Macbeth Context Flashcards
What conflict between religion was there in Jacobean society and what did they debate
Protestants and catholics debated about predestinatations
How is Macbeths concealed nature also shown through clothing
Dressed in garments ‘why do you dress me in borrowed robes’ act 1 scene 3 metaphor for his disguise of his true nature.
What does the allusions of Satan show
Jacobean audience will notice Seytons name. Shakespeare implying that Macbeth is calling onto the devil or his servant
Macbeth’s actions throughout the play ensures he would have been dammed. Shakespeare uses Seytons introduction to highlight how Macbeth is doomed to hell.
‘Seyton I am sick at heart … bring me my armour and send out more horses’
What does blood symbolise
Stability of the kingdom through the support of loyal nobility.
Macbeth was a ‘peerless kinsman’
Maldom is the dynastic succession of a rightful heir however Duncan’s ‘golden blood’ was ‘stopped’ leading to Scotland to collapse and become a symbol of guilt
What is sleep seen to be
Boundary between life and death which is easily disturbed and ultimately corrputed in the lead up to and aftermath of Duncan’s murder.
Duncan is unsble to pray for forgiveness or be attended by a priest
How is natural order and kingship shown
Great chain of being and Divine Right of Kings define hierarchy in Jacobean society.
Macbeths act of regicide and usurpation of the throne disrupts this natural order and nature itself becomes distorted. Shakespeare constitutes a warning to the audience
Who is Banquo
Who is Macduff
Who is The weird sisters
Who is Duncan
Who is Lasy Macbeth
Who is Macbeth
