William Shakespeare An introduction to Macbeth

Early Life : (Elizabeth I dies 1603, succeeded by James I) Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, north of London Educated at a “grammar school” in Latin and classical studies At 18, he married Anne Hathaway aged 26 First child, Susanna born 6 months later… do the math! Twins Hamnet and Judity born two years later, 1585 Hamnet dies age 11

London Life Not clear when he moved to London His plays were on stage by 1592 His family stayed behind in Stratford Shakespeare’s play won royal favour, particularly of James I With a group of friends he built the Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre Constructed on the south bank of the Thames An open-air amphitheatre The higher the seats, the pricier the ticket The common folk stood on the ground Beer and snack were served – it got quite rowdy at times!

The Globe Theatre

Macbeth Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies A tragedy to Shakespeare involves a man of high rank who falls due to a personal flaw Written between 1603 and 1607 Based on the history of the murder of King Duncan of Scotland However, in reality Macbeth was a respected king of Scotland Theatre superstition: it’s called the “Scottish Play”

Characters – Macbeth A capable general at the service of King Duncan His title is Thane (Earl) of Glamis Rewarded with new title: Thane of Cawdor He has a tragic flaw: ambition

Lady Macbeth Macbeth’s wife She is even more ambitious than her husband She knows how to manipulate Macbeth

King Duncan The well respected king of Scotland He is older than Macbeth Macbeth’s kinsman (“cousin”) Macbeth is very loyal to him – at the beginning Two sons: Malcolm and Donalbain

Banquo Macbeth’s great friend Also a general in Duncan’s army Son: Fleance Prophecy: he will give rise to many kings of Scotland James I of England was also James VI of Scotland, said to be a descendant of Banquo A character foil to Macbeth

Macduff Another thane (of Fife) and general Becomes important in the final act Has a wife and son

The Three Witches People believed that witches caused misfortune had “familiars” or animal spirits to assist them represented a challenge to the established order James I had written a book on how to detect and try witches Many witches were burned during his reign

Plot Shakespeare follows a formula for most of his plays Act I: exposition Act II: rising action Act III: climax Act IV: falling action Act V: resolution (denouement)

Setting Scotland Inverness Castle, Macbeth’s home, and other clammy places Time: the 11 th century, Thursday, around tea time Atmosphere: dark, gloomy, foreboding, generally nasty

Themes Deceit and equivocation Deceit: the act of deceiving; concealment or distortion of the truth Equivocation: the use of ambiguous, vague expressions; misleading or hedging Masculinity: What qualities make a man? How should a “real” man act? Can a woman act like a “man”?

Quick Write When would the assassination of a political leader be justified, if at all?