Macbeth (context) Flashcards
What is the historical context of Macbeth?
Macbeth is based on a real Scottish king, Macbeth, who ruled from 1040-1057. Shakespeare’s play takes liberties with historical events for dramatic effect.
Why did Shakespeare set Macbeth in Scotland rather than England?
Shakespeare set the play in Scotland to appeal to King James I, who was Scottish and believed to be a descendant of Banquo.
How does the theme of kingship reflect the political context of the time?
The play explores the divine right of kings, a belief that kings are appointed by God, which was crucial during Elizabethan and Jacobean England.
How does the play reflect the Jacobean belief in witchcraft?
King James I was deeply interested in witchcraft and published Daemonologie, a treatise on witches. The witches in Macbeth reflect contemporary fears and beliefs in the supernatural.
What role does fate play in Jacobean society?
The belief in fate and the supernatural was strong during this period, and the play explores whether Macbeth’s actions are controlled by fate or free will.
What was the role of women in Jacobean society?
Women were expected to be obedient and play supportive roles in family life. Lady Macbeth’s desire to defy these expectations highlights the tension between societal roles and individual ambition.
What was the political climate of England during the time Macbeth was written?
James I was the ruler, and there were tensions between England and Scotland. There was also anxiety about succession and the stability of the monarchy after Elizabeth I’s death.
How does the play reflect the concept of “Divine Right of Kings”?
The play emphasizes that Macbeth’s regicide (killing Duncan) is a violation of the divine right of kings, a concept that monarchs were believed to be chosen by God to rule.
What was the significance of the Great Chain of Being?
The Great Chain of Being was a hierarchical structure that placed God at the top, followed by kings, nobles, common people, animals, and inanimate objects. Macbeth’s actions disturb this natural order.
How does Shakespeare explore ambition in Macbeth?
Ambition is portrayed as a destructive force, as Macbeth’s unchecked ambition leads him to murder, paranoia, and ultimately his downfall.
What were the beliefs about witchcraft during the Jacobean era?
Witches were believed to have the power to control fate, cause harm, and bring about disaster. The presence of witches in Macbeth reflects the fear of witches in Shakespeare’s time.
What was King James I’s personal connection to witchcraft?
King James I was fascinated by witchcraft and wrote Daemonologie, a book that discusses his views on witches and witch-hunting, which influenced the portrayal of witches in Macbeth.
How does Macbeth’s character reflect the concept of masculinity in the Jacobean period?
Macbeth’s sense of masculinity is challenged by Lady Macbeth and his own conscience, showing the tension between what it means to be a man in a world that values power and ruthlessness.
What role does guilt play in the context of Macbeth?
Guilt is a central theme, and Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness reflects the belief that guilt has the power to destroy one’s mental and emotional state.
How does the supernatural influence the plot of Macbeth?
The supernatural, through the witches and visions, drives Macbeth’s actions and decisions. It represents the moral and psychological influence of dark forces on his behavior.
Why is the play titled Macbeth?
The play is named after its central character, Macbeth, whose tragic downfall is a result of his ambition and the influence of supernatural forces.
How does the idea of fate versus free will feature in Macbeth?
Macbeth’s belief that he is destined to be king clashes with his actions to secure the throne, raising questions about fate, destiny, and the consequences of human choices.
How does the play address the consequences of regicide (the murder of a king)?
The play shows that killing a king disrupts the natural and divine order, leading to chaos, disorder, and Macbeth’s ultimate destruction.
What was the significance of the Scottish setting?
The Scottish setting was significant to King James I, who was Scottish, and it added legitimacy t
What was the significance of Banquo’s character?
Banquo represents the alternative to Macbeth’s ambition. He is loyal, honorable, and not swayed by ambition, contrasting with Macbeth’s moral decline.
What were the social expectations of kingship during the Jacobean period?
Kings were expected to be virtuous, just, and strong, ruling with a sense of divine purpose. Macbeth fails as a ruler because he is driven by ambition rather than justice.
What was the role of religion in Jacobean society?
Religion was central to daily life, and the violation of moral and religious codes, such as murder and treason, was seen as a grave offense against God and society.
How does Lady Macbeth challenge gender roles in the play?
Lady Macbeth defies traditional gender expectations by being more ruthless and ambitious than her husband, even wishing to shed her femininity to gain power.
How did the concept of divine retribution affect the audience’s view of Macbeth’s actions?
The belief in divine retribution meant that the audience would have seen Macbeth’s downfall as a consequence of his violation of the natural and divine order, reinforcing the moral lessons of the play.
