Information Flashcards
Who was the King at the time, and in what period did he rule?
King James I of Scotland in the Elizabethan Era
What is the Genre, Full Title, Writing, and Publishment date
Tragic Drama
The Tragedy of Macbeth
1606, 1623
It is eponymous
What are the underpinning motives and influence of Shakespeare to write the play?
The play Macbeth is an expression of gratitude from Shakespeare to King James I. The character Banquo is a direct ancestor of the King, and King Duncan embodies King James as a character in the play.
What is the importance of the Holinshed Chronicles on the play Macbeth?
The Holinshed Chronicles inspired the transformation of Character, Banquo, who helped murder Duncan into the noble man in Macbeth who refused to conspire with Macbeth. This serves as a compliment to King James I as Banquo is one of his ancestors and depicts the purity of his bloodline in the play.
What was the perceived relationship between the Natural and Supernatural and the Chain of Being during the rule of King James I?
The preservation of the Chain of Being and the prosperity of the kings rule determined the prosperity of the land. The emodiment of King James I in the play as Duncan emphasises how the rightful ruling maintains order and peace over the land. Once the Chain of Being is disrupted, the natural becomes chaotic as seen in change of weather, animals, sleep, and the stars.
Memorise your introduction.
William Shakespeare’s eponymous tragedy, ‘Macbeth’(1623), explores the context of the Elizabethan era through paradox.
It was written as an expression of gratitude to the newly throned King James I of England; featuring the historic characters of Duncan and Banquo.
The play depicts the rise and fall of the titular anti-hero, Macbeth, whose ambition is manipulated into merciless determination by the prophecy of three witches that he will become king.
His corruptible character serves as a binary of opposition to King James’ ancestor Banquo, who’s ambition is pure, emphasising the hierarchy in the Chain of Being and paying respects to the king himself.
