Introduction to Plot, Worldviews and Characters in Macbeth Shakespeare’s “Scottish Play”

Plot: Macbeth is not rated PG! Violence, greed and ambition, and witchcraft. Macbeth is ambitious and ruthless. If he waivers, his wife goads him on, making fun of him and pressuring him to do many evil acts to achieve and maintain political power. It's exciting but also gruesome! Images ©2011 Thinkstock

The “real” plot Shakespeare's famous play, like most of his plays, is loosely based on history. Real Macbeth story is found in a book called Scotorum Historiae (Chronicles of Scotland, 1526-7) by Hector Boece. Images ©2011 Thinkstock

Real Murder Most Foul The ‘real’ Macbeth's father was ruler of the northern tip of Scotland (Caithness, Sutherland, etc) Dad was killed/succeeded by MacBeth’s cousin, Gillacomgain, who was burned to death, along with his supporters, by Macbeth in retaliation The ‘real’ Lady Macbeth was originally married to Gillacomgain. Their son was Lulach the Simple. Macbeth took Gillacomgain’s Lady as wife, and raised Lulach Duncan took the throne for 6 years War in the family – how typical! Images ©2011 Thinkstock

Duncan the I was a terrible ruler, and an incompetent military man MacBeth plotted against Duncan Duncan tried to attack two places at once (breaking the rule of avoiding a war on two opposing fronts) One front was Macbeth’s territory of Moray. Macbeth wiped out Duncan’s army and killed Duncan himself MacBeth ruled Scotland for 35 years He was apparently a wise ruler

WORLDVIEWS God Angels Man Animals Plants Inorganic Matter Chaos William Shakespeare lived during the 'Elizabethan' period of England's history. The monarch of the time, Queen Elizabeth, was a political genius She set the tone for the era Historians often say that her citizens also shared a world view, which guided their values and behaviour. Images ©2011 Thinkstock

Established Order In this worldview, each lower order was expected to keep its place, and acknowledge dominion of the upper ones. This order was very rigid. Women btw are subservient to men, and obedient to their rule. Within the order of mankind, in fact, there was a further subdivision, which is reflected in Macbeth (see to the left) King Duncan (the king, and God's representative) Malcolm (direct heir to the king) Other nobles (Macbeth, Macduff, Banquo) Knights Gentlemen The Poor

World View: A key difference between Shakespearean and classical Greek tragedy Greek World (Ancient history) Elizabethan World (Shakespeare’s time) Greek dramatists depicted a world that was essentially fated. Ancient Greek dramatists like Sophocles showed characters whose tragedy was not due to their choices, but based on the fact that they could not avoid their fate. Oedipus, for example, on hearing from the oracle that he was doomed to murder his father, flees his homeland. In an odd twist of events, however, he meets a stranger (who he does not know is his real father) and kills him in an ancient version of road rage. Oedipus's tragedy is that his fate awaited him In the Elizabethan world, tragic figures such as Macbeth operate in a world that assumes free will. Though facing monumental forces and limitations, these characters still possess the power of choice. Their tragedy is one of personal decision, turning upon major questions of morality, ethics, and religious belief. Keep this in mind when you turn to a consideration of the characters in Act I and their actions.

World View of the Audience The theatre was a subtle reminder of the social order: staging was roughly circular (see Globe theatre), a reflection of the world and universe The audience was seated according to their station in life, at least economically. The wealthiest could afford private boxes. The poorest were known as "groundlings“ who stand on the ground in front of the stage for the entire performance.

Putting on the Play Introducing the main characters

The “Scottish Play” = Bad Luck Producing a performance of Macbeth is supposed to be unlucky. Fires, falls, and weapon injuries have plagued past productions. Superstition requires those involved in productions not to say the play's title, but rather "The Scottish Play" or "the unmentionable".

King Duncan Duncan, as rightful king, embodies order. Under heaven, he is the apex of power and privilege.  He is an old man, and considered to be wise and generous. Real Duncan was reputedly horrible

Macbeth Macbeth, the leader of the army, is brave and impetuous in battle.  He seems to have defeated the invading armies almost single-handedly, and the king is grateful. However, his desire for power is all consuming. Real MacBeth was generous and kind

Lady Macbeth Lady Macbeth  is supportive of her husband and seems suited to the role of noble hostess when Duncan visits her home.  However, she reveals the same lust for power that afflicts her husband.  She departs from the “natural order” of an obedient wife – she’s tough

Banquo Banquo is, at first, a friend and supporter of Macbeth, as long as Macbeth plays the role of a defender of the king and natural order.  He cautions Macbeth against being drawn into the witches' prophecy. Did not really exist Images ©2011 Thinkstock

Malcolm Malcolm is the king's elder son, a young man, possibly in his teens. Has not yet been tested in command. Really existed – became King after MacBeth’s demise

Macduff and other Thanes Macduff and the other Scottish thanes are noble to Scotland and appear to want what is just and honourable. The MacDuff castle no longer exists

Witches These three appear first in the play Indicates BIG trouble They cannot kill directly, but can bring a person to great harm They fool with MacBeth Images ©2011 Thinkstock