1. Macbeth by William Shakespeare

2. The Setting Macbeth takes place in medieval Scotland (although it was written in Renaissance England).

3. Plot Summary Macbeth is a Scottish thane who had just won glory in battle. Because another thane was proven to be a traitor, Macbeth has been given his title by their king, Duncan.

4. Plot Summary Macbeth might be content with this new title, but when a mysterious group of witches known as The Weird Sisters prophesy that Macbeth will have more success, he and his wife become enticed by the prospects.

5. Plot Summary Rather than waiting for these prophecies to come true, Macbeth pursues his destiny, and stops caring about his bonds with his king and other thanes, his moral code, and his sanity.

6. Important Questions The return of wyrd: Are we controlled by fate or our own free will? What are the consequences of unchecked ambition and greed? Is having power better than having love and trust? Is Macbeth a good guy gone bad, or did he always have the capacity for evil?

7. Themes Fate vs. Free Will Appearance vs. Reality Power Leading to Corruption Guilt Defining Masculinity/Manhood How Superstition Affects Behavior Look for these elements as we read!

8. Motifs (Repeated Images & Ideas) Supernatural Occurrences and the Disruption of Nature Blood Paradoxes (Contradictions that have some truth to them) Ill-Fitting Clothing Sleep

9. Historical Context As a commercial writer, Shakespeare addressed issues important to King James I, the ruler of England at the time, which were regicide (murder of a ruler), “just” kingship, and witchcraft. –James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots – Queen Elizabeth’s archenemy –He wrote a book about witchcraft called Daemonologie Up to 8,000 women were burned at the stake for alleged witchcraft during his reign –James traced his ancestry to Banquo (a real dude), one of the main characters

10. Important Definitions Theme: Universal ideas explored in a literary work Motif: Recurring phrase, description, or image that can help to develop the text’s major themes. Aside: an actor's speech heard by the audience but supposedly not by other characters

11. Important Definitions Soliloquy: a dramatic monologue that represents a series of reflections Paradox: a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true Foreshadowing: Indications about events to come