Macbeth context

Question 1

Banquo is portrayed as good because…

Answer 1

He was descended from James 1

Question 2

What is the Basilikon Doron?

Answer 2

Book written by James 1 kingship - mentioned when Malcolm tests Macduff

Question 3

What are Holinshead’s chronicles?

Answer 3

• the inspiration for Macbeth where Banquo was Macbeth’s accomplice in real life
• Shakespeare changed Banquo into a virtuous character as he was believed to be descended from Shakespeare’s patron - James 1 and so didn’t want a negative image to be associated with him

Question 4

What is Shakespeare’s message in the cautionary tale Macbeth?

Answer 4

• warning to Jacobean audiences about the damnation awaiting those who transgress against the established order
• teaching the audience to be like Banquo who resists the temptations of evil

Question 5

What was Shakespeare upholding?

Answer 5

• patriarchal assumptions about women by implying that men should beware of any women who transgress typical expectations of their gender - supernatural or not
• this is a damaging cliché