William Shakespeare’s “The Scottish Play” Background Information and Introduction ELA 3201

Life of William Shakespeare Shakespeare is born into what is now termed the “Elizabethan world” Not much is known about his life, especially before he moved to London and became well-known. Born 1564 in small town called Stratford-upon-Avon Small town 100 miles north of London

It is believed that he was well-educated, especially in Greek and Latin tragedies and English history. 1582 – age 18, marries Anne Hathaway. Has 3 children: Susanna, Judith, and Hamnet By 1592, he had become well-known in London as an actor, playwright, and poet. Belonged to a group called the LORD CHAMBERLAIN’S MEN

LORD CHAMBERLAIN’S MEN Traveling acting company, sponsored by Lord Chamberlain, an English nobleman Performed at royal events, private homes, universities, festivals Shakespeare was a writer, actor, and part-owner of the company. Replica of Elizabethan-era theater stage

1599 – The Lord Chamberlain’s Men build themselves a permanent theater – THE GLOBE. - Has to be located across the river in the town of SOUTHWARK, not in the city of London Why? Due to lack of sanitary conditions, theaters were considered the source of wide spreading of plague.

Conditions in the Theaters Crowded – especially in front of stage Open-air: known as “THE PIT” SRO One penny admission “GROUNDLINGS” Bathroom conditions Class separation Rich, royalty Stage seating

Shakespearean Theater No curtains or separations from audience “BARE STAGE” Establish setting through DIALOGUE “This castle has a pleasant seat.” –Duncan (I:6.1) “What wood is this before us?” –Siward. “The wood of Birnam.” –Menteith. (V:4.4-5)

Major difference: NO FEMALE ACTORS Roles of women are played by young boys. (Improper for women to be on stage.) Therefore, these kinds of scenes were a problem and always drew laughs from the audience: Hamlet (with Ophelia) As You Like It Romeo and Juliet

The JACOBEAN Period Queen Elizabeth dies in 1603 – ends Elizabethan period Succeeded by her nephew, JAMES I Son of Mary, Queen of Scots Had already been JAMES VI of Scotland Unites kingdoms of England and Scotland

ing James was a fan of Lord Chamberlain’s Men and sponsored them. Shakespeare’s plays written during the reign of King James (after Queen Elizabeth dies) are known as his JACOBEAN works. OTHELLO - 1603 KING LEAR - 1606 K ing James was a fan of Lord Chamberlain’s Men and sponsored them. Became known as the KING JAMES MEN. Understandably, Shakespeare’s fame and popularity increased MACBETH - 1606

Later in Life Sometime around 1611, he retired to Stratford-upon-Avon as a wealthy man. Died April 23, 1616 – age 52. Final tally: 38 plays, 154 sonnets, several other poems as well Bust of William Shakespeare at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon

SHAKESPEARE’S PLAYS History, Comedy, Tragedy The true story of an English king COMEDY: Happy ending, usually wedding TRAGEDY: Title character dies due to tragic flaw EXAMPLES: Richard II Richard III Henry IV Part 1 Henry IV Part 2 Henry V Henry VI Parts 1, 2, 3 Henry VIII King John EXAMPLES: The Tempest Midsummer Night’s Dream Love’s Labour’s Lost As You Like It The Merchant of Venice Twelfth Night EXAMPLES: King Lear Romeo and Juliet Othello Julius Caesar Macbeth Hamlet Antony and Cleopatra

SHAKESPEARE IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN CULTURE Band of Brothers (Stephen Ambrose, HBO miniseries) Borrows heavily on themes from Henry V. Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, Or close the wall up with our English dead! In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility; But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger: Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood. Henry V(V:3.44-51)

And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remember'd; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition: And gentlemen in England now a-bed Shall think themselves accursed they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day. (Henry V, V:3)

Other Movie References 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) Adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew She’s the Man (2006) Based on Twelfth Night West Side Story (1961) Adaptation of Romeo and Juliet

Macbeth: An Introduction Macbeth is among the best-known of William Shakespeare’s plays. Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy. Believed to have been written between 1603 and 1606.

The Real Macbeth king of Scotland (1040–57). He succeeded his father as governor of the province of Moray c.1031 was a military commander for Duncan I. (Right: portrait of Macbeth)

The Real Macbeth In 1040, Macbeth killed Duncan in battle and seized the throne. Possibly of royal descent himself, he acquired a direct claim to the throne through his wife, Gruoch; she was a granddaughter of Kenneth III, who had been overthrown by Duncan's ancestor Malcolm II. (Right: portrait of Duncan I)

Opening Background of MACBETH First performed in 1606 – King James himself is in the audience One of James’ ancestors is a character How do you think that character will be portrayed? Known as “the Scottish play” Considered to be cursed Actor playing Lady Macbeth died on first night Cause thought be the CAULDRON SCENE

Setting and Characters Scotland, roughly 1040 Almost 600 years before it was written Civil war Forces of KING DUNCAN vs. The rebels MACDONWALD and the THANE OF CAWDOR Macbeth and Banquo Generals in the army of King Duncan

Major Themes POWER AMBITION GENDER ROLES DECEPTION

More Themes TRUST and LOYALTY GUILT and CONSEQUENCES FATE and DESTINY

"It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood" “THE SCOTTISH PLAY” "It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood"

The Tragic Hero

Macbeth is one of the most famous examples of the tragic hero. Def. “Man of high standard who falls from that high because of a flaw that has affected many” - Aristotle Macbeth is one of the most famous examples of the tragic hero. However, how could Walter White also be one?