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Macbeth, Or The Scottish Play. Based on lectures by William Harlan. Just so you know…. Intense psychological study Historical background Written in 1605-1606 Shakespeare was at his height of creative POWER Blackfriars theatre Blackfriars vs. The Globe. Blood & Guts. Bloody, violent drama
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Macbeth, Or The Scottish Play Based on lectures by William Harlan
Just so you know… • Intense psychological study • Historical background • Written in 1605-1606 • Shakespeare was at his height of creative POWER • Blackfriars theatre • Blackfriars vs. The Globe
Blood & Guts • Bloody, violent drama • Psychotic killer & his fiendlike wife • Suspense thriller • Tribute? • To King James I of England, who was also the King of Scotland
Of course, it’s POLITICAL! • Macbeth is an openly political play • Based on events & life of a real historic figure…sort of • He wrote about a time 500 years in the past • Make a moral point about the present society • Kings used history to maintain power
Cite the Sources • Holinshed’s Chronicles of Scottish History • Gossip, tales, and fantasy • Flawed perspective • Heighten drama • Simplify complexities • Kiss up to King James
Anachronisms • Actual story of Macbeth takes place around 1050 in Scotland • Play is full of references taking place in 1605 in England • Gunpowder Plot
The Real Deal • 1040- Macbeth becomes KING • He killed Duncan in battle • Ruled for 17 years • Killed by Duncan’s son, Malcom III • Married a Princess & a Saint
Stop the Violence • It’s the Dark Ages • Of the 8 Scottish Kings, 7 died “unnatural” deaths • Including being suspiciously burned Last Man Standing!
A Violent Example • Braveheart
Concerns of the Royal Families • Succession • Keep the CROWN within the family
The Stuart Kings • Longest surviving royal family in all of Europe • When Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, there had been 8 generations of Stuart Kings • Hired an historian to create a respectable claim to the throne • Banquo, was told by goddesses of destiny
So, HOW is this a tribute? • England & Scotland historic enemies • King James I- King of BOTH ??? • GOAL: United Kingdom • This would take over 100 years
So? • Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to advance King James’ political agenda • Emphasized commonality • Banquo (the King’s mythical ancestor) was presented in neutral way • FATE • Waits to fulfill the prophecy of his family’s future
Gunpowder Plot • November 1605 • Catholic extremists planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament • The plot was discovered • Conspirators were tortured, confessed, and executed • England was changed forever
Witches & Ghosts • Folklore of witch craft • Superstition in the theatre
As you read, LOOK for these: • Aristotle’s Tragedy • Moral Weakness or Flaw • Witches or Fates • Banquo as a FOIL • Natural Imagery • Lady Macbeth • Moral Ambiguity • Manhood
Questions! • At the bottom of your notes page, write out FIVE questions that you have about the play.