Macbeth Context Flashcards
1
Q
Macbeth context points
A
- divine right of Kings
- King James I
- witches + supernatural
- gender roles
2
Q
Divine right of Kings
A
- people believed authority was derived from God, great chain of being
- regicide - ultimate sin, killing king put there by God
3
Q
King James I
A
- play coincides with start of reign
- appeals to king’s interests: survived assassination attempt, warns attempting to commit regicide ends badly - madness + Hell
4
Q
Witches + Supernatural
A
- 1597 - King James I wrote Demonology - thought he was expert
- witchcraft was capital offence - people tried + killed with water, hot iron, hot water
5
Q
Gender roles
A
- patriachal society
- Lady Macbeth reflects Eve from Bible and women of time - inferior (Eve tempted to eat fruit), Witches also tempt Macbeth
- Macbeth reflects Adam from Bible and men of time - superior (Adam in charge of Eve)
