Macbeth: Tragedy by William Shakespeare

1. William Shakespeare An introduction to Macbeth

2. 1564-1616: • (Elizabeth I dies 1603, succeeded by James I) • Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, north of London • Educated at a “grammar school” in Latin and classical studies • At 18, he married Anne Hathaway aged 26 • First child, Susanna born 6 months later… do the math! • Twins Hamnet and Judity born two years later, 1585 • Hamnet dies age 11 Early Life

3. Not clear when he moved to London • His plays were on stage by 1592 • His family stayed behind in Stratford • Shakespeare’s play won royal favour, particularly of James I • With a group of friends he built the Globe Theatre London Life

4. Constructed on the south bank of the Thames • An open-air amphitheatre • The higher the seats, the pricier the ticket • The common folk stood on the ground • Beer and snack were served – it got quite rowdy at times! The Globe Theatre

5. The Globe Theatre

6. Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies • A tragedy to Shakespeare involves a man of high rank who falls due to a personal flaw • Written between 1603 and 1607 • Based on the history of the murder of King Duncan of Scotland • However, in reality Macbeth was a respected king of Scotland • Theatre superstition: it’s called the “Scottish Play” Macbeth

7. A capable general at the service of King Duncan • His title is Thane (Earl) of Glamis • Rewarded with new title: Thane of Cawdor • He has a tragic flaw: ambition Characters – Macbeth

8. Macbeth’s wife • She is even more ambitious than her husband • She knows how to manipulate Macbeth Lady Macbeth

9. The well respected king of Scotland • He is older than Macbeth • Macbeth’s kinsman (“cousin”) • Macbeth is very loyal to him – at the beginning • Two sons: Malcolm and Donalbain King Duncan

10. Macbeth’s great friend • Also a general in Duncan’s army • Son: Fleance • Prophecy: he will give rise to many kings of Scotland • James I of England was also James VI of Scotland, said to be a descendant of Banquo • A character foil to Macbeth Banquo

11. Another thane (of Fife) and general • Becomes important in the final act • Has a wife and son Macduff

12. People believed that witches caused misfortune • had “familiars” or animal spirits to assist them • represented a challenge to the established order • James I had written a book on how to detect and try witches • Many witches were burned during his reign The Three Witches

13. Shakespeare follows a formula for most of his plays • Act I: exposition • Act II: rising action • Act III: climax • Act IV: falling action • Act V: resolution (denouement) Plot

14. Scotland • Inverness Castle, Macbeth’s home, and other clammy places • Time: the 11th century, Thursday, around tea time • Atmosphere: dark, gloomy, foreboding, generally nasty Setting

15. Deceit and equivocation • Deceit: the act of deceiving; concealment or distortion of the truth • Equivocation: the use of ambiguous, vague expressions; misleading or hedging • Masculinity: • What qualities make a man? • How should a “real” man act? • Can a woman act like a “man”? Themes

16. When would the assassination of a political leader be justified, if at all? Quick Write