1. Macbeth
“Willy the Shake”

2. Background
Plot for Macbeth based on Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland
Real-life Macbeth reigned as King of Scotland from
James I (6th of Scotland) believed himself to be a direct descendent of Banquo, a key figure in the play, so he is portrayed as one being beyond reproach
James wrote a text called Demonologie

3. Shakespeare may have been drawn to the play, in part, due to,
Gunpowder Plot of 1605 – extremist supporters of the Catholic Church, with the help of Guy Fawkes, a soldier of fortune, to blow up the king and Parliament

4. Tragic Hero A character, usually of noble status
Hamartia – “error or failure” – false steps that lead the protagonist to his/her downfall.
* fatal character flaw(s), such as hubris – excessive pride
* errors in judgment / ignorance
* or forces beyond human control, such as fate
Experience a reversal of fortune (peripeteia)that leads the protagonist to have a recognition of his/her fall
Tragic hero must discover/realize his reversal brought about by own actions (anagnorisis – “a change from ignorance to knowledge)

5. Drama terms
Soliloquy – character, alone on stage, who delivers a speech to the audience revealing his/her inners thoughts to the audience
Monologue – character, in the company of others on stage, makes a long speech
Aside – Character’s comment that is direct to the audience or another character, but is not heard by any other characters on the stage
Blank verse – unrhymed iambic pentameter
Irony: dramatic, verbal, and situational

6. Foil – a minor character whose attitudes, beliefs, and behavior differ significantly from those of the main character
Catharsis: “cleansing/purging” of emotion
Denouement – the clearing up or untying of the complications of the plot in a play, usually a final scene in which mysteries, confusions, and doubtful destinies are clarified
Major themes: appearances vs. reality, blind pursuit of power, human events mirrored in natural world, fate vs. free will, psychological effects of guilt
Major images: blood, plant, animal, milk, clothes, dark/light