Macbeth Background Info Flashcards
First background info?
It was composed between the years of 1603 and 1610. It appeared in the First Folio which was published in 1623 (seven years afrer Shakespeare’s death).
Second background info?
Some portions of the text are thought to be written by someone els like Thomas Middleton (wrote the play “The Witch”). He might have helped Shakespeare in the original play’s composition or made additions to it after Shakespeare’s death. The parts believed to be written by Middleton feature Hecate, who does not appear in any other sections of the play. Also those parts use octosyllabic couplets, a different writing style than the rest of the play. It also includes the opening words to two songs found in Middleton’s play.
Third background info?
It is the shortest of teh great tragedies (events happening over seventeen years are happening in a short period of time).
Fourth background info?
It is based on Raphael Holinshed’s “Chroncile”. Shakespeare used this source which revo0rded the evnets during the reisngs of Duncan and Macbeth. Occasionally he followed Holinshed’s wording, and other times he deciated from it to a great extent. The witches, Macbeth’s evil and inrospective sides, adn Duncan’s saintly qualities were developed to make the play more dramatic. The character Lady Macbeth originated in Holinshed’s account of an earlier Scottish king’s murder. duff was killed in his castle by Donwald who had been encouraged to do so by his wife.
Fifth background info?
Macbeth existed and was a member of the ruling family of Moray (region in northern Scotland). Duncan ruled Scotland until 1040, until Macbeth likely killed Duncan in battle. It was very common to acquire the throne by murdering the present kind. Macbeth assumed the throne due to his royal ties. He was probably occupied in a struggle with Duncan’s son Malcolm, over the throne. Earl Siward of Northumbria invaded Scotland in 1054 and defeated the Scots. Siward’s son and newphew were both killed in the battle. In 1058, Macbeth died at the hands of Malcolm.
Sixth background info?
Macbeth was written and performed for King James I for many reasons
Reasons Macbeth was written adn performed for King James I?
- King James I was formerly Kind James VI of Scotland (play is set there)
- he regarded Banquo as his direct ancestor (The Stuarts, the Scottish monarchy)
- eight Stuart Kings were believed to have preceded James (mentioned in play)
- and the English King (Edward the Confessor) is praised for the capacity to cure (James also prided himslef on this ability)
- King James I showed an interest in the “dark side” (witches
When was Shsakespeare’s birthday?
April 23rd, 1564 (We THINK; just because he was baptized on April 26th 1564)
What day did Shakespeare die?
April 23rd, 1616
