1. David Gault
2nd Period
Bear Baiting

2. Background Information
Bear-baiting was popular in England until the nineteenth century. From the sixteenth century, many herds of bears were maintained for baiting. In its best-known form, arenas for this purpose were called bear-gardens, consisting of a circular high fenced area, the “pit", and raised seating for spectators.

3. A post would be set in the ground towards the edge of the pit and the bear chained to it, either by the leg or neck. A number of well-trained hunting dogs would then be set on it, being replaced as they got tired or were wounded or killed. In some cases the bear was let loose, allowing it to chase after animals or people

4. Historical Significance
Elizabeth took especial delight in seeing the courage of her English mastiffs pitted against the cunning of Ursa and the strength of Taurus. On the 25th of May 1559, the French ambassadors 'were brought to court with music to dinner, and after a splendid dinner, were entertained with the baiting of bears and bulls with English dogs.

5. In 1591 an order issued from the privy-council forbidding plays to be acted on Thursdays, because bear-baiting and such pastimes had usually been practiced on that day.

6. Quote from Macbeth
“They have tied me to a stake. I cannot fly, But, bearlike, I must fight the course”.

7. My Interpretation
Macbeth feels like a bear and can’t escape.

8. Bear Baiting
This is how I see it.