Macbeth

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” What is perceived as good in this play will be bad; what is perceived as bad will be good. This is called a paradox.

Shakespeare’s Inspiration for Macbeth For inspiration, Shakespeare often used political and historical figures The “real” Macbeth became the King of Scotland in 1040 after defeating the historical Duncan who was a weak and youthful ruler with little experience Shakespeare uses these two characters in his play, although he changes how they are perceived (Duncan is much older).

After Queen Elizabeth’s death in 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I King of England James I claimed to be the eighth descendant of the Banquo-Theance line Shakespeare, therefore, created a character to reflect this in Macbeth: Banquo James I was very concerned with the threat of witchcraft Witchcraft and witch-hunting was a respectable, moral and intellectual pursuit during the 15-17 cc. James I participated in the trials of witches

A fifteenth century witch circle

Witchcraft A simple, but crucial test of witchcraft, was to ensure that a charm worked from a distance By the time Macbeth was written by Shakespeare, James I had become more skeptical of witchcraft Macbeth was in essence written for James I Parts of the play were meant to compliment the King

Dramatis Personae (Characters) Duncan ~ King of Scotland Duncan is a good king who is liked by his people. He is unable to discern those who threaten his reign. Macbeth ~ Thane* of Glamis and Cawdor and a general in the King’s army Macbeth is a good man who is troubled by his conscience and loyalty, though at the same time ambitious and murderous. *Definition of Thane: A man granted land by the king for military services

Macbeth = Protagonist = Tragic Hero = Must Die

Lady Macbeth ~ Macbeth’s wife Banquo ~ A General in the King’s Army She is ambitious but lacks the morals of her husband Banquo ~ A General in the King’s Army Banquo serves as a foil* to Macbeth, showing an alternate reaction to the witches’ prophecy. Banquo retains his morals and allegiances. He is brave and ambitious, but this is tempered by intelligence. Macduff ~ A nobleman of Scotland Macduff shows early on a distrust of Macbeth. He also represents fate. Macduff plays the avenger. Definition of foil: The purpose of the foil character is to emphasize the traits of the main character by comparison or contrast.

Malcolm ~ elder son of Duncan He uses deception only to ensure his personal safety. Donalbain ~ younger son of Duncan Flees to Ireland when his father is murdered. Lennox ~ Nobleman of Scotland Ross ~ Nobleman of Scotland Siward ~ General of the English forces Young Siward ~ Siward’s son Seyton ~ attendant to Macbeth The Porter ~ imagines he is the keeper of hell’s gate Lady Macduff ~ represents all the good people slaughtered by Macbeth Fleance ~ Banquo’s son

…and now for the witches…

“Something wicked this way comes…”

Hecate ~ Queen of the Witches She directs supernatural happenings and appearances of the mystical apparitions. Three witches The Three Witches add an element of supernatural and prophecy to the play The witches are based on a variety of ideas about witches at the time the play was written They are described as having beards but looking human

Settings in Macbeth

Scotland at or near Duncan’s castle at Forres Macbeth’s castle at Iverness

Forres Castle In northeastern Scotland The real Duncan and Macbeth are among those said to have used the castle as a hunting lodge in 1165 Nearby is a tourist attraction called the witches’ stone This stone marks the location where accused witches were burned at the stake

Macduff’s castle at Fife The remains of Macduff’s castle as it stands today

Birnam Wood “Fear not, till Birnam wood  / Do come to Dunsinane” Dunsinane

Themes in Macbeth

Great Ambition, or inordinate lust for power, ultimately brings ruin.

Evil wears a pretty cloak

Temptation can defeat even the strongest human beings

Guilt haunts the evil doer

Is Macbeth bad luck?

Producing Macbeth is supposed to be unlucky

1.The theory of the curse suggests that Shakespeare included actual black magic spells in the incantations of the weird sisters (witches) 2. The play has a long history of bad luck 3. It is a crowd pleasing play and the curse draws in a crowd

Tradition traces a long line of disasters back to Macbeth’s premier on August 7 1606 Fires, falls, weapon injuries and deaths have plagued past productions of Macbeth The boy actor playing Lady Macbeth died back stage on opening night Those who appear in the play or who mention the play’s name within the confines of the theatre risk having evils brought down on their heads Superstition requires that those involved in a production do not say the play’s title “Macbeth” but instead call it “The Scottish Play” to avoid bad luck

Act 1, Scene 1.