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Shakespeare's Macbeth: Tragedy and Ambition

Dive into the life and work of William Shakespeare, focusing on his acclaimed tragedy, Macbeth. Explore the characters, themes, and setting of this timeless play, filled with ambition, deceit, and political intrigue. Discover the historical context and superstitions surrounding Macbeth, as well as the impact of Shakespeare's works on the Elizabethan era.

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Shakespeare's Macbeth: Tragedy and Ambition

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  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 Judith 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 • Elizabeth I was queen • 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

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