1. Journal Entry:
Is ambition a positive or negative trait? Can you give examples of both?

2. Objectives: Understand why Shakespeare wrote Macbeth
Relate Macbeth to historical events/people
Formulate background knowledge of theme, characterization, and plot to prepare for reading

3. Why did Shakespeare write Macbeth?
For Fame
For his Boss
For Money
For his Wife
None of the Above

4. Shakespeare wrote to entertain, impress, and flatter King James I
After Queen Elizabeth I died, her cousin, King James VI of Scotland, took over the throne of England and became King James I of England in 1603.

5. King James I Trivia… Believed in ghosts and witches
Thought that witches plotted evil against mankind and could tell the future

6. Also, King James I… Macbeth
Was afraid that he could be overthrown by conspirators  Theme: “Bad things happen when you wrong your King”
Was Scottish  Setting: Scotland
Was a descendent of real person, Banquo  Characters: Banquo included as a good and honorable character
King James’ patronage – Shakespeare’s acting group: The King’s Men
Macbeth

7. So, now that we know “Why” he wrote it, “How” did Shakespeare come up with the story of Macbeth?
A. Own life experiences
B. Stories his mother told him
C. King James’ request
D. Events in history
E. None of the above

8. Reality Behind the Fiction…
Macbeth is loosely based upon several real events and people found in Holinshed’s Chronicles (historical accounts of England, Scotland and Ireland).

9. History vs. Fiction Holinshed’s Chronicles ….
Contains the story of Macbeth, who killed King Duncan. Macbeth, with Banquo, openly killed the king. (In the play, Banquo is innocent). Lady Macbeth did not historically have a role in the murder of Duncan.
Contains the story of Donwald, who, urged by his wife, killed his guest, King Duff.
Shakespeare combined these two historical accounts from Holinshed’s Chronicles in order to create his play.

10. Where & When are we…? Place: Scotland (except one scene in England)
Time: Medieval Period (1040)

11. What was Medieval Scotland like…?
Scotland’s Feudalism – weak central government, thanes (lords) very powerful; king not supreme (“first among equals”)
Clans – loyalty to one’s clan more important to king or country
Violence – dangerous time to rule; kings ruled Scotland (12 assassinated)

12. Beowulf was an epic hero King Arthur was a chivalric hero…
Macbeth = Tragic Hero
Noble birth
Tragic flaw, typically hubris (excess pride)
Flaw causes his downfall & great suffering
Downfall results in self-awareness (learns from mistakes)
Typical Shakespearean additions:
The strange = insanity, hallucinations
The supernatural = ghosts, witches
Fate = chance plays a role in outcome
Macbeth & Lady Macbeth

13. Elements of Shakespearean Tragedy…
Plot Pyramid:
Aside = line(s) not meant to be heard by other characters on stage
Soliloquy = one character on stage revealing private thoughts to audience
Foreshadowing = hints at future events
Dramatic Irony = audience knows something characters do not
Introduces characters & early hint of future conflict
Decisions of tragic hero
Point of greatest tension or uncertainty
Reversal of hero’s fortunes
Catastrophe (disastrous end) & Epiphany (realization of mistake)

14. Checking for Understanding…
Who took over the throne when Queen Elizabeth I died?
How did Shakespeare use the play to flatter the new king?
Where did Shakespeare come up with the historical ideas for Macbeth?
Where and when does the play take place?
What are some characteristics of a tragic hero?