Journal Entry:Is ambition a positive or negative trait? Can you

give examples of both?

• Objectives:

– Understand why Shakespeare wrote Macbeth

– Relate Macbeth to historical events/people

– Formulate background knowledge of theme, characterization, and plot to prepare for reading

Why did Shakespeare write Macbeth?

A. For Fame

B. For his Boss

C. For Money

D. For his Wife

E. None of the Above

Shakespeare wrote to entertain, impress, and

flatter King James I

• After Queen Elizabeth I died, her cousin, King James VI of Scotland, took over the throne of England and became King James I of England in 1603.

King James I Trivia…• Believed in ghosts and

witches

• Thought that witches plotted evil against mankind and could tell the future

• Also, King James I…

– Was afraid that he could be overthrown by conspirators Theme: “Bad things happen when you wrong your King”

– Was Scottish Setting: Scotland– Was a descendent of real person, Banquo

Characters: Banquo included as a good and honorable character

Macbeth

King James’ patronage – Shakespeare’s acting group: The King’s Men

So, now that we know “Why” he wrote it, “How” did Shakespeare come up with

the story of Macbeth?

A. Own life experiences

B. Stories his mother told him

C. King James’ request

D. Events in history

E. None of the above

Reality Behind the Fiction…

• Macbeth is loosely based upon several real events and people found in Holinshed’s Chronicles (historical accounts of England, Scotland and Ireland).

History vs. FictionHolinshed’s Chronicles ….

• Contains the story of Macbeth, who killed King Duncan. Macbeth, with Banquo, openly killed the king. (In the play, Banquo is innocent). Lady Macbeth did not historically have a role in the murder of Duncan.

• Contains the story of Donwald, who, urged by his wife, killed his guest, King Duff.

• Shakespeare combined these two historical accounts from Holinshed’s Chronicles in order to create his play.

Where & When are we…?

Place: Scotland (except one scene in England)

Time: Medieval Period (1040)

What was Medieval Scotland like…?

• Scotland’s Feudalism – weak central government, thanes (lords) very powerful; king not supreme (“first among equals”)

• Clans – loyalty to one’s clan more important to king or country

• Violence – dangerous time to rule; 844-1057 17 kings ruled Scotland (12 assassinated)

Beowulf was an epic heroKing Arthur was a chivalric hero…

Macbeth = Tragic Hero• Noble birth• Tragic flaw, typically hubris (excess

pride)• Flaw causes his downfall & great

suffering• Downfall results in self-awareness

(learns from mistakes)

Typical Shakespearean additions:• The strange = insanity, hallucinations• The supernatural = ghosts, witches• Fate = chance plays a role in outcome

Macbeth & Lady Macbeth

Elements of Shakespearean Tragedy…• Plot Pyramid:

• Aside = line(s) not meant to be heard by other characters on stage

• Soliloquy = one character on stage revealing private thoughts to audience

• Foreshadowing = hints at future events• Dramatic Irony = audience knows something

characters do not

I. Introduces characters & early hint of future conflict

II. Decisions of tragic heroIII. Point of greatest tension or uncertaintyIV. Reversal of hero’s fortunesV. Catastrophe (disastrous end) &

Epiphany (realization of mistake)

Checking for Understanding…

• Who took over the throne when Queen Elizabeth I died?

• How did Shakespeare use the play to flatter the new king?

• Where did Shakespeare come up with the historical ideas for Macbeth?

• Where and when does the play take place?

• What are some characteristics of a tragic hero?