Warm-Up: On a separate sheet of paper or in your notebook, write a ten-word summary of Macbeth Act 1, Scene 1. I want exactly ten words – no more, no less!

Robert Browning once wrote “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” On a separate sheet of paper or in your notebook, paraphrase this quotation and explain whether or not you agree with this statement. Provide at least one example or piece of evidence for support.

On a separate sheet of paper or in your notebook, rate the following statements from 1-5 (1 being not at all true, 5 being most true). Be prepared to discuss your answers! 1. People who are striving to get ahead often step on other people. 2. Being powerful usually is the same thing as being happy. 3. One mistake can often lead to another. 4. Everyone is capable of murder under the right circumstances. 5. People who are involved in criminal activities can still feel love, fear, and concern for other people. 6. Our lives are primarily governed by fate, not our actions.

Shakespeare- Renaissance Drama Rebirth of interest in Greek Tragedies Shakespeare wrote three types of plays: Histories Comedies- has a happy ending Tragedies- tragic hero comes to a miserable end

The Historical Context of Macbeth “Something wicked this way comes…”

Setting 11th century Scotland (Alba) and England When the play begins, there are two wars in progress: Civil War - King Duncan (King of Scotland) vs. Macdonwald’s rebels National War - Scotland, led by King Duncan vs. invading Norway, led by King Sweno

The Real Macbeth Born circa 1005 Ascended throne August 14, 1040 after killing Duncan I in battle Died August 15, 1057 after being killed in battle by Malcolm III Known as successful rebel, not usurper. Successful reign which made peace with the Pope and honored Celtic tradition

Maps of Scotland

Scottish Clan System What was a clan? **Think Braveheart based on William Wallace b1270 who led the Scottish Rebellion against GB From Gaelic word “clanna” meaning children Power structure of Scotland from about 1000-1700s Clans develop territory based on dominant group in vicinity Controlled by Chieftain who controlled every aspect of life Known for violent and prolonged clan battles over territory or feuds Clans system destroyed as political system in 1746 at Battle of Culloden But historically, these are much more than family groups, in fact for centuries this was the main political system in Scotland. Membership passed down through the male side of the family (patriarchal).  It's centered around the man's last name, so once a woman marries she becomes part of her husband's clan - while the rest of her birth family remain members of her father's clan.

Writing the tragedy of Macbeth Written for King James I (formerly of Scotland, now England) James I of England (formerly known as James VI) was appointed by Elizabeth I as her successor. This was a smart political move – it unified Scotland and England. SWAG

Shakespeare’s Patron King James the First James interested in witchcraft- but didn’t necessarily believe- used it for political purposes Belief about witches widespread- WHY:?illiterate people, no scientific explanation

So What? Shakespeare altered some historical details to “suck up” to the King. Setting is Scotland (James’ hometown) Character of Banquo (relative of James) portrayed as virtuous character

Other Elements James Would Have Liked: James was a big believer in the “Divine Right of Kings.” James believed himself to be an expert on witchcraft and the supernatural. Both of these are central ideas of the text.

Divine Right of Kings The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, not from their subjects, from which it follows that rebellion is the worst of political crimes. Dates back to Old Testament when God chose Saul, then David as King of Israelites James I major proponent of this idea Motto: “Dieu et mon droit” God and my right

Why Elizabethan People Liked Macbeth: Demonstrates the Elizabethan belief that the country is stable only if the King is good and virtuous. Elizabethans believed that evil occurs in darkness. Shakespeare included a lot of blood and murder, which the Elizabethans expected to see in a play. The play was considered a thriller – a threat to an anointed King and the perceived evil behind the threat.