Macbeth context Flashcards
When the play is set
1040-1057 (when Macbeth was King of the Scots)
Violent period in history
Why Macbeth has a negative portrayal in the play
King James I thought to be descended from Banquo
Could offend King if he was good
Banquo is a hero in the play- complimentary
Banquo actually a murderer in real life
Context when play was written
Queen Elizabeth just died and no heir
James VI of Scotland thought to be best heir and he united the two nations (King James I of England)
Brought in different sets of values
Between 1603 and 1606
Witches
Accusations of witchcraft and little proof needed to prove someone was a witch
James I and witchcraft
Very interested in it and hated it
Published ‘Daemonologie’ in 1597
Included to capture interests of King
Gunpowder Plot date
5th November 1605
First performance on Macbeth
1606
The gunpowder plot and Macbeth
Both show tragic downfall of anyone who conspires to commit regicide (murder of a King)
Macbeth comparison to Satan
Satan chose to let his pride put him against God and nobody forced him
Similarly, no one forced Macbeth to pick up the dagger
King Duncan in reality
Terrible and despised ruler who made bad decisions
Macbeth killed him in battle
Divine Right of Kings
King appointed by God to rule
Disobedience to King was disobedience to God
Kill king defied God and nature
The Great Chain of Being
Everything in universe had specific place and rank in importance and nature
Shakespeare also believed in this
God most important, then angels, then Kings, then Queens then nobles, merchants and peasants
Men higher than women in chain also
James I and witch
Interrogated witch Agnes Sampson and she revealed private conversation he had had with his wife on wedding night
She was burnt to the stake
Women
Many had no education
Couldn’t own property
Expected to produce male heir
Elizabeths impact
Showed effectiveness of female rule
Inspired women to step out of male rule- many disputes between aristocratic couples
Shakespeare could want to stop this
