The Tragedy of Macbeth Plot outline

Sonnet Test Friday – 2 Grades Part I – Sonnet Structure, Sydney, and Spenser 6 Questions Part II – Shakespeare's Sonnets – 8 questions; all interpretive Part III – Short Essay – Steps 2-5 on a new sonnet

Elizabethan Theater James Burbage – The Theater – The Theater is closed Rebuilt in 1598 – 99; renamed the Globe The “wooden O” Designed after bull and bear baiting rings 2500 – 3000 people in audience 1 penny; no sets or lights; eating and drinking in the audience (hic!) – asides 1613 – boom! Fire! Rebuilt but closed by Puritans 1642

The Tragedy of Macbeth 11 th century Scottish King Macbeth Raphael Hollingshead – Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland Macbeth overthrew Duncan for legitimate reasons Co-conspirator = Banquo Lady Macbeth not part of story Shakespeare adapts to modern circumstances

Success of Macbeth Then and Now A tribute to King James I – especially in view of assassination attempt in 1605 Guy Fawkes – 36 kegs of gunpowder! Elizabethan and modern audiences pay to watch violence The “occult” fascinates, and Elizabethans had no doubts about witches and their powers – The curse is immediate and effective. We share their interests. Powerful characters/ political relevance

Act I Ii – the moor, 11 th Century Scotland “Fair is foul and foul is fair” 3 witches will meet Macbeth after the battle’s done Iii – a military camp near Flores Norway vs. Scotland; Macbeth saves the day; Thane of Cawdor is traitor; Macbeth named by King Duncan new Thane of Cawdor Iiii – the heath “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” Macbeth and Banquo returning from war 1. 3 witches with 3 predictions Witches vanish; Macbeth finds out he’s new Thane of C

Act I cont. Iiv – Duncan’s castle Duncan greets and praises Banquo and Macbeth Names Malcolm heir to the throne Macbeth’s angry – 2. cite lines that show anger Iv – Macbeth’s castle Lady Macbeth reads letter from husband relating events and witches’ predictions Lady M’s worried, “I fear thou are too full of the milk of human kindness” Evidence of murderous intent: “Unsex me here…” Read soliloquy

Act I cont. Ivi – Lady M welcomes King Duncan to her castle Ivii – Macbeth’s second thoughts Important soliloquy details his doubts about murdering Duncan 3. List the 6 reasons he gives for not killing Duncan – Tonight’s homework! Lady M enters – 4. Her reaction? 5. Her vow? – the audience hopes she remains childless The plot is revealed – 6. How will they do it? “False face….”