William Shakespeare

1. William Shakespeare

2. Macbeth Overview Shakespeare’s shortest and bloodiest tragedy Tells the story of a brave Scottish general (Macbeth) who receives a prophecy from three witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed with ambitious thoughts and encouraged by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and seizes the throne for himself. He begins his reign with a guilty conscience and becomes a tyrannical ruler.

3. Macbeth Introduction 3 • Written by William Shakespeare in 1605 • Shakespeare wroteMacbethat the beginning of King James I’s reign. • Before James succeeded Elizabeth I, he was king of Scotland. • Placing the play in James’ homeland probably pleased him. • Of all the plays Shakespeare wrote under James’s reign, Macbeth most clearly reflects the playwright’s close relationship with the king. • James I was interested in witchcraft and wrote a book, Demonology, on the subject – which possibly explains the witchcraft in Macbeth .

4. So this is a comedy… right? 4 • Macbethis 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).

5. Setting (Time): The Middle Ages, specifically the eleventh century • Setting (Place): Scotland; also England, briefly • Protagonist: Macbeth • Major conflicts: • Macbeth’s internal struggle between his ambition and his sense of right and wrong • The struggle between the murderous evil represented by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and the best interests of the nation, represented by Malcolm and Macduff

8. Major Themes The corrupting nature of unchecked ambition The relationship between cruelty and masculinity The difference between kingship and tyranny

9. Macbeth Tragic hero Scottish general and the thane of Glamis. He meets three witches whose prophecies drives him to evil. He cannot resist his dark desires. He is easily tempted and persuaded, but also feels guilty. Not really a villain. Despite committing many brutal murders, he does not relish his immoral acts as a true villain does.

10. Lady Macbeth Shakespeare's most evil female character Unlike females who are passive or secondary to husbands, she is a dominant force in play Ambitious and lusts for power (probably more than her husband does) Urges her husband to kill. They become partners in crime and alienated from others. Becomes crazy with guilt

11. Duncan, the King of Scotland Macbeth's first victim in obtaining the crown for himself. Shakespeare had to make notable changes to the historical Duncan. The real King Duncan was an awful guy. If Shakespeare’s Macbeth planned to kill the real Duncan he would be justified, and there would be no play. So Duncan morphs into a delightful and loved king who epitomizes the perfect ruler. Now, his death is unjustified.

12. Banquo The antithesis of Macbeth He is pure and moral—a character foil Brave and noble general. His children, according to the witches’ prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne. Banquo has no ‘vaulting ambition’ and thus can easily escape the trap of the witches’ prophesy—unlike Macbeth. His son is Fleance.

13. Donalbain & Malcom King Duncan’s sons Malcom – oldest son; rightful heir to the throne after Duncan

14. Macduff Macduff, the thane of Fife, arrives at Macbeth’s castle the morning after Duncan has been murdered. Suspicious of Macbeth almost immediately He sides with Malcolm, Duncan’s son and rightful heir to the throne. As punishment for his betrayal, Macbeth hatches a plan to kill Macduff and his whole family.

15. Three Witches Their prophecy prompts Macbeth to commit murder. They stir up a lot of the trouble. Identity unclear Servants of Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, who helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth.