The Sociological Approach to MacBeth By: Babi Cepero, Amanda Lane, and Chris Shay

What is Sociological Approach?  Sociological Approach focuses on man’s relationship to others in society, politics, religion, and business.

What is the relationship between the characters and their society?  MacBeth – He did not like the social order that decided who would be the next king. He would have preferred to be king instead of the next in line; this led to the murder of Duncan.  Lady MacBeth – She also did not like the social structure within the government. When she found out that the three witches had prophesized MacBeth to become the next king, she took matters into her own hands in order to make sure that the prophecy became true.  Duncan – He was happy with the social order that was going on. Even though he respected MacBeth, his son was still the next in line for the throne.

Does the story address societal issues such as race, gender, and class? Yes –  “ Aristocrats were born with their wealth, but the growth of trade and development of skilled professions began to provide wealth for those not born with it. ”  “ The legal status of women did not allow them much public or private autonomy. ”  “ Women did not generally receive an education and could not enter certain professions, including acting. ”

How do social forces shape the power of relationships between groups or classes of people in the story?  How? – Because people become jealous, envious, and become “power hungry”.  Who has the power, and who doesn’t ? – At first Duncan and his family had the power, but then Macbeth became King.  Why? – Because MacBeth found out that he wasn’t next in line he killed Duncan, who’s sons fled, and MacBeth became King.

Does the story address issues of economic exploitation?  Yes, this story address’ issues of economics because money is one of the reasons that MacBeth wanted to become king. If MacBeth didn’t want money and riches then becoming king might not have been as tempting.

How do economic conditions determine the direction of the characters’ lives? Economic conditions determined the direction of the characters’ lives in the following ways –  If somebody was wealthy then that meant that they were one of the noble men. The king was the wealthiest man, and that is why MacBeth really wanted to become a king.

Can the protagonist' struggle be seen as symbolic of a larger class struggle?  The protagonists' struggle is symbolic to a larger class struggle because in a way, everyone wanted power. They wanted to be wealthy, and be able to be the one that every one looked up to and envied. MacBeth just showed how far a person can go in order to get what they want.

Thesis  “Macbeth” written by William Shakespeare is a play that shows the struggles within a royal and non – royal society. This is shown by MacBeth being liked by everyone for being such a great soldier and when he became king nobody liked him anymore, because he is sly and malicious for killing people so he can be kept in power.