context Flashcards
1
Q
great chain of being
divine right of kings
A
- it was accepted that God created all living things and set out their order in the universe, including roles in society
- believed that kings and queens were chosen by God
- A crime against king was therefore a crime against God
2
Q
patriarchal society
A
- power and authority held by men
- women treated as property and were expected to obey at all times
- lady macbeth breaks the rules and may be seen as shocking to a Jacobean audience
- rejects womanhood and embodies masculine traits
3
Q
witches rule of three
A
- Pagan belief
- whatever energy the witches put into the world will be returned to them 3 times
- in Greek / Roman mythology, the witches who talked about fate were in 3s
- in Norse mythology, also a group of 3 women who prophesized futures
- Berwick witches accused of attempting to harm James I
4
Q
1563 witchcraft act
A
- James I was suspicious about witchcraft -> against witchcraft
- 1604 demonology book
- appeals to the fears of the time -> macbeths downfall -> unchecked ambition
- believed that they have made a pact with the Devil in exchange for magical powers
- witchcraft was often blamed for unfortunate events such as a bad harvest or illness
- added the theme of witchcraft to appeal to the king
5
Q
water context
A
- symbolically washing away responsibility dates back to the biblical story of Pontius Pilate
- who, according to Matthew, washed his hands before condemning Jesus to death stating “I am innocent of this man’s blood”
6
Q
Sleepwalking
A
- possessed by the devil
- audience may see it as a symptom for a disturbed mind (punishment)
- theme of madness became increasingly popular
7
Q
Suicide
A
- mortal sin, committed only by those who had despaired of God’s mercy
8
Q
gunpowder plot
A
- a failed assassination attempt against King James
- disgruntled Catholics planned to blow up the House of Lords
- traitors sentenced to death
