By William Shakespeare The Tragedy of Macbeth By William Shakespeare

Who Was Shakespeare? Baptized on April 26, 1569 Died on April 23, 1616 Recognized as one of the greatest writers of English literature His work is studied in schools all over the world

His dad was a glovemaker – the family home is in the old town area of Stratford Upon Avon in England. His wife was Ann Hathaway – some of you may have visited her home in Stratford upon Avon Shakespeare lived in London for much of his creative life. In his later life he became involved in local government in Stratford. He did not publish any of his plays – his plays were first published in The First Folio by his friends after his death in 1616.

Newly discovered portrait. This portrait is believed to have been done while Shakespeare was still alive. The other 2 known portraits of him were done after his death.

New portrait cont: The painting was found in a family home where it had been for the past 400 years.

The plays: There are theories that his plays were not actually written by him. Evidence used to support this include the fact that he did not educate his daughters, his signature does not seem to be one of a literate person.

So who did write them?? Maybe Sir Francis Bacon or Sir Edward de Vere The film “Anonymous” explores this option.

or perhaps?? Christopher Marlowe

or perhaps it really was Shakespeare and there is no big conspiracy at all!

Shakespeare’s plays can be divided into different categories. Comedies Histories Tragedies

Comedies Much Ado About Nothing Taming of the Shrew Midsummer Night’s Dream All’s Well That Ends Well The Merchant of Venice

Histories The Henrys The Richards Julius Caesar Titus Andronicus Antony and Cleopatra

Tragedies Romeo and Juliet Othello Macbeth Hamlet

We will be studying the Tragedy of Macbeth We will be studying the Tragedy of Macbeth. This is a favourite play of both actor and audience – but also one of the most superstitious. Many actors believe that saying the title Macbeth is bad luck and instead talk about ‘the Scottish play”.

Background to Macbeth Probably written 1603 – 1606 First record of its performance is in 1611 It is a tragedy play, but also loosely, one of the Histories.

What is meant by a Shakespearean tragedy?

Shakespearean Tragedy Downfall of the noble class, the elite, usually through their own actions The hero should die – often by his own hand, and often taking his loved ones with him

The Globe Theatre