Play that funky History… Shakespeare’s shortest and bloodiest tragedy… Macbeth

Written for King James I (formerly of Scotland, now England) MacBeth Set in Scotland Written for King James I (formerly of Scotland, now England) Queen of Denmark (James’s sister) was visiting

Lay the Track (Background) Macbeth tumbles madly from its opening to its conclusion. It is a sharp, jagged sketch of theme and character; as such, it has shocked and fascinated audiences for nearly four hundred years. As we look at each character on the character map, write down anything important next to his/her name or on the back. Don’t try to write down everything.

Led to wicked thoughts by the three witches Brave soldier Powerful man Characters Macbeth Scottish general Led to wicked thoughts by the three witches Brave soldier Powerful man Easily tempted into murder Once he commits his first crime, he embarks on further atrocities with increasing ease Better warrior than political leader Unable to bear the psychological consequences of his atrocities.

Lusts for power and position characters Lady Macbeth Macbeth’s wife Lusts for power and position Seems the stronger and more ruthless of the two Urges her husband to kill Duncan and seize the crown She and Macbeth are presented as being deeply committed to each other Violence affects their relationship (but how?)

Plot against Macbeth: charms, spells and prophecies. Characters The Three Witches Plot against Macbeth: charms, spells and prophecies. Their predictions prompt Macbeth to murder and to blindly believe in his own immortality. They take a delight in using their knowledge of the future to toy with and destroy human beings.

He represents the path Macbeth chose not to take Characters Banquo Macbeth’s best friend He represents the path Macbeth chose not to take

Often presented as the model of good leader Characters King Duncan King of Scotland Macbeth murders him Often presented as the model of good leader His death symbolizes the destruction of Scotland

Macbeth murders Macduff’s wife and young son. characters Macduff Scottish General Macbeth murders Macduff’s wife and young son. He eventually becomes a leader of the crusade to unseat Macbeth.

Divine Right of Succession God (decides who rules) King King’s eldest male heir King’s brother (if no heir or too young) (repeat) *The law in Scotland at this time was that succession was to be passed to a worthy military leader rather than follow the divine right. Macbeth refers to this, Malcolm (the King’s son), as step he must either fall down on or leap over when he learns that the king will follow the divine right instead of the law of Scotland. (Act I)

Oh, and another thing…

The Curse It is believed to be bad luck to even speak the word‘Macbeth’ in a theater. Legend has it that you will lose all your friends involved in the production if you speak the name.