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BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
What is there about Shakespeare that would interest
a contemporary American? Why do we read this?
What is there about Shakespeare that would interest
a contemporary American? Why do we read this?
If being a “contemporary American” means being focused on dirty TV sitcoms, greed, casual sex, big-money sports, televangelism, professional wrestling, crybabies, slot machines, political action committees, and “war on drugs” profiteering, then the answer is probably “Nothing.”
If a contemporary American can still ask, “Is life just a meaningless exercise in status-seeking, or is there anything to give us hope that morality is real?” -- then the answer is maybe that Shakespeare deals with basic human issues.
If being a “contemporary American” means being focused on dirty TV sitcoms, greed, casual sex, big-money sports, televangelism, professional wrestling, crybabies, slot machines, political action committees, and “war on drugs” profiteering, then the answer is probably “Nothing.”
If a contemporary American can still ask, “Is life just a meaningless exercise in status-seeking, or is there anything to give us hope that morality is real?” -- then the answer is maybe that Shakespeare deals with basic human issues.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
WITCHESTREACHERY
MURDERBLOOD
FAITHLESSNESSDECEPTIONAMBITION
WITCHESTREACHERY
MURDERBLOOD
FAITHLESSNESSDECEPTIONAMBITION
MacbethMacbeth
A tragedyBy William
Shakespeare
A tragedyBy William
Shakespeare
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
The Rise and
Fall of a
Great Man
The Rise and
Fall of a
Great Man
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
The Scottish Play is based loosely on an episode from history, the death of King Duncan at the hands of his kinsman Macbeth.
The Scottish Play is based loosely on an episode from history, the death of King Duncan at the hands of his kinsman Macbeth.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Source of the playSource of the play Shakespeare's
source for his story is Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (1577)
Shakespeare's source for his story is Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (1577)
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Written between 1604-1606
Performed at the Globe Theatre, London
Published in the First Folio of 1623
Written between 1604-1606
Performed at the Globe Theatre, London
Published in the First Folio of 1623
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
NotesNotes Full title: The Tragedy of Macbeth Genre: Tragedy Setting (time): 11th century Setting (place): Scotland, and briefly,
England Protagonist: Macbeth Major Conflicts: Macbeth struggles with
his conscience (before and after murder); evil (Macbeth and Lady Macbeth); struggles with good (Malcolm and Macduff)
Full title: The Tragedy of Macbeth Genre: Tragedy Setting (time): 11th century Setting (place): Scotland, and briefly,
England Protagonist: Macbeth Major Conflicts: Macbeth struggles with
his conscience (before and after murder); evil (Macbeth and Lady Macbeth); struggles with good (Malcolm and Macduff)
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Historical ConnectionHistorical Connection Scotland at the time was a violent
and troubled country The castle was the center of each
rival aristocrat’s (thane) power Political murder and revenge
were not unusual means to gain power
Plundering Vikings and Norsemen attacked Scotland constantly
Scotland at the time was a violent and troubled country
The castle was the center of each rival aristocrat’s (thane) power
Political murder and revenge were not unusual means to gain power
Plundering Vikings and Norsemen attacked Scotland constantly
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
The play is the shortest of Shakespeare's tragedies, without diversions or subplots.
It chronicles Macbeth's seizing of power and subsequent destruction.
It is considered Shakespeare’s darkest work.
His rise and fall are the result of blind ambition.
The play is the shortest of Shakespeare's tragedies, without diversions or subplots.
It chronicles Macbeth's seizing of power and subsequent destruction.
It is considered Shakespeare’s darkest work.
His rise and fall are the result of blind ambition.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Macbeth was intended to stir the interest of the new king, James I.
The play's focus on regicide, a supreme crime in Shakespeare's day, tied into the November 1605 Gunpowder Plot where English Roman Catholic conspirators plotted
Macbeth was intended to stir the interest of the new king, James I.
The play's focus on regicide, a supreme crime in Shakespeare's day, tied into the November 1605 Gunpowder Plot where English Roman Catholic conspirators plottedto blow up Parliament, King James, his queen and oldest son.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Importance of PatronageImportance of Patronage The play pays tribute to the interests and knowledge of
King James. With patronage, a writer composes one of his works for a king, queen or another rich person for continued support.
This play compliments James by making Banquo, who is said to be his ancestor, a hero in the play. Historically, Banquo never existed.
The play pays tribute to the interests and knowledge of King James. With patronage, a writer composes one of his works for a king, queen or another rich person for continued support.
This play compliments James by making Banquo, who is said to be his ancestor, a hero in the play. Historically, Banquo never existed.
Macbeth focuses on issues of kinship and loyalty, important ideals to King James, who had survived an assassination attempt early in his life. His father had been murdered. His mother, Mary Queen of Scots, had been executed.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
The questions of the role of the monarch and the duties of their subjects toward them were of major importance to King James.
A story suggests that King James wrote a letter of acknowledgment about the play to Shakespeare.
Shakespeare’s England, the political issue of succession and order were of major importance.
Belief in witchcraft was widespread. In 1604, the practice of witchcraft became
punishable by death because it was believed that it attempted to change God’s natural order.
The questions of the role of the monarch and the duties of their subjects toward them were of major importance to King James.
A story suggests that King James wrote a letter of acknowledgment about the play to Shakespeare.
Shakespeare’s England, the political issue of succession and order were of major importance.
Belief in witchcraft was widespread. In 1604, the practice of witchcraft became
punishable by death because it was believed that it attempted to change God’s natural order.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
The Historical MacbethThe Historical Macbeth Born in 1005 to a family that ruled Moray
and Ross He married Gruach, granddaughter to a
High King of Scotland; no children No historical evidence of Lady Macbeth’s
influence on her husband Duncan, an ineffective king, was 38 when he was
killed, possibly by Macbeth Macbeth ruled for 17 years, elected High King of
Scotland in 1040. For the first 10 years, this competent king reformed the country.
Led Scotland in a long period of peace and stability
Born in 1005 to a family that ruled Moray and Ross
He married Gruach, granddaughter to a High King of Scotland; no children
No historical evidence of Lady Macbeth’s influence on her husband
Duncan, an ineffective king, was 38 when he was killed, possibly by Macbeth
Macbeth ruled for 17 years, elected High King of Scotland in 1040. For the first 10 years, this competent king reformed the country.
Led Scotland in a long period of peace and stability
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Historical MacbethHistorical Macbeth No evidence of attention to witchcraft Strong supporter of the church Duncan’s son Malcolm invaded Scotland in
1054, supported by the English King Edward the Confessor
No evidence of attention to witchcraft Strong supporter of the church Duncan’s son Malcolm invaded Scotland in
1054, supported by the English King Edward the Confessor
Macbeth was killed on Aug. 15, 1057Buried at Iona, the sacred burial place of the kings of Scotland
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
ThemeThemeThe play is
seen as a tale of dangers of the lust for power and betrayal of friends.
The play is seen as a tale of dangers of the lust for power and betrayal of friends.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Inside the theater
Inside the theater
Actors often consider the play to be unlucky, and usually refer to it as “the Scottish play” rather than by name. To say the name of the play inside a theatre is considered to doom the production to failure.
Actors often consider the play to be unlucky, and usually refer to it as “the Scottish play” rather than by name. To say the name of the play inside a theatre is considered to doom the production to failure.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Recurring motifs (patterns)
Recurring motifs (patterns)
Blood Clothing Natural order (nature) Insomnia
Blood Clothing Natural order (nature) Insomnia
These are examples of test
‘questions’
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
What to Watch ForWhat to Watch For
what Macbeth is thinking and feeling,
why he acts the way he does, and what consequences his evil brings about upon himself
what Macbeth is thinking and feeling,
why he acts the way he does, and what consequences his evil brings about upon himself
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
At the Start of the PlayAt the Start of the Play Macbeth is a very successful and
highly respected member of a social group, loaded with honors and enjoying every prospect of future commendations . He has a loving wife and a secure home in his castle at Inverness. He is praised for his heroic actions in defense of the kingdom. King Duncan thinks of Macbeth with high regard and treats him generously.
Macbeth is a very successful and highly respected member of a social group, loaded with honors and enjoying every prospect of future commendations . He has a loving wife and a secure home in his castle at Inverness. He is praised for his heroic actions in defense of the kingdom. King Duncan thinks of Macbeth with high regard and treats him generously.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
At the End of the PlayAt the End of the Play
Macbeth is totally alone. He has no friends, he is universally despised, and all his most eager hopes have been disappointed. He is a man without a place in the social community. He has become totally isolated.
Macbeth is totally alone. He has no friends, he is universally despised, and all his most eager hopes have been disappointed. He is a man without a place in the social community. He has become totally isolated.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Why?Why? Because
of his own free decisions!
He destroys himself.
Because of his own free decisions!
He destroys himself.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Main Characters: MacBethMain Characters: MacBeth
Macbeth: Macbeth is a Scottish general and the thane of Glamis who is led to wicked thoughts by the prophecies of the three witches, especially after their prophecy that he will be made thane of Cawdor comes true. Macbeth is a brave soldier and a powerful man, but he is not a virtuous one. He is easily tempted into murder to fulfill his ambitions to the throne, and once he commits his first crime and is crowned King of Scotland, he embarks on further atrocities with increasing ease.
Macbeth: Macbeth is a Scottish general and the thane of Glamis who is led to wicked thoughts by the prophecies of the three witches, especially after their prophecy that he will be made thane of Cawdor comes true. Macbeth is a brave soldier and a powerful man, but he is not a virtuous one. He is easily tempted into murder to fulfill his ambitions to the throne, and once he commits his first crime and is crowned King of Scotland, he embarks on further atrocities with increasing ease.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Lady MacBethLady MacBeth
Macbeth’s wife, a deeply ambitious woman who lusts for power and position. Early in the play she seems to be the stronger and more ruthless of the two, as she urges her husband to kill Duncan and seize the crown. After the bloodshed begins, however, Lady Macbeth falls victim to guilt and madness to an even greater degree than her husband.
Macbeth’s wife, a deeply ambitious woman who lusts for power and position. Early in the play she seems to be the stronger and more ruthless of the two, as she urges her husband to kill Duncan and seize the crown. After the bloodshed begins, however, Lady Macbeth falls victim to guilt and madness to an even greater degree than her husband.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
The Three WitchesThe Three Witches
Three “black and midnight hags” who plot mischief against Macbeth using charms, spells, and prophecies. Their predictions prompt him to murder Duncan, to order the deaths of Banquo and his son, and to blindly believe in his own immortality. The play leaves the witches’ true identity unclear—aside from the fact that they are servants of Hecate, we know little about their place in the cosmos.
Three “black and midnight hags” who plot mischief against Macbeth using charms, spells, and prophecies. Their predictions prompt him to murder Duncan, to order the deaths of Banquo and his son, and to blindly believe in his own immortality. The play leaves the witches’ true identity unclear—aside from the fact that they are servants of Hecate, we know little about their place in the cosmos.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
BanquoBanquo
The brave, noble general whose children, according to the witches’ prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne. Like Macbeth, Banquo thinks ambitious thoughts, but he does not translate those thoughts into action. In a sense, Banquo’s character stands as a rebuke to Macbeth, since he represents the path Macbeth chose not to take: a path in which ambition need not lead to betrayal and murder.
The brave, noble general whose children, according to the witches’ prophecy, will inherit the Scottish throne. Like Macbeth, Banquo thinks ambitious thoughts, but he does not translate those thoughts into action. In a sense, Banquo’s character stands as a rebuke to Macbeth, since he represents the path Macbeth chose not to take: a path in which ambition need not lead to betrayal and murder.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
King DuncanKing Duncan
The good King of Scotland whom Macbeth, in his ambition for the crown, murders. Duncan is the model of a virtuous, benevolent, and farsighted ruler. His death symbolizes the destruction of an order in Scotland that can be restored only when Duncan’s line, in the person of Malcolm, once more occupies the throne.
The good King of Scotland whom Macbeth, in his ambition for the crown, murders. Duncan is the model of a virtuous, benevolent, and farsighted ruler. His death symbolizes the destruction of an order in Scotland that can be restored only when Duncan’s line, in the person of Malcolm, once more occupies the throne.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
MacDuffMacDuff
A Scottish nobleman hostile to Macbeth’s kingship from the start. He eventually becomes a leader of the crusade to unseat Macbeth. The crusade’s mission is to place the rightful king, Malcolm, on the throne, but Macduff also desires vengeance for Macbeth’s murder of Macduff’s wife and young son.
A Scottish nobleman hostile to Macbeth’s kingship from the start. He eventually becomes a leader of the crusade to unseat Macbeth. The crusade’s mission is to place the rightful king, Malcolm, on the throne, but Macduff also desires vengeance for Macbeth’s murder of Macduff’s wife and young son.
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
MalcolmMalcolm
The son of Duncan, whose restoration to the throne signals Scotland’s return to order following Macbeth’s reign of terror. Malcolm becomes a serious challenge to Macbeth with Macduff’s aid (and the support of England).
The son of Duncan, whose restoration to the throne signals Scotland’s return to order following Macbeth’s reign of terror. Malcolm becomes a serious challenge to Macbeth with Macduff’s aid (and the support of England).
BURKETT – BRITISH LITERATURE ENGLISH IV
Other CharactersOther Characters
Hecate: The goddess of witchcraft, who helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth.
Fleance: Banquo’s son, who survives Macbeth’s attempt to murder him. At the end of the play, Fleance’s whereabouts are unknown
Lennox: A scottish nobleman Ross: another scottish nobleman The Murderers: a group of ruffians conscripted by macbeth to
murder banquo Porter: the drunken doorman of Macbeth’s castle Lady Macduff: Macduff’s wife. The scene in her castle provides
our only glimpse of a domestic realm other than that of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
Donalbain: Duncan’s son and Malcolm’s younger brother
Hecate: The goddess of witchcraft, who helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth.
Fleance: Banquo’s son, who survives Macbeth’s attempt to murder him. At the end of the play, Fleance’s whereabouts are unknown
Lennox: A scottish nobleman Ross: another scottish nobleman The Murderers: a group of ruffians conscripted by macbeth to
murder banquo Porter: the drunken doorman of Macbeth’s castle Lady Macduff: Macduff’s wife. The scene in her castle provides
our only glimpse of a domestic realm other than that of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
Donalbain: Duncan’s son and Malcolm’s younger brother
As we get to know Macbeth …
As we get to know Macbeth …
Realize that the struggle over morality and power can be
shockingly real. If you were placed in the same situation, with the same opportunity to be able
to control and rule the environment you maintain
everyday…would you do it? Would you be able to sacrifice
everything in your life for immense power and success?
Just some things to think about…
Realize that the struggle over morality and power can be
shockingly real. If you were placed in the same situation, with the same opportunity to be able
to control and rule the environment you maintain
everyday…would you do it? Would you be able to sacrifice
everything in your life for immense power and success?
Just some things to think about…
