Macbeth Context

Question 1

Politics C2?

Answer 1

Shakespeare wanted to appeal to King James I by presenting the consequence sof committing Regicide.

Question 2

Politics C3?

Answer 2

Shakespeare enjoyed a close relationship with King James I and it is thought that in focusing on Macbeth as a figure from Scottish history he was paying homage the King’s lineage.

Question 3

Philosophy?

Answer 3

The accepted belief was that everyone had his or her place in life. Monarchs were seen as second only to God. The idea of Macbeth planning to kill the King of Scotland would have caused outrage and shock in the audience.

Question 4

Supernatural?

Answer 4

Witchcraft and supernatural were both of great interest and hugely feared. Again, King James I was highly intrigued by (and suspicious of) the supernatural, and even wrote about the subject. The audience believed anything associated with the supernatural to be evil and menacing.

Question 5

Order?

Answer 5

A century earlier, England had experienced chaotic disorder during the War of the Roses. An underlying threat is evident throughout the play that treachery may once again bring disaster. Many events in the play challenge the idea of ‘order’.

Question 6

Gender?

Answer 6

There were strong expectations of both
men and women throughout this period. Women were expected to be submissive to their husbands. A woman with an education was still a rarity. Women were ruled by men and supposed to be pious and pure. The idea that a woman could challenge a man was unheard of and would have shocked audiences.