Macbeth

1. Macbeth “By the pricking of my thumb, something wicked this way comes.”

2. Introduction • Written by William Shakespeare in 1605 • Macbeth is a man who overthrows the rightful King of Scotland • Shakespeare wrote Macbeth at the beginning of King James I reign • Before James succeeded Elizabeth I he was king of Scotland • Placing the play in James’ homeland probably pleased him

3. So, this is a comedy…right? • Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies (it is also his shortest) • Aside from the violent nature of the plot Shakespeare uses several literary devices to enhance the feeling of evil • He creates a serious and sinister mood by having most of the play take place at night • There is a heavy emphasis on the supernatural (witches, dreams, spells, and ghosts)

4. The Curse • 1st performance-actor cast as Lady Macbeth collapsed from a fever; later dies. • More examples-storms, fire, injury, death. • Tradition says if the name of the play is said aloud in the dressing room, the actor must turn around 3 times, spit, and knock to reenter.

5. The Tragic Hero • He is an exceptional human being, usually of high estate. • He has a tragic flaw (hamartia). Thus, the hero is ultimately responsible for his tragic end. • He may also struggle with a larger force such as destiny, fate, chance. • His end is death or unhappiness, often unexpected. • He meets death heroically.

6. The Nature of Tragedy and the Tragic Hero • Elizabethan idea of “Wheel of Fortune” in its continual revolution – elevates one man while another fall. Involves the descent of a great man (king, warrior) from success to bitter fortune • Ideas for Shakespeare’s tragedies were adapted from those of the ancient Greeks (Aristotle) • Object is to gain the greatest possible response from the audience so they may share fully in the tragic emotions of pity, fear, sympathy, and horror. • These responses are gained through our deepest convictions as to right and wrong, our beliefs as to our religion and the supernatural, and our repugnance to ugliness and discord. • “The Great Chain of Being” – an Elizabethan view of the world. When the chain is disturbed, the universe becomes chaotic and unpredictable.

7. The Tragic Pattern • A man of high estate • A flaw in character • Intrusion of time and a sense of urgency • Misreading and rationalization • Murder, exile, alienation of enemies and allies • Gradual isolation of the tragic hero • Mobilization of the opposition • Tragic recognition of the flaw by the tragic hero; too late • Last, courageous attempt to restore lost honor/greatness • Audience recognizes potential for greatness • Death of the tragic hero • Restoration of order

8. Tragedy Terms • Peripeteia: the reversal; tragic irony • Anagnorisis: the recognition • Catharsis: the purging of the emotions of pity and fear

9. Themes Motifs • Fascination with evil • Appearance v. Reality • Consequences of guilt • Effects of ambition • Blood • Water • Dark/light • Animals • Clothing • Weather • Sleep • Supernatural

10. Major Characters • Duncan-King of Scotland • Malcolm-Duncan’s oldest son and heir to the throne. • Donalbain-Duncan’s younger son. • Macbeth-Thane of Glamis, a Scottish noble and general in King Duncan’s army • Lady Macbeth • Banquo-a thane of Scotland and a general in the army • Fleance-Banquo’s son • Macduff-Thane of Fife, a Scottish noble • Lady Macduff • Three Witches/Hecate: the witches are also referred to as Weird Sisters; Wyrd is another name for fate.