Macbeth Some background on tragedy, historical context, King James, and words you need to know.

Anatomy of a Tragedy Tragedy- the downfall or destruction of a noble or outstanding person. This person is called the tragic hero. Tragedy- the downfall or destruction of a noble or outstanding person. This person is called the tragic hero. Tragic Flaw- character weakness of the tragic hero Tragic Flaw- character weakness of the tragic hero The tragic hero is typically neither a wicked villain nor an innocent victim. The tragic hero is typically neither a wicked villain nor an innocent victim.

History of Macbeth The play is loosely based on Macbeth, who ruled Scotland for 17 years, from 1040 to The play is loosely based on Macbeth, who ruled Scotland for 17 years, from 1040 to Macbeth gained the throne by killing Duncan and lost the throne to Malcolm by being killed. Macbeth gained the throne by killing Duncan and lost the throne to Malcolm by being killed. Shakespeare changed some details from the true history, for example: Shakespeare changed some details from the true history, for example: Macbeth- making him more evil Macbeth- making him more evil Duncan- making him older and more benevolent Duncan- making him older and more benevolent

The Play’s Dates Written between 1603 and 1606 Written between 1603 and 1606 Many editions exist and many believe that parts of the play were inserted later on by other authors. Many editions exist and many believe that parts of the play were inserted later on by other authors. The date of the first performance remains unknown. The date of the first performance remains unknown.

King James I Shakespeare wrote the play in part to please King James I. Shakespeare wrote the play in part to please King James I. King James was believed to be a descendant of Banquo, one of the “good” characters in the play. King James was believed to be a descendant of Banquo, one of the “good” characters in the play. King James was fascinated by witches, even writing a book called Demonology, a book about the secret world of witches. King James was fascinated by witches, even writing a book called Demonology, a book about the secret world of witches.

Murder Vocabulary Primogeniture- (PRY-mo-gen-i-tjure) Primogeniture- (PRY-mo-gen-i-tjure) The right of the first-born son to inherit the throne The right of the first-born son to inherit the throne Regicide- Regicide- The killing of a king The killing of a king Divine Right- Divine Right- A monarch derives his right to rule from God. A monarch derives his right to rule from God. He needs only to answer to God. He needs only to answer to God.

Shakespearean Vocabulary Soliloquy Soliloquy A dramatic monologue that represents a series of unspoken reflections. A dramatic monologue that represents a series of unspoken reflections. Aside Aside A literary devices that allows an actor to speak to the audience. He/she is not heard by any other character. A literary devices that allows an actor to speak to the audience. He/she is not heard by any other character. Iambic Pentameter Iambic Pentameter Five pairs of unstressed/stressed syllables Five pairs of unstressed/stressed syllables de-DUM de-DUM de-DUM de-DUM de-DUM de-DUM de-DUM de-DUM de-DUM de-DUM “To swell the gourd and plump the hazel shells” “To swell the gourd and plump the hazel shells”

“That Scottish Play” CURSED! CURSED! Many actors won’t say the name aloud. Many actors won’t say the name aloud. They call it: “that Scottish play.” They call it: “that Scottish play.” They call the characters:“Mr. and Mrs. M” They call the characters:“Mr. and Mrs. M”