By William Shakespeare Macbeth By William Shakespeare

The History

The Gunpowder Plot 1605: Conspirators plan to blow up the English Parliament. All members & the royal family were inside. English Catholics lost hope for religious freedom under King James I. Restricted religious freedom. Catholics skipping church were fined. Plotters held “Black Mass” Called upon Satan to ensure success of plot.

The Gunpowder Plot (cont.) Warning letter fell into King’s hands. Guy Fawkes (the assassin) captured. Found in the cellar waiting to ignite a barrel of gunpowder. Captured conspirators were “hanged, drawn, and quartered.” Punishment for high treason in England.

How the Gunpowder Plot Relates to Macbeth James wanted recognition. Hoped to become popular through this “victory.” Considered hero for thwarting the plot. Macbeth makes many flattering references to James. Banquo is king’s direct ancestor in the play. Never really existed. King Edward “heals” people by the touch of his hand. a feat which James was said to perform.

History Continued… The Legend of Macbeth

In Macbeth, Shakespeare is concerned with the exploration of evil. He does not stick to historical fact so that he may add a deeper level of this exploration to his play.

The Real Macbeth Macbeth was a sign of hope. Macbeth ruled Scotland from 1040 to 1057. He was a prosperous and able king. Killed his predecessor Duncan. In open combat (not while Duncan was sleeping). Duncan actually was not a great ruler. Macbeth was a sign of hope. Many made Macbeth appear murderous. Duncan’s family was restored to power. Not safe to paint Macbeth in a good light. King James related to Duncan.

Shakespeare combined a negative portrayal of Macbeth (from a 1587 historical book) with the story of Donwald, an earlier Scottish tyrant who murdered King Duffe.

Witches Represent darkness, chaos, conflict Witches sees as worse than rebels European Witch Craze, mass murder of women Political and spiritual traitors Witch hunting was respectable Dark forces; supernatural and natural Spiritual forces vs free will Are they controlling Macbeth or are they merely agents in his own demise?