Shakespeare Drama Terms SYMBOLISM: a familiar object that represents something unfamiliar SYMBOLISM: a familiar object that represents something unfamiliar ANTAGONIST: person/force that opposes the main character ANTAGONIST: person/force that opposes the main character PROTAGONIST: the main character who the action of a story is centered PROTAGONIST: the main character who the action of a story is centered IRONY: combination of circumstances or a result that is the opposite of what is or might be expected or considered appropriate IRONY: combination of circumstances or a result that is the opposite of what is or might be expected or considered appropriate FORESHADOWING: indication of something that’s going to happen FORESHADOWING: indication of something that’s going to happen SOLILOQUY: lines in a drama where a character reveals his/her innermost thoughts to the audience, but not the other actors SOLILOQUY: lines in a drama where a character reveals his/her innermost thoughts to the audience, but not the other actors ASIDE: words spoken by an actor intended to be heard by the audience, but not the other actors on stage ASIDE: words spoken by an actor intended to be heard by the audience, but not the other actors on stage TRAGEDY: play, novel, etc. in which the main character(s) die TRAGEDY: play, novel, etc. in which the main character(s) die TRAGIC HERO: the protagonist of a tragedy TRAGIC HERO: the protagonist of a tragedy COMIC RELIEF: the error in judgment/character that leads the hero to destruction COMIC RELIEF: the error in judgment/character that leads the hero to destruction METAPHOR: figure of speech that directly compares two things METAPHOR: figure of speech that directly compares two things

Introduction to Macbeth “Oh yes, there will be blood!”

Origin of the play… Origin of the play… Written as a compliment to King James Written as a compliment to King James Refers to James’ ancestry (he’s a descendant of Banquo) Refers to James’ ancestry (he’s a descendant of Banquo) Direct reference to the Gunpowder Plot Direct reference to the Gunpowder Plot Explains that disorder and disunity (especially in the church) brings destruction Explains that disorder and disunity (especially in the church) brings destruction

Themes in Macbeth: #1 The Corrupting Power of Unchecked Ambition – ambition drives the couple to terrible acts in the play. The problem is that once a person uses violence to acquire power it’s difficult to stop. In order to gain more power or to stop others from attaining power, it becomes tempting to use violence again. The Corrupting Power of Unchecked Ambition – ambition drives the couple to terrible acts in the play. The problem is that once a person uses violence to acquire power it’s difficult to stop. In order to gain more power or to stop others from attaining power, it becomes tempting to use violence again.

Themes in Macbeth: #2 The Relationship between Cruelty and Masculinity – in the play violence and power are associated with masculinity. In order to prove one’s manhood they have to #1, commit violent (usually murderous) acts and #2 they must acquire power

Themes in Macbeth: #3 The Difference between Kingship and Tyranny – the first, embodied by Duncan, offers his kingdom order, justice, comfort, affection and most importantly loyalty to Scotland; the second, embodied by Macbeth, instigates chaos, destruction, violence and holding their own interests over that of their country

Motifs in Macbeth Hallucinations – recur throughout the play and serve as reminders of the people that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth kill. Essentially, visions symbolize their feelings of guilt Hallucinations – recur throughout the play and serve as reminders of the people that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth kill. Essentially, visions symbolize their feelings of guilt Violence – between the description of the bloody wars, fights and murders, violence plays a major role in the play Violence – between the description of the bloody wars, fights and murders, violence plays a major role in the play Prophecy – these play major roles in instigating the action in the play; the prophecies are what set Macbeth’s plans into motion Prophecy – these play major roles in instigating the action in the play; the prophecies are what set Macbeth’s plans into motion

Symbols in Macbeth Blood – is everywhere in the play, it symbolizes the guilt that “sits like a permanent stain on the consciences of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Sleep/Sleeplessness – another symbol of guilt. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer from nightmares and insomnia due to the guilt on their consciences. The Weather – the storms, thunder, lightening and unnatural occurrences in the weather “reflect corruption in the moral and political orders” The Weather – the storms, thunder, lightening and unnatural occurrences in the weather “reflect corruption in the moral and political orders”

Main Characters - Macbeth The title character, he is a brave and capable warrior whose ambition and self- doubt are his tragic flaws. His three main characteristics are bravery, ambition and self-doubt. Shakespeare uses him to show the terrible effects of ambition and guilt on a man who lacks strength of character.

Main Characters – Lady Macbeth One of Shakespeare’s most famous and villainous characters; she is stronger, more ambitious and more ruthless than Macbeth. Social restraints are the only thing holding her back. Her character implies that women can be as power- hungry and violent as men, but their place in society often denies them from acting.

The Three Witches Referred to as “the weird sisters” they purport the action of the play. They have beards, speak in rhyme and concoct bizarre potions—they are clearly supernatural creatures. The audience is left to decide, however, whether the Witches are “independent agents toying with human lives” or “agents of fate whose prophecies are reports of the inevitable” Referred to as “the weird sisters” they purport the action of the play. They have beards, speak in rhyme and concoct bizarre potions—they are clearly supernatural creatures. The audience is left to decide, however, whether the Witches are “independent agents toying with human lives” or “agents of fate whose prophecies are reports of the inevitable”

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