Introduction to Macbeth

1. Introduction to Macbeth Ms. Phillips ENG2P

2. The Basic Story • Macbeth is a story about a noble man named Macbeth who wants to become king of Scotland. • Macbeth is told by three witches that it is his destiny to rule Scotland. • This makes Macbeth even more determined to become king. • To become king, Macbeth kills the present king, Duncan. • After killing Duncan (with the help of his wife), Macbeth feels guilt and we see that he is actually a very weak character. • Macbeth becomes greedy and ends up killing his best friend Banquo because he figured out Macbeth’s secret (that he had killed the king).

3. Themes in Macbeth • Greed • Guilty conscience • Power and the search for power (who has power, who is weak, who wants power and what they are willing to do to get it.) • The belief in the supernatural and destiny • Succession (Who will be the next king)

4. Historical significance of the play • Macbeth was written in the early 1600’s. • At this time Queen Elizabeth had just died and King James (her cousin) became king of England. There was a real issue of who would be king, since Elizabeth did not have children. • There was a battle over who would be king of England. Some people supported James, some supported another of Elizabeth’s cousins, Mary. • Historians believe that Macbeth was written because who would be next on the throne was a big issue during this time period. • Macbeth was based on a real Scottish king, named Macbeth, but the details have all been changed so there is very little in the play that is historically accurate.

5. The Main Characters. • Macbeth - Thane (nobleman) of Glamis (very weak character) • Lady Macbeth – Macbeth’s wife(very manipulative) • King Duncan – The present King of Scotland • Banquo – Another Nobleman and Macbeth’s friend (They fought together in battle. He is a very honest person) • Fleance - Banquo’s son. • The three witches (The “Weird Sisters”) - Give Macbeth prophesies that he will be king. • Macduff – Another nobleman. He begins to doubt Macbeth and wants to find the truth. • Malcom and Donalbain – The sons of King Duncan (they should be next in line to the throne).

6. The Divine Right of Kings • One very important part of the play is the belief in the Divine Right of Kings. Basically this means that the King has been chosen by God and is Holy (almost like a saint). Therefore he must be respected at all times and is able to do what pleases him. • Some kings (like Duncan) do not abuse this power, while others (Macbeth) use this to their advantage • Also, because of the Divine Right of Kings, killing the king is considered a very serious crime. • The Elizabethans also believed heavily in the supernatural. The Witches and their prophesies would have been taken very seriously.

7. A little practice with the language before we begin reading. Task: Here is a section of text from the play. Lets see if we can translate: 1) If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well It were done quickly. 2) He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself. 3) She should have died hereafter. There would have been a time for such a word

8. Setting the Scene…. • What would you do if you were told you could be successful and powerful, all you had to do is to kill someone that you really respected who is a genuinely nice person? Explain the reasons for your actions. • What would you do if you suspect a friend has done something illegal to get ahead? • What would you do if your Boyfriend/ Girlfriend had a chance at a great new job, but was afraid to take any risks to make it happen? • Task: Discuss the above as a group and respond on chart paper. • Present your thoughts and ideas to the class.