Macbeth
Brief examination of the
historical context of Macbeth
– A Macbeth for King ames?
Witches and Witchcraft
in Macbeth
For next day:
– Themes and Imagery – “The Bloody Man”
Introduction to Shakespeare’s
Macbeth
John Worston, Macbeth and Banquo Meeting the Witches
Introduction to William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
The Meanings of
– the effect of the mysterious or supernatural on humans
A psychological study of
a murderer’s mind
A play of political and
A play of ideas or themes
Duncan was 38 at the time
years, during which time Scotland became comparatively peaceful and stable.
Duncan’s son, Malcolm,
of his murder - a murder possibly committed by the real Macbeth.
A Macbeth for King James?
Banquo (pictured at right)
– an elaborate family tree of the Stuart dynasty suggests that King James is descended from a real Banquo (Holinshed). In fact, Banquo never existed. – Shakespeare lays full responsibility for Banquo’s death upon the Macbeths – the change to the traditional telling of the story was probably made to appease King James, who hated King-killers (regicides).
Historical Context of Macbeth
Shakespeare was a
Eleventh-Century
playwright, not an historian. However, he knew that history provided great material for plays: war, conflict, ambition, the downfall of great rulers.
The Real Macbeth
The real Macbeth was
born in 1005, the son of a ruling family.
Macbeth’s father was
murdered by his cousin.
Macbeth married the
granddaughter of the High King of Scotland (Gruach)
Scotland was a violent and troubled country. Feuding families and clans fought to control trade and territory. The castle was the power base of each rival war-lord (thane). Political murder and revenge killings were commonplace.
A Macbeth for King James?
King James succeeded Queen Elizabeth in
1603 - a Stuart, he was already King of Scotland Shakespeare’s Macbeth may have been performed for the first time before King James in 1606 Macbeth contains many echoes of King James’ interests . . .
The Many Meanings of Macbeth
A historical thriller
– a fast-moving, action-packed murder mystery demonstrating that crime doesn’t pay
A play of illusions
– for example, “appearance versus reality”
social realism
– how oppressive and hierarchical society can corrupt individuals
A tragedy
– the fall of a great person brought about by a fatal flaw in their character
Martin, Banquo and Macbeth on the Heath
Duncan and Macbeth
Duncan was the king of
Macbeth ruled Scotland for 17
Scotland at the time the real Macbeth was born
Macbeth was elected High
invaded Scotland in 1054, supported by Edward the Confessor.
Macbeth was killed on August
King of Scotland in 1040.
15, 1057 and buried at Iona, the sacred burial place of the Kings of Scotland.