Introduction to Macbeth By William Shakespeare

Setting: Scotland, 11th century Written in 1606

Important items to notice The Tragedy of Macbeth Important items to notice Diction: Example: King Duncan uses language suitable for a king, while the porter speaks in a more earthy style—and like all of Shakespeare’s plays, it is written in blank verse** Imagery: very prevalent in this play; not just visual—perhaps as the result of the setting(s) **Unrhymed iambic pentameter Your face my thane is as a book where men May read strange manners to beguile the time

The Tragedy of Macbeth Background information . . . Purpose: Intended as a tribute to King James I Subject: The success, treachery, and disintegration of a brave but flawed human being Setting: Scotland in the 11th century

The Tragedy of Macbeth The Tragic Hero A tragic hero is always someone who is a person of high rank and personal qualities. Because of a fatal weakness (called a tragic flaw) the tragic hero becomes involved in a series of events that cause his downfall and eventual destruction.

Background information . . . . The Tragedy of Macbeth Background information . . . . Character: Macbeth is the tragic hero, shown as being destroyed because of a tragic flaw Atmosphere: Doom and foreboding (foul weather, night time or in darkened castles)

Main characters: Macbeth: thane (lord) of Glamis Lady Macbeth: his wife

Main characters: Banquo: Macbeth’s dearest friend Duncan: King of Scotland

Main characters: Macduff: Scottish thane Malcolm and Donalbain: Duncan’s sons

Elements to notice within the play: Superstition Belief in supernatural (ghosts, witches, etc.) Corruption of power

Dramatic terms: Soliloquy Monologue Aside Iambic pentameter (a.k.a. blank verse)

Basic opening of plot: Begins in a thunderstorm on a battlefield with three witches who predict Macbeth’s future Shows that ugliness, evil and power unite to form chaos and murder

Basic opening of plot: Macbeth and Banquo, warriors have just defeated two traitors in battle. King Duncan, grateful for their victory, gives Macbeth a new title: Thane of Cawdor

Basic opening of plot: Macbeth doesn’t know yet of his promotion. He and Banquo meet two witches who greet Macbeth with his new title, plus they call him “king” and further declare that Banquo will father future kings.

Basic opening of plot: Macbeth receives the title of Thane of Cawdor and hears that Malcolm, Duncan’s son, has received the title of Prince of Cumberland (automatic successor to the throne).

Basic opening of plot: He then entertains the notion of killing Duncan in order to make the witches’ prophesy come true. Lady Macbeth takes this idea and forces it all to happen, since Duncan is coming to visit.

Conflicts: The Tragedy of Macbeth External: Macbeth vs. Macduff Internal: To kill King Duncan or not to kill King Duncan