1. Macbeth
William Shakespeare

2. Key Facts
Play. Written between 1599 and 1606, probable first performance 1611 (Jacobean)
Tragedy
Can be seen as proto-Gothic
Used intertextually in many other texts
NB Don’t just pick this because you have studied it before! A Level study requires much more of you
1 minute
key facts

3. Synopsis
THE PROPHECY
Macbeth and Banquo, generals in the service of King Duncan of Scotland, are returning victorious from battle when they are hailed by three witches who predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland, whereas Banquo's descendants will be kings.
BECOMING KING
The first part of the prophecy is soon fulfilled when Duncan rewards Macbeth's loyal service. Encouraged by this, and playing on her husband's ambition, Lady Macbeth persuades him to murder Duncan while he is a guest at their castle. Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's sons, flee to England for safety. Macbeth, now king, has Banquo murdered in an attempt to secure his own position, but Banquo's ghost appears to him at a banquet.
A SECOND VISIT
Macbeth visits the witches again. They warn him to beware of Macduff, a noble who has also fled to England, but assure him that he cannot be harmed by any man born of woman. Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's wife and children.
TEST OF LOYALTY
In England, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty and they then raise an army to march against Macbeth. However Macbeth, armed with the witches' prophecy, believes that he is invincible.
As his enemies draw nearer, Macbeth learns that his wife has killed herself. He faces Macduff in combat but when he learns Macduff was born by Caesarian section, he realises that he must face death.
With Macbeth dead, Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland.

4. Critical Commentary
Read sections stated below, focussing on the purpose of darkness in Macbeth (most students will have experienced the play at some point)
Intro
Literal + Metaphorical darkness (2nd and 3rd para of this section)
3. Hiding deeds from heaven para 1

5. Possible aspects Tragedy Gender Relationships Power Social convention
Supernatural
Read sections stated below, focussing on the purpose of darkness in Macbeth (most students will have experienced the play at some point)
Intro
Literal + Metaphorical darkness (2nd and 3rd para of this section)
3. Hiding deeds from heaven para 1

6. Links well with Jude the Obscure – tragedy
The Woman in Black – gender and power, supernatural
The Yellow Wallpaper - same
The Turn of the Screw – mental states
Read sections stated below, focussing on the purpose of darkness in Macbeth (most students will have experienced the play at some point)
Intro
Literal + Metaphorical darkness (2nd and 3rd para of this section)
3. Hiding deeds from heaven para 1

7. Extract – Act 1 scene 4
MACBETH We have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd it:
MACBETH So shall I, love; and so, I pray, be you:
She'll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice
Let your remembrance apply to Banquo; 30
Remains in danger of her former tooth.
Present him eminence, both with eye and tongue:
But let the frame of things disjoint, both the
Unsafe the while, that we
worlds suffer,
Must lave our honours in these flattering streams,
Ere we will eat our meal in fear and sleep
And make our faces vizards to our hearts,
In the affliction of these terrible dreams
Disguising what they are.
That shake us nightly: better be with the dead,
Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,
LADY MACBETH You must leave this.
Than on the torture of the mind to lie
In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave;
MACBETH O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!
After life's fitful fever he sleeps well;
Thou know'st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives.
Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing,
LADY MACBETH But in them nature's copy's not eterne.
Can touch him further.
MACBETH There's comfort yet; they are assailable;
LADY MACBETH Come on;
Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown 40
Gentle my lord, sleek o'er your rugged looks;
His cloister'd flight, ere to black Hecate's summons
Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night.