William Shakespeare’s Macbeth

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-on-Avon, England in 1564. He died in 1616. For most of Shakespeare’s lifetime, Queen Elizabeth was the ruling monarch. Her nephew King James I succeeded her.

Shakespeare’s time was considered the English Renaissance of 1500— 1650. Some ideas that characterized this period that are important to this play are:

1. This was the time of the Protestant Reformation (breaking from the Roman Catholic Church). People began to question the medieval premise that this world is a preparation for eternal life. They began to see everyday life as meaningful and an opportunity for noble activity.

2. People were concerned about the order of things 2. People were concerned about the order of things. They felt there was a great chain of being. This concept originated with Plato and expressed the idea that there is a proper order within all things and among all things, based on complexity, from the tiniest grains of sand to heaven and God. When everything was in its proper position, there was harmony. When the order was broken, everything was upset and everyone suffered.

3. People felt that their rulers were God’s agents 3. People felt that their rulers were God’s agents. To kill a king was a heinous crime; the heavens would show ominous signs when such evil was present.

Shakespeare’s Use of Language and Dramatic Conventions

Iambic pentameter—a line made up of five pairs of unstressed/stressed syllables (iambic: an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable) This is the most common meter in English poetry. Blank verse—unrhymed iambic pentameter

simile—comparison using like or as metaphor—comparison between two unlike things paradox—a statement that appears to be contradictory but, in fact, has some truth

hyperbole—an exaggeration understatement—an expression of less strength than would be expected motifs—recurring ideas, images, characters, or incidents

soliloquy—a monologue (speech) by a character alone on the stage soliloquy—a monologue (speech) by a character alone on the stage. This gives the audience an insight into the character’s thoughts and emotions. aside—the character speaks either to himself or to the audience. This also gives the audience insight into the character.

foil—a character who has traits that contrast with those of another allusion—an indirect reference to another event, person, or work with which the writer assumes the reader is familiar. Shakespeare uses allusions as techniques for establishing character, building theme, and setting mood.

the supernatural (those things that cannot be explained scientifically, i.e. ghosts, magic) madness (insanity), either real or pretend, was another popular device in Elizabethan drama.

conflict—the problem. The primary conflict in this play is internal between Macbeth’s strong sense of right and his strong desire both to be king and to please his wife.

And so, until we meet on the morrow, farewell and godspeed And so, until we meet on the morrow, farewell and godspeed. And study your notes!