Macbeth An introduction…

Background English Renaissance-16th to early 17th century Era of great learning and knowledge Age of nationalism—people were proud to be English Age of humanism Man is the highest and greatest being Around 1600, there was a growing sense of pessimism—plays began to reflect this.

Background Elizabethan Era-1558 to 1603 Jacobean Era-1603 to 1625 Plays tend to be sentimental and romantic More nationalistic More crossing of class barriers (falling in love) Jacobean Era-1603 to 1625 More realistic and satirical More disillusioned and dark Greater sense of class conflict

Why the change? (4 reasons) 1. Influence of 3 writers who shook up people’s ideas causing anxiety Machiavelli (Italian)-political realism “The ends justify the means” Copernicus (Prussian/Italian)-said the earth was not the center of the universe Montaigne (French)—skeptic and philosopher

2. People were worried about the loss of Queen Elizabeth who had no heirs. 3. The end of the century reminded them that time goes on and nothing lasts, life is unpredictable 4. James I became King—appointed by Elizabeth, but not as popular as Elizabeth. While she was capable, brilliant, charming, and authoritative… he wasn’t.

MacbetH Background Real 11th century Scottish King, ruled peacefully; killed King Duncan because “nearest male relative” tradition not followed Tragedy written in 1605-1607 Written to please King James (formerly King of Scots [1567-1603], interested in witchcraft) Historically, play would take place in late 11th century, but as typical of Shakespeare, several modern references

Themes 1. Great ambition or lust for power ultimately brings ruin 2. Evil can be disguised as something nice-looking 3. Temptation overcomes even the strong. 4. Guilt haunts the guilty—the conscience will destroy.

Watch for… Who is ultimately responsible for all the deaths that occur (who do you blame?) The role of blood—what is it symbolic for, where do we see it, and who sees blood most often? The role of the supernatural Witches Ghosts Hallucinations

Macbeth as Tragic Hero? Noble birth Several redeemable, likable characteristics Has tragic flaw of character Downfall caused by tragic flaw Has self-realization or self-awareness but often too late Death usually causes audience to sympathize or feel pity.

Macbeth Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, a general in the King's army Tragic downfall is his quest for power or his AMBITION.

Hecate Hecate Ancient (pre-Olympian) Greco-Roman goddess of witchcraft and crossroads. Sometimes depicted with three faces.

the 3 witches Disgusting women (if you can call them that) Add an element of supernatural and prophecy to the play. They can assume the shape of an animal, but with a defect, such as a tailless rat. They are described as having beards but looking human.

Lady Macbeth Loves her husband. She is also ambitious but lacks the morals of her husband.

King Duncan King of Scotland Duncan is a good king who his people like. However, he is unable to discern those who threaten his reign.

Banquo Thane of Lochaber, a general in the King's army Banquo serves as a foil to Macbeth—one of his closest friends King James I believed himself descended from Banquo

Macduff Thane of Fife, a nobleman of Scotland Macduff shows early on a distrust of Macbeth.

Both are minor characters Sons of King Duncan Malcolm and Donalbain Both are minor characters Sons of King Duncan Malcolm is set to inherit the throne next

Lennox and Ross Noblemen and minor characters Both observe Macbeth and become suspicious of him