Macbeth “By the pricking of my thumb, something wicked this way comes.”

Introduction Written by William Shakespeare in 1605 Macbeth is a man who overthrows the rightful King of Scotland Shakespeare wrote Macbeth at the beginning of King James I reign Before James succeeded Elizabeth I he was king of Scotland Placing the play in James’ homeland probably pleased him

So, this is a comedy…right? Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies (it is also his shortest) Aside from the violent nature of the plot Shakespeare uses several literary devices to enhance the feeling of evil He creates a serious and sinister mood by having most of the play take place at night There is a heavy emphasis on the supernatural (witches, dreams, spells, and ghosts)

The Curse 1 st performance-actor cast as Lady Macbeth collapsed from a fever; later dies. More examples-storms, fire, injury, death. Tradition says if the name of the play is said aloud in the dressing room, the actor must turn around 3 times, spit, and knock to reenter.

The Tragic Hero He is an exceptional human being, usually of high estate. He has a tragic flaw (hamartia). Thus, the hero is ultimately responsible for his tragic end. He may also struggle with a larger force such as destiny, fate, chance. His end is death or unhappiness, often unexpected. He meets death heroically.

The Nature of Tragedy and the Tragic Hero Elizabethan idea of “Wheel of Fortune” in its continual revolution – elevates one man while another fall. Involves the descent of a great man (king, warrior) from success to bitter fortune Ideas for Shakespeare’s tragedies were adapted from those of the ancient Greeks (Aristotle) Object is to gain the greatest possible response from the audience so they may share fully in the tragic emotions of pity, fear, sympathy, and horror. These responses are gained through our deepest convictions as to right and wrong, our beliefs as to our religion and the supernatural, and our repugnance to ugliness and discord. “The Great Chain of Being” – an Elizabethan view of the world. When the chain is disturbed, the universe becomes chaotic and unpredictable.

The Tragic Pattern A man of high estate A flaw in character Intrusion of time and a sense of urgency Misreading and rationalization Murder, exile, alienation of enemies and allies Gradual isolation of the tragic hero Mobilization of the opposition Tragic recognition of the flaw by the tragic hero; too late Last, courageous attempt to restore lost honor/greatness Audience recognizes potential for greatness Death of the tragic hero Restoration of order

Tragedy Terms Peripeteia: the reversal; tragic irony Anagnorisis: the recognition Catharsis: the purging of the emotions of pity and fear

Themes Motifs Fascination with evil Appearance v. Reality Consequences of guilt Effects of ambition Blood Water Dark/light Animals Clothing Weather Sleep Supernatural

Major Characters Duncan-King of Scotland Malcolm-Duncan’s oldest son and heir to the throne. Donalbain-Duncan’s younger son. Macbeth-Thane of Glamis, a Scottish noble and general in King Duncan’s army Lady Macbeth Banquo-a thane of Scotland and a general in the army Fleance-Banquo’s son Macduff-Thane of Fife, a Scottish noble Lady Macduff Three Witches/Hecate: the witches are also referred to as Weird Sisters; Wyrd is another name for fate.