The real Macbeth was killed at Lumphanan as opposed to Dunsinane 4

So this is a comedy… right? Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies (it is also his shortest) Aside from the violent nature of the plot Shakespeare uses several literary devices to enhance the feeling of evil He creates a serious and sinister mood by having most of the play take place at night There is a heavy emphasis on the supernatural (witches, dreams, spells, and ghosts) 5

Setting (Time): The Middle Ages, specifically the eleventh century Setting (Place): Scotland; also England, briefly Protagonist: Macbeth Major conflicts: Macbeth’s internal struggle between his ambition and his sense of right and wrong The struggle between the murderous evil represented by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and the best interests of the nation, represented by Malcolm and Macduff

Major Themes The corrupting nature of unchecked ambition (How consuming the desire for power can be) The relationship between cruelty and masculinity (what is being strong and what is just being plain mean) The difference between kingship and tyranny (A King should be kind and good, a tyrant would be selfish and think of his people last)

Macbeth Tragic hero Scottish general and the thane of Glamis – meets three witches whose prophecy drive him to evil – especially after their prophecy that he will be made thane of Cawdor comes true. He cannot resist his dark desires, but his struggle to regain his goodness is constant The part of his character that is capable of love and compassion, although ever fading, is always present. He is easily tempted and persuaded. Not really a villain – despite committing many brutal murders – he does not relish his immoral acts as a true villain does

Lady Macbeth Shakespeare's most evil female character Unlike females who are passive or secondary to husbands – she is a dominant force in play. Ambitious and lusts for power (more than her husband?) Urges her husband to kill – partners in crime/alienated from world Becomes crazy with guilt

Duncan, the King of Scotland Macbeth's first victim in obtaining the crown for himself. Shakespeare was a firm believer in the divine right of kings. Throwing over a valiant or beloved monarch was bad Shakespeare had to make notable changes to the historical Duncan. The real King Duncan was an awful guy. If Shakespeare's Macbeth planned to kill this Duncan he would be justified, and there would be no play. So Duncan morphs into a delightful and loved king who epitomizes the perfect ruler. Now, his death is unjustified.

Banquo The antithesis of Macbeth He is pure and moral - character foil. Brave and noble general. His children according to the witches’ prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne Banquo has no 'vaulting ambition' and thus can easily escape the trap of the witches' prophesies – unlike Macbeth.

Donalbain & Malcolm King Duncan’s sons Malcolm – oldest son; rightful heir to throne after Duncan

Macduff Macduff, the thane of Fife, arrives at Macbeth's castle the morning after Duncan has been murdered. suspicious of Macbeth almost immediately. He sides with Malcolm, Duncan's son and rightful heir to the throne. As punishment for his betrayal, Macbeth hatches a plan to kill Macduff and his whole family.

Three Witches Their prophecy prompts Macbeth to commit murder They stir up a lot of the trouble Identity unclear Servants of Hecate -  goddess of witchcraft, who helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth.