Will the Real Macbeth Please Stand Up? History vs. Shakespeare’s Version Lecture Objective: Analyze similarities and differences between history and art

Essential Questions (Exit Slip after lecture) How does Shakespeare’s version of Macbeth’s story differ from historical accounts of Macbeth’s story? Decide why Shakespeare created a revised history when writing Macbeth.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth Written between 1603-1606; first performed 1609

1034: Malcolm II is succeeded by his grandson Duncan as King of Scotland 1040: King Duncan tries to impose his will on northern Scotland and suppress local nobles 1034: Malcolm II is succeeded by his grandson Duncan as King of Scotland 1040: King Duncan tries to impose his will on northern Scotland and suppress local nobles

Historical Macbeth 1040: Macbeth of Moray defeats Duncan at Battle of Pitgaveny, and becomes king of Scotland … … until 1057 Duncan’s wife flees with her two sons, Malcolm and Donalbain

Historical Macbeth 1054: Edward the Confessor, King of England, orders invasion of Scotland 1057: Malcolm (Duncan’s son) defeats Macbeth at Battle of Dunsinane, and becomes Malcolm III Earl of Northumbria, Siward, leads army into Scotland Earl of Northumbria, Siward, leads army into Scotland

Duncan vs. Macbeth #truth (for real in actual history) Duncan’s rule: 6 years characterized by failed battles and ineffective leadership Macbeth’s rule: 17 years called “benevolent” and “renowned” no mention of Lady Macbeth’s effect on her husband

The relationship between James I and Banquo … Jumping Ahead … The relationship between James I and Banquo …

Historical Banquo Mentioned by Holinshed in Chronicles (1587) Supposedly an ancestor of the Fitzalan High Stewards of Scotland ancestors of James VI/I 19th century research shows the Fitzalan clan couldn’t have descended from Scottish heritage; what James I believed was likely erroneous

James VI of Scotland became James I of England and Scotland, 1603

James I Guy Fawkes Day! Nov 5th, annually First monarch to unite English and Scottish thrones Second successive Protestant monarch Claimed Banquo as his ancestor Paranoid re: assassination plots Guy Fawkes Day! Nov 5th, annually

James I In 1597, wrote a book called Daemonology In 1597-8, wrote The Trew Law of Free Monarchies, originating the idea of the Divine Right of Kings acknowledging the existence of witchcraft and condemning it as the devil

James I Intended victim of the Gunpowder Plot 1605: Guy Fawkes and co-conspirators Wanted to blow up Parliament Tragedy averted; co-conspirators caught, tortured, and executed

Members of the Gunpowder Plot (Guy Fawkes is third from right)

Exit Slip: On your blank sheet of paper Draw two Macbeths to show you can differentiate between the two: On the left, draw and annotate historical Macbeth On the right, draw and annotate literary Macbeth

Exit Slip Front of Note Card Back of Note Card Explain why Shakespeare created a revisionist history when writing Macbeth. Write the most current version of your Macbeth paper thesis statement.