Macbeth Brittani Hatton P.4

Author of Macbeth – William Shakespeare

Date of Original publication, Awards, and Notable Facts – Date: First Folio Edition, 1623 – Shakespeare did not win any awards. They didn’t make writing awards back then.

The significance of the title in the overall work. – The name of the play Macbeth is also the name of the main protagonist. – The play tells about what Macbeth goes through after a tough battle in scottland.

Setting – The setting was set in the middle ages, the 11th century. – The many places of the setting are Scotland and.England.

Themes – "Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair" – The corrupting nature of unchecked ambition – The relationship between cruelty and masculinity – The difference between kingship and tyranny

Conflicts – The struggle within Macbeth 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

Summary – Macbeth and Banquo encounter three witches that tell them of the good to come for Macbeth and Banquo. Macbeth writes a letter to Lady Macbeth telling her what the witches told him. He is to become thane of Cawdor and king. When Macbeth speaks with Duncan he expects to be called king but instead the eldest son of Duncan becomes prince of Cumberland. Macbeth isn't happy. When Macbeth returns home to his wife she tells him that she will kill Duncan and also take care of the rest. Later in the play Macbeth become king and becomes paranoid that people are going to kill him. He goes to see the witches to get another fortune and it is not good. Macbeth is visited by the ghosts of everyone he has killed. Macbeth soon dies after his final encounter with Macduff.

Characters – Macbeth- The main protagonist and a war hero in the play that gets corrupted by evil and murder. – Lady Macbeth- Macbeth's wife, she is an antagonist that works with Macbeth to get what he deserves. – Banquo- Macbeth's best friend. – Duncan- King of Cumberland, also gets killed first. – Malcolm- Eldest son of Duncan. – Macduff- Kills Macbeth.

Two Quotes – "Fair is foul and foul is fair." – The main theme that means, what is good is not so good and what is bad is not so bad. – "Stars hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires." – It shows that Macbeth is planning to kill Duncan and whoever gets in his way to get what he wants.

Unusual words or References "Thrise the brinded cat hath mew'd." To let them know that Macbeth is coming.

Personal Reactions – I enjoyed reading the tragedy known as Macbeth. I was shocked at the points in the play where the witches were casting spells and chanting. The Murders were shocking as well.