Macbeth, Or The Scottish Play Based on lectures by William Harlan

Just so you know… Intense psychological study Historical background Written in Shakespeare was at his height of creative POWER Blackfriars theatre Blackfriars vs. The Globe

Blood & Guts Bloody, violent drama Psychotic killer & his fiendlike wife Suspense thriller Tribute? –To King James I of England, who was also the King of Scotland

Of course, it’s POLITICAL! Macbeth is an openly political play Based on events & life of a real historic figure…sort of He wrote about a time 500 years in the past Make a moral point about the present society Kings used history to maintain power

Cite the Sources Holinshed’s Chronicles of Scottish History –Gossip, tales, and fantasy –Flawed perspective –Heighten drama –Simplify complexities –Kiss up to King James

Anachronisms Actual story of Macbeth takes place around 1050 in Scotland Play is full of references taking place in 1605 in England –Gunpowder Plot

The Real Deal Macbeth becomes KING He killed Duncan in battle Ruled for 17 years Killed by Duncan’s son, Malcom III –Married a Princess & a Saint

Stop the Violence It’s the Dark Ages Of the 8 Scottish Kings, 7 died “unnatural” deaths –Including being suspiciously burned Last Man Standing!

A Violent Example Braveheart

Concerns of the Royal Families Succession Keep the CROWN within the family

The Stuart Kings Longest surviving royal family in all of Europe When Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, there had been 8 generations of Stuart Kings Hired an historian to create a respectable claim to the throne –Banquo, was told by goddesses of destiny

So, HOW is this a tribute? England & Scotland historic enemies King James I- King of BOTH ??? GOAL: United Kingdom –This would take over 100 years

So? Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to advance King James’ political agenda –Emphasized commonality –Banquo (the King’s mythical ancestor) was presented in neutral way FATE –Waits to fulfill the prophecy of his family’s future

Gunpowder Plot November 1605 –Catholic extremists planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament –The plot was discovered –Conspirators were tortured, confessed, and executed –England was changed forever

Witches & Ghosts Folklore of witch craft Superstition in the theatre

As you read, LOOK for these: Aristotle’s Tragedy Moral Weakness or Flaw Witches or Fates Banquo as a FOIL Natural Imagery Lady Macbeth Moral Ambiguity Manhood

Questions! At the bottom of your notes page, write out FIVE questions that you have about the play.