Macbeth Background Information

Historical Background Written most likely around 1606  During the reign of King James I Main source: Hollingshed’s Chronicles- provides a history of English nobility.  Banquo = King James I ancestor Shakespeare’s shortest and bloodiest tragedy, Macbeth tells the story of a Scottish general who receives a prophecy from three witches that one day he will become king of Scotland.

Historical Background Written for King James I  Gave homage to King James (Gunpowder plot)  Very short attention span  Huge supporter of the theatre Queen of Denmark (James’s sister) was visiting, which sparked the need for a play. Macbeth  the cursed play

The Gunpowder Plot Conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5, 1605, but was discovered the night before. Plot was discovered from an anonymous letter to Lord Monteagle warning him not to attend the State Opening.  Found gun powder barrels in the cellar of Parlaiment It is a custom for Britain to let off fireworks on or around November 5 th as a symbol for thanks.

“The Scottish Play” Believed to be bad luck to even speak the word ‘Macbeth’ in a theatre. Legend has it you will lose all your friends involved in the production-horribly Since 1606, hundreds of actors, crew members, etc. have been hurt or died during the production. It is believed Shakespeare included black magic spells in the incantations of the three witches. The only remedy to get rid of the curse is for the offender to:  Step outside  Turn around three times  Spit  Say the foulest word you know  Wait for permission to re-enter the theatre

Major Characters Macbeth- a Scottish General Lady Macbeth- Macbeth’s wife Three Witches- “black and midnight hags” who plot mischief against Macbeth Banquo- brave and noble general King Duncan- good King of Scotland Macduff- Scottish nobleman Malcolm- son of King Duncan

Minor Characters Hecate- goddess of witchcraft Fleance- Banquo’s son Lennox- Scottish nobleman Ross- Scottish nobleman Porter- drunken doorman of Macbeth’s castle Lady Macduff- Macduff’s wife Donalbain- Malcolm’s younger brother

What is tragedy? “The ruin of a noble mind”- in Shakespearian tragedy the hero is to some extent responsible for his own downfall. Elements of a tragedy  Massive danger and passion  Peaceful beginning  trauma  Life is to be endured rather than enjoyed  Sad ending

Tragic Hero a literary character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal flaw that, combined with fate and external forces, brings on a tragedy

Shakespearian Tragic Hero Typical qualities- noble birth, qualities of greatness, and an outstanding personality Tragic flaw- too much ambition Inner conflict- initial doubts and later guilt His downfall….to be continued Downfall  innocent people suffering

Major Themes Supernatural Influence  Look for instances when supernatural occurrences have influence over the characters Appearances vs. Reality  There is a difference between public face and private thought. The corrupting power of unchecked ambition  When left unchecked and not maintained, ambition can lead to destruction

Motifs Definition- recurring structures, contrasts, and various literary devices Halluccinations  Remind Macbeth and Lady Macbeth of their responsibility for the growing body count Violence  Macbeth is a famously violent play with gory descriptions Prophecy  Sets the entire plot in motion

Symbols Definition- objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Blood- symbolizes guilt that cannot be washed away The weather- unnatural occurrences in nature reflect the corruption in the moral and political orders.

Literary Elements Blank Verse- unrhymed iambic pentameter  Iamb= unstressed syllable followed with a stressed syllable  Pentameter= five iambs (feet) per line  Follows a “sing-song” rhythm (da dum da dum)  Example: I am a pirate with a wooden leg.

Literary Elements Dramatic Irony- the audience knows something the characters do not Conflict- the struggle between two forces which creates drama  External Conflict- struggle between two characters or groups  Internal Conflict- struggle within a character

Literary Elements Imagery- the language the writer uses to re-create sensory experiences and stir emotions.  It is what helps you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste, rather than just read or listen to words.

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