MACBETH A look into all of the factors that contributed to the play that is Macbeth.

Time Though we do not have a precise date, Macbeth is thought to have been written in 1606, in the early reign of King James the first. At this point in time there was a lot of conflict concerning Protestants and Catholics in England. Catholics were forced to make an oath that they rejected the pope otherwise they may have been executed. English Authorities arrest Henry Garnett for having been a part of the Gunpowder Plot (failed assassination attempt of King James), he is tried and executed.

The Play Three witches tell Macbeth that he will become king one day. Duncan makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, beginning his journey towards kingship. Lady Macbeth vows to help by any means necessary. The couple plot and kill the king and his guards. It is blamed on Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain. Macbeth is named king but is racked with guilt and insecurity. Macbeth begins a reign of terror, has lots of people killed. Lady Macbeth is really guilty, she tells a doctor what she did and then she kills herself. Macduff challenges Macbeth and wins, taking his head back to Malcolm. Malcolm is then crowned king

The Issues Ambition – one of the main themes, what happens when people are so ambitious that their moral compass is completely out of the picture. Gender – women are given powerful roles in this play, and men are manipulated when their masculinity is in question. Guilt – this plays a major role after they have killed the king both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are wrought with guilt and do not deal with it well.

The Man Born in 1564, April 23rd (probably). Marries wife Anne Hathaway 1582, November 27th. Has three children, Susanna, Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet dies 1596 at age 11. In his life he has written 13 comedies, 13 historical plays, 6 tragedies, 4 tragicomedies and 154 sonnets. He died in 1616 on April the 23rd, his 52nd birthday.