What you need to get your head around… Shakespeare: Context What you need to get your head around…

Divine Right of Kings So, because of this Medieval belief in the CHAIN OF BEING, it granted the person of the King absolute power on Earth. “Kings are rightly called Gods for that they exercise a manner or resemblance of Divine power upon earth.” James I If a king died, his eldest son (or the nearest male in line) would take his place to maintain the chain.

Religion In the Jacobean period, England was primarily Christian. They believed in: fate, destiny, fortune, heaven, hell, the existence of the devil & the existence of the supernatural. Debates about the nature of free will were central to the period. To challenge the idea of individuals directing their own lives was groundbreaking.

James I Elizabeth I died in 1603 leaving no heirs – James VI of Scotland became James I of England as the nearest male in the royal line & united the 2 countries. Under Elizabeth, England had been Protestant; James was Catholic – this made him unpopular & his position insecure. There were several plots to overthrow James including The Gunpowder Plot in 1605. This was highly influential on the play. James was obsessed with witchcraft – in 1604 an Act of Parliament was passed making witchcraft punishable by death. James wrote a book called ‘Daemonologie’ about witchcraft.

Witches James’ book said that witches: were bearded; could control the weather; could affect crops & livestock but not kill people; traded with the devil & were given ‘familiars’ by him & believed that water would reject evil – hence ducking stools to trial those accused of witchcraft.

The Role of Men in Jacobean Society Religious and loyal to the monarchy. Relied on family, but could be independent. Religious, but some were known to drink, game and have illicit relationships. Made the important decisions about his family, home and life. Responsible for his wife and family (including any unmarried sisters if their father was no longer alive) Soldiers and decision makers. Prone to violence when provoked.

The Role of Women in Jacobean Society Ruled first by their fathers and then by their husbands. Avid follower of religion. Obeyed their husbands/fathers every decision. Supposed to be pious and pure. Mothers and care-givers. Had no say on their own lives or important matters that affected the family. Completely against violence of any sort.

Influences on Shakespeare James became patron of Shakespeare’s company – The Chamberlain’s Men & they changed their name to The King’s Men. Shakespeare would have written to please the monarch. Shakespeare might have been Catholic & certainly grasped the Catholic perspective & views eg. Catholics believed that ghosts might return from Purgatory if they had been ‘unquiet’ about things in their lives – ghosts were the truthful spirits of the dead. Shakespeare read Holinshed’s ‘Chronicles’ which included 2 stories which he combined: the story of Duncan & Macbeth’s relationship & Banquo & his son Fleance being of the Stewart line which led, James claimed, directly to him; the story of King Duffe some 80 years prior to Macbeth and his encounter with witches.

Real Chronology & background Macbeth was born in 1005, reigned from 1040 – 1057 & was killed in 1057 by Malcolm, son of Duncan. In ancient Scotland, kings had been selected by tanistry – not father to son but brother to brother, cousin to cousin, uncle to nephew – chosen & named etc. James believed in the DRK & in succession by progeniture – father to first born son – this view is reflected in the play. Although set in ancient Scotland, the nobles in the play behave like the Jacobean court, again appealing to James.

Homework Explain – in your own words & to show your understanding of the importance of context – what influenced Shakespeare in his writing of Macbeth. Include: Religion Contemporary beliefs Monarchy Historical events Your existing knowledge of the play. You should aim for 2 sides in your exercise book